Taguba Report Annex 52: Testimony of Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Montera Commander, 310th Military Police Battalion

On 17 February 2004, a panel of officers, lead by Major General Antonio Taguba,
conducted the following interview. Major General Taguba was appointed as an
Investigating Officer under the provisions of Army Regulation 15-6, by Lieutenant
General David D. McKiernan, Commanding General of the Coalition Forces Land
Component Command (CFLCC), to look into allegations of maltreatment of detainees,
detainee escapes and accountability lapses, at Abu Gharib, also known as the Baghdad
Central Confinement Facility (BCCF). The panel also inquired into training, standards,
employment, command policies, and internal policies, concerning the detainees held at
Abu Gharib prison. Finally, the panel looked into the command climate and the
command and supervisory presence
The following persons were present:
MG Antonio M. Ta: ba DCG-CFLCC, Interviewer
CO Lackland AFB, TX, Member
CPT CFLCC — SJA, Member
SF U.S. Army MP School, Member
LTC 310th MP Battalion, Respondent
The interview is summarized as follows:
Lieutenant Colonel Social Security, I am the Battalion Commander for the 310th Military Police Battalion Operations. I assumed command April of 2002. We did our mobilization at Fort Dix, New Jersey. We were there with the 800th MP Brigade part of the time. We're an 1/R Battalion out of Uniondale, New York. We're co-located with the 800 th Military Police Brigade, back in New York.
We moved to mobilization on 21 January of 2003, and stayed exactly 3 months. We had Individual Task Training, collective training, and training with the MRE, while we were there. I don't remember the number of the unit, providing us with the MIRE, but I believe it was a Training Support Battalion. The name of the Colonel in charge was COO= Ullom. In addition to that, we did convoy training, and other Military Police training.
The MRE was exclusively UR. The one area that we were deficient in the MRE is we did not have any organic Guard Companies or Military Police Companies at all. So the WIRE was conducted solely with the headquarters element. We simulated a lot, as far as the towers and all went, but as far as the actual training, we got some pretty good training. We worked with sally port operations, and security. We simulated a lot of force protection, and internal security from the guard companies. We ran the eight stations that we would normally run in an UR Battalion Administrative Processing Area. We ran our medical section with various scenarios that might come in. We ran our S2 section interrogating section. As much as we could, we worked with the floor. A number of scenarios were put into play, during this 4 day MRE, dealing with UR Operations, and all of our people were gainfully employed. At the end of it, we were singled out as having done the best job on the MRE of anyone that's gone through. We developed a training plan, and it was submitted to the Training Battalion.
A_ ¦•¦¦¦••••
We assumed we were going to be doing FR Operations. On 21 April we arrived in Kuwait, and stayed at Camp Wolf for 9 days, waiting for our assignment. Finally, we were moved to Camp Arian, and didn't move out of there until June. We had no mission. A lot of our soldiers did force protection for the camp. We did do training, a lot of individual training. I employed as many of my people as I could.
We got the first mission from the 800 th MP Brigade approximately 1 June. It could have been the middle of May, but we didn't move out 'til June. We were told to set up the Regional Confinement Facility for South Central Iraq. So, we had to go out on our own and find a location for this. We were told there was a location in Diwaniyah. There, we found a facility, we were told, Sadaam put 500 people in, but we figured 250 was about the max we could put in there.
So, 1 June we effectively moved out to Diwaniyah, and we were co-located, and working
with the I S' Marine Division for logistical support. We were working with the 800 th MP
Brigade, but we had an affiliation with the MEF, being in their AO. As the mission
progressed it became more of a dream than reality. Ultimately, we were tasked to come
up with a Training Plan and SOP, to train Iraqis in corrections, and have them take over
the facility. There were people confined in the facility. Basically, we were to establish
the facility, train Iraqis to become Corrections Officers, and ultimately turn it over to
them. We did that mission right up until we came here.
Now, the mission was expanded. While we were doing that, we were told to go to Hillah, the place we initially looked at. It had a larger facility, which could hold about 750 people, and there were no prisoners at Hillah. As they were building it up, and bringing it back up to standard, that's when we came in. We were told we had to take over that prison. We were still at Diwaniyah.
I started out with four companies. Two of them were pulled to do law and order
missions, and two of them stayed with us, the 157 MP Company, and the 755 MP
Company. They were assigned to us, once we got the mission. 755 used to be Combat
Support, and they were changed to a Guard Company. The 157, I think, had the same
situation.
We were still under the command and control of the 800 th, but we had little to do with the 800th. We were more involved with the Marines. I'd have to look at the FRAGO, but we were reporting more to the Marines.
BG Karpinski came down and spoke to us, shortly after she took command. She expressed, in broad terms, what she expected us to do. I don't think there was anything in writing. I believe there was one time she had all the Battalion Commanders in Baghdad, and she was running the meeting. Once we officially fell under the 800 th
Brigade, my staff was in touch with them pretty regularly.
I had no escapes. I had no shootings. We had a couple of attempted escapes. They were
pretty quickly resolved. We used tasers to zap them, and we got them back in. People
we identified as troublemakers, we sent here, and there were no real issues of violence.
We got Rule of Engagement down from the 800 th, but I believe they were from CJTF-7.
I do not recall the changes, possibly two.
I only heard about the Bucca incident through the Stars and Stripes. There was, and I
don't know if it was precipitated from that, something that came down, saying, when
interacting with prisoners, we should wear our helmets, and something came down,
saying be more aware of how you handle prisoners. I heard about the riot. I don't
remember reading anything specific. Probably the helmet and kevlar came from that
incident.
When dealing with the prisoners, the soldiers will be unarmed, but they'll wear their vest
and their helmet. Outside the facility, surrounding the perimeter, there will be armed
guards. They will have both lethal and non-lethal.
There were Marine hit teams, doing interrogations. We really didn't get too involved in
that. The Commander is ultimately in charge. I'm responsible, and I'm in charge. We
have only the rules, regarding interrogation rules of engagement in our SOP.
At least two times a day we do a count. An ISN count is done at mealtime. Two times
they get checked, and we also do a body count. They roll them up, they come up to us,
and we forward them to Brigade. We have one hundred percent count all the time.
We've not been off our count, ever.
I wouldn't sa I know them well, but I've met most of the Battalion Commanders. I've met LTC during their mobilization. Interestingly, they came after us, but left before us. I don't ow him very well. I know he's not an MP.
We were told to come over here, and take over for the 72 1_4 nothing specific. Since we were here, BG Karpinski came down, to speak to LTC Eliand I for about an hour. She wanted to make sure the RIP was going, well. I'm sure she mentioned the Geneva Convention and the Rules of Engagement. She sent down her JAG twice to discuss it with everyone. This was after the 14 th of January. We're working on a base defense plan. The 724th did have a diagram showing where the fighting positions were, but I haven't seen a detailed base defense plan.
The 988 is our IRF. It's a platoon that does it. We have two military working dogs, Army. Battalion Operations has command and control of those dogs. They patrol the whole facility. Periodically, we will have demonstrations. We don't use them inside the compound. We didn't have any for the last mission.
BG Karpinski seems to be a concerned leader, concerned about the troops. She did visit us in Diwaniyah, and spent the night. I think she lets her Battalion Commanders run their Battalions. There's not a lot of micro-management, but if anything is going on she wants
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to know. I'm not aware that there were any major problems in the Brigade. I know COL Ecke from Uniondale, but I had very limited dealings with him, here. The only thing that I've heard is that he's very hands-on, sometimes to the extent that he micro-manages, but that was not my experience.
I think there are some strong personalities on the Brigade Staff. I think that MAJ
the S3, was probably the catalyst in the Brigade. CSM I've known
or years, 20 some odd years. From my perspective, he's highly visa e, and loud. I would say he's a proud Command Sergeant Major. I've heard a rumor about him and a female or females. I've never seen him do anything inappropriate, but I do know he's a very hands-on guy.
What needs to be done, now, we're doing. We have to tighten up force protection. We're putting in higher burms; we're trying to get more wire out there; and re-fortifying our ECPs. If I had more manpower, I'd put a few more towers on the perimeter. Coming inside, we're installing 12 foot high fencing, getting better lighting, thermal goggles, and other items, which are going to make this that much more secure. What this is leading to is a better climate in the compound. I would also like to put in better sanitation facilities for the detainees.
In addition to having the Geneva Convention posted, I want to have the detainees briefed on their way here. We're also in the process of getting the Geneva Convention translated into Arabic.
We have the Sergeants of the Guard, and OICs, going around quizzing the guards on Rules of Engagement, what they would do in certain situations, SOPs, etc... The companies are required to do guard mount. In addition to that the companies have their individual staff meetings, and training meetings to reinforce what's been said.
The interview complete, MG Taguba reminds LTC...to not discuss or reveal the contents of the interview, and he is released subject to recall.
SWORN STATEMENT
For use of this form, see AR 190-45; the proponent agency is ODCSOPS
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
AUTHORITY: Title 10 USC Section 301; Title 5 USC Section 2951: E.O. 9397 dated November 22, 1943 ISSN/.
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE: To provide commanders and law enforcement officials with means by which information may be accurately
ROUTINE USES: Your social security number is used as an additional/alternate means of identification to facilitate filing and retrieval
DISCLOSURE: Disclosure of your social security number is voluntary.
1. LOCATION 2. DATE IYYYYMMDDI 3. TIME 4. FILE NUMBER
Camp Bucca, Iraq 2004/02/19 1700hrs

LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, MIDDLE NAME 1 6. SSN 7GGRADE/STATUS
0-5

8. ORGANIZATION OR ADDRESS
310th Military Police Battalion, Camp Bucca, Iraq APO AE 09375

9.
, WANT TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT UNDER OATH
/ -.-On 17 February at approximately 1330 hrs I was interviewed in reference to a el5-6 investigation being conducted by Major General Taguba, CFLCC Deputy Commander. I was interviewed by Major General Taguba. At the conclusion of the interview 1 was requested to provide the following information: 'information pertaining to the units' deployment, our missions and moves we made to include, dates and locations: On 21 January 2003 the 310th Military Police Battalion, a reserve unit out of Uniondale, NY was mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On 24 January we arrived at our mobilization station, Fort Dix, NJ. While at Fort Dix the unit completed all mobilization requirements, the SRP, and training. We remained at the mobilization site for three months. On 20 April the unit was called forward and arrived in Kuwait (Camp Wolf) on 21 April 2003. After waiting at Camp Wolf for nine days we were relocated to Camp Arifjan (Kuwait) and remained there until 1 June 2003. During this time we were assigned to the 4th ID but had little or no contact with them. We communicated primarily with the 800th MP Brigade who was located at Camp Arifjan and is our peacetime higher headquarters (however they had no actual control over us at the time). On 6 May we received a Frago assigning the 310th MP Battalion to the First Marine Expeditionary Force. We were given the mission to establish and operate a Regional Confinement Facility (Iraqi on Iraqi crimes) within their AO. After coordination with them and numerous recons, we located a facility in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq and on 1 June relocated to Camp Edson, in Ad Diwaniyah with the Marines CSSG 11, who provided all logistical support for the LSA as well as the support for our confinement mission (note: although assigned to the 1MEF we had an ancillary relationship with the 800th MP Brigade who oversaw all jail/prison and confinement facilities within the theater). During this period the Marines provided outstanding support to the battalion. Our primary mission was to operate the facility in Ad Diwaniyah. On 15 July we were reassigned to the 800th MP Brigade and our mission was expanded to encompass overseeing jails and prisons in various cities throughout South Central Iraq. Although our primary mission was in Ad Diwaniyah, we were now missioned to oversee the facilities Al Hillah, Al Kut, An Najaf and Karbala. During this period the battalion was also tasked to assist and provide MP assets in Mosul and an administrative team to assist the 800th MP Brigade with BAT training in Baghdad. In addition to overseeing these facilities we were tasked to assess the facilities (most were presently being run by Iraqi's), develop a curriculum, train guards to become Correction Officers and once trained, turn the facilities back to the Iraqis. During this period the battalion once again had to move because the Marines were going to REFRAD and Camp Edson was going to close. After an
extensive search for a "home" we finally negotiated with the "Dominicans" (we were now in the MND, AO for they took.over from the Marines) and they "allowed us into their camp, Camp Santo Domingo. The battalion remained at this location and performed this mission until we were re-missioned and assigned to Camp Bucca to assume command and control of the Camp and the Internment Facility. On 16 December 2003 the battalion arrived at Camp Bucca and shortly after, began our RIP with the 724 MP Battalion. On 14 January the 310th MP Battalion officially assumed command and control of the Camp and Internment Facility and on 1 February we were reassigned to the 16th MP Brigade.
List guidance provided by the 800th Military Police Brigade: Through various Frago's and electronic communications the brigade would provide assistance and guidance. On a regular basis the battalion staff would interact with and receive guidance and direction from the 800th Brigade staff. Direct guidance was received regarding administrative reporting, prison operations and logistics reporting procedures. Additionally they provided training and guidance in ROE.
Tell about your Military Working Dog program: After assuming control of the Camp Bucca Internment Facility we
determined that Military Working Dogs (MWD) would greatly increase security at the facility. On 27 January, two teams (2 dogs)

arrived. The goal of the program is to provide a deterrent and assist in the prevention of escapes and identity contraband within the facility. This is done by providing patrols and demonstrations by the teams. The teams are deployed with one team patrolling from 2000hrs - 0400hrs and the other an eight hour shift at random times throughout the day. The dogs patrol the outer perimeter, not inside the compounds. The SOP indicates: Handler will not release the dog if it could harm Coalition Forces; MWD will not go inside the individual compounds unless there is a riot and then it will be the local commanders call; Handler will not release dogs
unless the prisoner is outside the fence line? How has MI worked into your mission: When the battalion had the regional confinement mission in Ad Diwaniyah our

10. EXHIBIT 11. INITIALS,5E4rIeSON MAKING STATEMENT
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9. STATEMENT !Continued)
Any escape attempts? While at Ad Diwaniyah there were no attempted escapes (one time the prisoners from one cell broke through a cell door and got into the court yard, but did not escape nor try to escape). While at Camp Bucca, in the early morning of 24 January and during an extremely dense fog (one could not see 5'feet in front of them), four detainees escaped through the rear of one of the compounds. Although recently having taken over the mission of the Internment Facility, we knew of the extreme fog that would periodically roll in and had practiced the "fog plan" that was developed by the 724th MP Bn, who we replaced. On this particular morning we quickly implemented the plan, performed a detainee count and secured them in accordance with the plan. As the fog lifted and another count was done, it was discovered that four detainees were missing. After a comprehensive search, to no avail, the battalion and company leadership held an AAR of the escape. All factors were taken into consideration and plans to tighten security were developed. Long range plans and projects were also begun. There were no other escapes or known attempts.
Any 15-6 investigations in your battalion (command inquiries)? There have been two 15-6 investigations within the
battalion. The first one was performed by the First Marine Expeditionary Force in reference to one of my soldiers from the 755th
Military Police Company who was killed in an ambush in An Najaf while performing a Law and Order mission on 26 June 2003.
No negligence was found. The second was also performed by the First Marine Expeditionary Force in reference to a solder from
the HHC 310th Military Police Battalion who was killed while working a TCP at Camp Edson. A truck traveling along ASR
Jackson lost control and ran through the Hesco barriers protecting the point, pinning and killing the soldier on 13 July 2003. No
negligence was found. There have been two commanders inquiries performed. The first one was directed when the ICRC, during
an out brief after an inspection on 10 February, mentioned that there was an allegation of possible abuse of a detainee by a soldier.
A commander's inquiry was initiated and there was evidence of abuse. The soldier was identified and UCMJ action was
administered. The second was initiated when a female enlisted soldier (977 MP Co) alleged an NCO (977 MP Co) had been
harassing, intimidating and touching her with out her consent over a period of months. This situation came to my attention on 16
February 2004. 1 have been in touch with the 16th MP Brigade JAG and as of this writing there is no disposition.

Tell your recommendations on what should be done for the IR mission: Although the battalion is in the process of
preparing their AAR I will try and provide some of my recommendations:

•
Administration: Each IR battalion should have organic to them; JAG officer, two Lieutenants to be assigned as Battle Captains,
an additional SFC in the communications section. Lessons learned from this operation justify the need for this increase in
personnel. Because of mission requirements, tie should he a minimum of two MP Guard Companies and one Escort Guard
Company assigned to each IR Battalion.

•
Logistics: Because of the way we fotight this war with no real 'rear" our logistical requirements have changed. I believe that
the majority of the 1-IMMWVS within the IR Battalion should be "Up-Armored" (M1114). In addition, because of the increased
transportation requirements two additional 51/2 Ton trucks are necessary. MTS Systems should be installed in all vehicles. A
complete package of BAT systems (three-four per battalion) as well as a total NDRS package should be TO&E items. Additional
communication capabilities to include fifty handheld radios (with repeater), spotlights, thermal and night vision goggles, non-lethal
package, public address system, megaphones, metal detectors etc. need to be added as TO&E items. Line/Guard companies should
have 50cals, organic to them for force protection. Sign making capabilities (in the language of the enemy) should be made available
to the battalion. Maxinium utilizatio f local contractors should be funded to assist in the building and fortification of the
Internment Facility.

•
Operations: A top down Battalion

ttalion Standard Operating Procedure System (SOP) should be developed for all FR battalions.
Standardized forms should be included and all areas of the operation to include separate (pull-out and post) SOPs should be
included. Some of the specific SOPs that should be included arc: standard ROE (this will change as requirements change),
detainee rights, Geneva Convention, camp procedures, uniform and weapons policies, interrogation procedures, property
accountability procedures etc: It should be a detailed yet simple to understand and disseminate document. This will standardize all
relevant SOPs. All SOP's should be distributed, read and understood by all personnel and should be readily available for reference
and inspection. All soldiers prior to deployment should be taught and understand at a minimum, AR 190-8. FM 3-19-40, ROE and
the articles of the Geneva Convention. I believe the key to a successful operation is the contibtous Communication: wntten (Frago)
oral and face to face; Coordination; and Cooperation of all units and elements concerned. z ,

• Training: The entire Military Police Corps needs to be reevaluated. Operation Iraqi Freedom proves that the Corps must be
increased. The curriculum at the MP School needs to be revamped, increasing and emphasizing IR operations. Every MP should be
able to perform IR operations. Standardizing MP company logistics and equipment should be explored. This would allow, if
needed, easy cross leveling of units. There should be established at one or more Army instillations a fully set up "training"
Internment Facility to include four compounds (enough to train two battalions at one time...two compounds each); an exterior
perimeter to include towers, interior towers and appropriate concertina and fortification, lights, an in processing area to include
medical and supply areas) enough tentage, latrines, shower areas etc for a compound of 500 detainees (doctrine) etc. This would
allow Active, Reserve and National Guard units to begin their IR training with out taking up valuable training time building a
facility. Having one (or more) already established iyi5uld keep the training cristent and standard and would maximize training
time.

This answers all questions posed to me. NOTHIN9.-FOLLOWS
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