Military Police: A Long and Proud History

The Military Police have a long and honored history in the United States Armed Forces. Often called MPs in the Air Force and Army and Shore Patrol in the Navy, these men and women enforce the laws and regulations regarding military order and discipline.

Since the Continental Army created a military police unit in 1778, there have always been personnel assigned to help carry out military police functions as needed. These functions include capturing or deterring deserters, custody and transport of prisoners, and investigating other criminal activities, just to name a few. From 1783 to 1861, the United States Army didn’t have a specialized unit for these activities, but instead, simply assigned personnel as needed and rotated them through the ranks.

During the Civil War, the incredible numbers of soldiers on both sides were often unruly, both in the field and in civilian areas. A system of Provost Marshals was created by both the Union and the Confederate Armies to deal with the need for police forces. The Union Army established a permanent police force whose main duties were to prevent riots, looting, desertion, and violence against civilians. Towards the end of the War, the Provost Marshal Department was established. This new military department was given the task of controlling the local governments in the Southern states.

By World War 1, the Military Police Corps was temporarily created. The soldiers that were assigned wore the “MP” armbands that so many associate with this area of the military. Their primary duties included guarding prisoners, rounding up deserters and draft dodgers, as well as overseeing the prisoner of war camps found in the United States. During World War II, the Military Police Corp became a permanent unit in the United States Army. Over 210,000 personnel, both of enlisted and officer ranks, served as Military Police. For every major conflict from that time forward, including Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Military Police have held an important role in all branches of the Armed Forces.

Today, Military Police enforce military law under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Articles of War. The offenses can range from disobedience to mutiny and everything in between. What once was established to enforce discipline among the ranks, now maintains justice in the military.

Military members who are charged with crimes against civilians are tried in civilian courts. However, military members who are charged with crimes against other military members or against the United States government are tried in a military court. Those found guilty and sentenced to incarceration are housed in military or federal prisons.

rnMilitary Police have specialized units that perform certain functions, such as investigations, security for dignitaries, and facility security enforcement. All military police now attend specialized training and are considered some of the best trained law enforcement in the country. rnIf you’re looking for a way to recognize the service and dedication of someone who serves in a Military Police unit, then consider giving them a military police ring. You won’t find a better gift to say thank you than one of the many styles of Military Police rings.