Thursday, August 07, 2008

701st MP Group changes command, Ake takes charge

Col. Robert Ake greeted guests after the change of command ceremony for the 701st Military Police Group, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command July 31. Ake took command from Col. Joe Ethridge, who served in the position for two years.

Fort Belvoir’s 701st Military Police Group, Criminal Investigation Command, said goodbye to its commander, Col. Joe Ethridge, Thursday, during a change of command ceremony.

After taking command of the task force in July 2006, Ethridge passed command to Col. Robert Ake.

The 701st Military Police Group divides the task of consolidating the worldwide management of selected investigative functions into four specialized units.

Those units include the Field Investigative Unit, the Major Procurement Fraud Unit, the Protective Services Battalion and the Computer Crime Investigative Unit.

One of the many accomplishments Ethridge achieved as commander was MPFU’s return of more than $100 million, which had been lost through fraud, to the U.S. Treasury last year alone.

Commander of Criminal Investigation Command and Provost Marshall General of the Army, Brig. Gen. Rodney Johnson, was present for the ceremony and highlighted many of Ethridge’s accomplishments during his command.

“The success of Joe’s leadership and perseverance in attacking fraud in theater is very clear,” Johnson said. “Between July 2006 and July 2008, the MPFU initiated over 100 investigations involving corruption and contingency contracting and 300 investigations into major fraud.

“These actions resulted in the identification of over 130 suspects, 28 federal criminal indictments and 16 convictions and the recovery of $206 million in restitution, fines and penalties,” Johnson said. “Today, Joe Etheridge walks away from the 701st MP group after a truly outstanding, two-year run.”

Ethridge said it was a pleasure to see Ake taking over command and commended him for his work ethic and his selfless professionalism.

He also thanked his many colleagues one by one for their efforts and hard work throughout his time at Fort Belvoir.

“It has been a sincere pleasure to watch the growth and development of the command and leadership teams from battalion to detachment to mission special agent in charge,” Ethridge said. “You have a lot to be proud of.”

Ake pointed out how honored and proud he was to be the new commander of the 701st MP Group.

“Being afforded the great responsibility of command of this unique outfit is truly a humbling experience,” Ake said. “I realize I have been entrusted with the leadership and care of our nation’s most precious resource, the outstanding Soldiers and civilians of the 701st, as well as the family members who serve alongside of these great professionals.

“It is my pledge to each of you that my service to the 701st MP group will be focused on nurturing and strengthening the capability and capacity of our investigative and other missions that Joe Ethridge has so superbly maintained over the last two years.” 

Ake has held numerous leadership positions before assuming command of the 701st MP Group, including Commander of the 411th MP Company, Small Group leader for the MP Officer Advanced Course and Secretary of the General Staff for the U.S. Army Chemical and Military Police Centers.

He was also assigned to U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he commanded Tactical Support Team 45 (Airborne), Co D, 96th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne).

Ake has received numerous medals and honors throughout his career and has completed four combat tours of duty.