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We entered the Michigan State Police Training Academy at 1800 to begin week five. After changing into our recruit uniforms, we reported directly to the classroom to review the prior week's exams, then reported to the gym for physical training that integrated our training firearms (blue guns). We learned about combat breathing, focusing on techniques to be effective under fatigue.
Photo caption: During week five, recruits spent a significant amount of time practicing survival tactics, particularly handcuffing.
Monday PT consisted of a ruck (wearing a weighted vest) march around the drive track, followed by stretching. We spent the day in the classroom with David Greydanus, retired MSP inspector for our second block of instruction on criminal law and procedure, learning about crimes against persons and crimes against property. After dinner, we returned to the classroom for an introduction to motor vehicle code with MSP Trooper Sgt. Eric Brogger.
Tuesday began with PT in the tank (the swimming pool). During tank sessions, we focus on proper form to help advance our skills. Aside from swimming at the beach, I have a minimal swim background. While serving in the Marines, I had a basic swim qualification once a year. The skills we learn now will prepare us for water safety training – coming later in the academy. Later that morning, we expanded on our survival tactics techniques, learning new ways to defend against physical attacks.
After lunch, Cpl. Troy VanGelderen, CO with the Great Lakes Enforcement Unit, led a lesson about suspect identification procedures and different processes to identify possible suspects. The lesson followed with two of our academy instructors, COs Brad Bellville and Anna Cullen, who taught us about preliminary scene investigations. We split into groups and were assigned separate fish and game scenarios. In our groups, we were able to bounce ideas off each other about how to approach the situation and begin investigating. What stuck with me most was having a solid bank of questions and being situationally aware of my surroundings for anything that might tip me off. It also showed us that every situation is different, reinforcing the importance to always be on our toes.
Photo caption: Two recruits practice survival tactics moves with each other. The recruit acting as an officer must properly give the acting suspect verbal commands and safely apply handcuffs.
After Wednesday morning PT in the gym, we did scenario testing with our ST instructors – my favorite part of ST. Instructors put us through a scenario that combined all the skills we learned up to that point. Later, we reviewed our body camera footage to discuss our performance. I enjoy this hands-on learning more than being in the classroom. I also have prior experience with defense tactics from my time in the Marines but am learning a very different style in this academy. I feel fairly confident, prepared and well-trained going into the scenarios.
Wednesday afternoon instruction covered more motor vehicle code. Sgt. Brogger instructed us on multiple topics relating to the operation of motor vehicles. After dinner, we returned to the classroom to take our first legal exam covering constitutional law and procedure.
Our last PT of the week was in the tank. We swam laps and then practiced treading water. We also spent time diving to the bottom of the tank and swimming across the bottom as far as possible while pushing a brick, and then swimming back to the surface with the brick.
Photo caption: A recruit goes through a survival tactics scenario with an instructor in which they must gain control of the subject and safely apply handcuffs.
The Thursday morning lesson was spent refining ST moves we’ve learned so far, and then expanding on those tactics. The lesson culminated with an event where each recruit is put in a situation to make their own decision based on the behaviors the subject (instructor) displays. The scenario usually ends up on the mat where we are forced to think and use tactics to gain control of the subject.
After lunch, we reported to the classroom to finish out our week with a block of motor vehicle code instruction from Sgt. Brogger.
This week was filled with learning experiences that brought our class even closer together. As we move forward as a class, we are realizing we must heavily rely on each other to be successful. We each have strengths and weaknesses. As a team, we will overcome all obstacles. Each week we advance in this process I can see the pride growing in our class. I believe that we now understand that the more we bounce ideas around, we can decide the best course of action.
In the beginning of this academy, we were all quiet and unsure what answer was correct, versus now, when we come together to discuss the different outcomes of possible courses of actions. The support we share among each other also contributes to the confidence in our class. I am often personally uplifted by my classmates when I second-guess myself. As we grow closer as a class, our determination to succeed increases. The training becomes more intense each week, but our class absorbs every bit with eagerness.
