Local Citizen-Soldier Helps Build New National Guard Battalion
By Katherine L. Collins,
Unit Public Affairs Representative,
Missouri Army National Guard
JEFFERSON BARRACKS – Maj. Douglas L. Gifford of St. Peters accepted the position as the executive officer of the Missouri Army National Guard’s (MOARNG) new 205th Military Police Battalion (MP Bn.), located in Poplar Bluff. Effective Oct. 1, 2005, Gifford relinquished his command of the 135th Military History Detachment (MHD), in Jefferson City, to begin his new assignment. In addition to his duties as the executive officer, Gifford is also currently commanding the new battalion in the absence of the battalion commander.
Gifford has served in the MOARNG for 20 years. He began his National Guard career as an enlisted Citizen-Soldier, later commissioning into the Military Police Branch. His prior military assignments include serving as an instructor with the Regional Training Institute at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., commander of the 2175th Military Police Company (MP Co.) and Assistant Operations Officer of the 175th MP Bn.
Gifford’s active duty service includes serving with the 3175th MP Co. in support of the 1993 Missouri Flood Relief Efforts, commanding the 2175th MP Co. in Kosovo from 2001 to 2002 and commanding the 135th MHD in Iraq in 2003. The Army awarded Gifford the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq.
Gifford expressed enthusiasm for his National Guard career, saying he joined the National Guard for the patriotism, excitement, travel, camaraderie and financial benefits and has experienced them all. He became an officer out of a desire to impact the organization and lead troops, he said.
Commenting on his new assignment, Gifford said, “I am honored to serve as the executive officer of the 205th MP Bn. Although a challenge, it is a great opportunity to be a part of building a new battalion from scratch. We must recruit, train and equip approximately 600 soldiers to be ready to defend and assist their Nation and local community when called.”
Gifford added that he expects to asset the new battalion as well as grow from his service with it. “I have served in many different military police units over the years, gaining a great deal of experience. This will allow me to help solve the many issues the unit will face as it grows to full strength,” he said. “I expect I will continue to learn a great deal too as I increase my experience through serving as the executive officer.”
“That is the key – to learn from every new experience and those who go before you, and then to pass on your knowledge, wisdom and example to those who follow in your footsteps, as you also use your experience to better serve your mission,” he continued. “This ensures the continued growth and fortification of the National Guard and the United States, as well as all that our great nation stands for, such as the world-wide practice of human rights and democracy. As the executive officer of the new 205th MP Bn., I hope to do my small part of just that, learning, teaching and serving more successfully as I progress.”
Gifford said he plans to continue his National Guard service beyond his current 20 years until he has commanded a military police battalion and become eligible to retire as a colonel.
Gifford is a graduate of Winfield High School and the University of the State of New York. He is employed with the U.S. Post Office in St. Peters.
For more information about the Missouri Army National Guard go to www.moguard.com or call 1-888-526-6664.
