National Guard Soldiers Conduct Riot-Control Training At Camp Gruber

More than 300 Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen took part in riot-control training last week at Camp Gruber near Braggs.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol's Emergency Response team joined soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat team in the exercise which wrapped up Friday.

"Basically, we're teaching them a class that's taught around the country.  The hand signals, physical contact and formations are universal," said Oklahoma Highway Patrolman Lieutenant Lance Schryer, of Owasso, who is a member of OHP's Emergency Response Team and lead instructor for the training. 

In a news release, Schryer said soldiers going through the training were also taught about the importance of not infringing on constitutionally-protected rights.

"Camp Gruber provides an excellent environment with all the training tools we need to simulate pretty much anything," said Lt. Col. Colby Wyatt of Cherokee, Oklahoma, commander of 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment. 

OHP troopers worked with soldiers during the three day exercise.