Washington National Guard military police detachment to deploy to Middle East

Washington National Guard soldiers with the 506th Military Police Detachment, 420th Chemical Battalion, 96th Troop Command, case the unit colors during a ceremony on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Oct. 29, 2023. The detachment is deploying to Jordon in support of Operation Spartan Shield. 

The 506th Military Police Detachment with the Washington National Guard will soon deploy to the Middle East for a nine-month tour in support of ongoing operations in Jordan.

The detachment, composed of approximately 45 military police personnel and support staff, will work for the Joint Training Center-Jordan. The center trains U.S. and Jordanian soldiers on combat and border security skills as part of the Jordan Operational Engagement Program, a Washington National Guard news release said.

“The 506th is comprised of well-trained professionals who will accomplish their mission and proudly represent our state and nation,” said Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, the state’s adjutant general and commander of the Washington National Guard. “We will miss them while they’re gone but are comforted knowing they’re effectively performing this important work.”

Formed in September 2005, the 506th is headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and has deployed four times in 15 years, including in 2007-2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 2012-2013 and again in 2018-2019 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

This deployment has been planned for about a year and is separate from a deployment of 300 troops to the Middle East announced Monday by the Pentagon. The 300 troops are deploying to “provide capabilities in explosive ordnance disposal, communications and other support enablers for forces already in the region,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon’s top spokesman.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin gave pre-deployment orders to about 2,000 troops earlier this month for a possible mission to the Middle East. Last week 900 troops were deployed.

These deployments come as tensions have risen in the region following Hamas’ attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,400 people. More than 200 people were taken hostage, and Israel has intensified attacks on Gaza.

None of the U.S. troops are deploying to Gaza, the Defense Department has previously said.