Reservist honored for ability to train future lifesavers
Commendation awarded for instruction work with military police

1st Lt. James Acquarelli

First Lt. James M. Acquarelli of Simi Valley is part of a team of troops from the California State Military Reserve that was recognized recently for its work in providing lifesaving training this year to soldiers of the California Army National Guard.

In base ceremonies held earlier this month, Acquarelli and 26 other instructors were awarded the California National Guard Commendation Medal for developing and implementing a military police training program called Initial Entry Force.

Presentations were made by Cal Guard Capt. Eric Sharyer, commander of the 40th Infantry Division Military Police Company.

The medal is given to soldiers who have distinguished themselves while serving in any capacity by meritorious service or achievement

The IEF program is an initiative of the Cal Guard’s 223rd Infantry Regiment School based at Camp San Luis Obispo.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Provost Marshal Office of the 40th Infantry Division Support Brigade, was created to fulfill a state mandate to provide basic law enforcement skills to all soldiers of the California Army National Guard.

It prepares them for their law enforcement support role in the event of a stateside disaster.

Most of the troops on the reserve team are either current or former peace officers who used their civilian law enforcement skills and training, blending U.S. Army doctrine with real world law enforcement experience, to develop the modular IEF program.

The program included classroom work and field training

and taught Guard soldiers skills such as searching for weapons and explosives, setting up roadblocks and checkpoints, riot control, and the use of force.