Military Police

[119Wrestler]

Would you recommend it?

[Zulu 36]

I enjoyed it. A lot. Police work became my military and civilian career.

Although unable to do active police work anymore (disability), I still conduct research into police training methods.

One thing about police work. It is a love it or hate it kind of job. If you don't love it, get out ASAP for your benefit, that of the profession, and that of the public.

[davecerami275]

highly recommend

[davecerami275]

x The Marine Corps law enforcement community celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1995. However, in the early stages of its history, it was not a formalized occupational specialty. During the initial development period, Marines from various military occupational specialties were detailed to perform military police duties on a rotational basis, much in the same manner as is currently used to form shore patrols. Their primary responsibility in peacetime was to assist the commander in maintaining good order and discipline and, in times of conflict, they were primarily responsible for the handling of enemy prisoners of war (EPWs). As the utility of having dedicated personnel assigned to the Corps emerged, so too did the expansion and formalization of Marine Corps law enforcement.

During the conflict in Vietnam, Marine Military Police battalions were formed to increase the capability of the commander to function effectively on the battlefield. Military police roles were significantly expanded beyond those previously performed. They were tasked with the traditional mission of maintaining good order and discipline, but also were called upon to provide dog teams for scout dog duties, to man checkpoints at traffic control points, to provide convoy security, to investigate motor vehicle accidents, to patrol off-limits areas, to protect critical facilities, and to investigate serious criminal offenses involving black market operations, drug offenses, and war crimes. Personnel assigned to perform law enforcement duties operated under the control of dedicated Military Police officers, limited duty officers who had previously gained credibility and experience as enlisted military policemen and criminal investigators. It was during this period that Marine Corps leadership established a formal occupational field, 5800, to support a continued presence of military police and criminal investigators. Marines were selected to attend formal training at the U.S. Army Military Police School and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation School then located at Fort Gordon, GA.

Since the 1970's, the law enforcement community within the Marine Corps has continued to develop in terms of professionalism and operational capability. Today, there are on average 3200 military policemen and 210 criminal investigators assigned to support law enforcement operations at Marine Corps locations world wide.
All MPs receive formal law enforcement training at the Maneuver Support Center (MANSCEN) Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. This 9 week period of instruction includes classroom and practical exercise exposure to all aspects of basic law enforcement procedures to include patrol operations, use of police equipment, emergency vehicle operation, deadly force, report writing, evidence handling, weapons qualification, and similar basic law enforcement skills. Following basic MP training, personnel are afforded additional training during their career in specialized areas such as traffic accident investigation and reconstruction, Special Reaction Team (SRT) operations, physical security, crime prevention, operation of breathalyzer and speed detection equipment, military working dog handlers, the FBI's National Academy, and an array of similar courses designed to maintain a qualified and professional body of law enforcement personnel at Marine Corps Provost Marshal Offices throughout the Corps.
In addition to the skills gained in basic MP training necessary to perform their day-to-day peacetime duties, all Marine MPs are also trained in the performance of four doctrinal battlefield missions: battlefield circulation control (measures such as traffic control and route reconnaissance that aid in the orderly flow of personnel and equipment on the battlefield); law enforcement operations (traditional police functions to include criminal investigations); enemy prisoner of war operations (the collection, processing, and administering of captured enemy personnel and displaced persons/refugees); and rear area security (the protection of designated critical facilities such as ammunition storage points and command and control centers).
Each Provost Marshal Office (PMO) varies in structure and composition based upon its operating environment, unique mission requirements, and needs of the customer. However, each PMO is typically includes three main functional sections: patrol operations, administrative services, and criminal investigation division (CID).

[konman1]

Sure, why not. Great history lesson Dave

[119Wrestler]

yea, I just read that a few minutes ago haha
Do MPs get weekends and holidays off?

[killerinstinct]

not bashing you 5811's but, most peeps hate em while they are on duty but if you live in the bks the best parties were there.

[davecerami275]

yea, I just read that a few minutes ago haha
Do MPs get weekends and holidays off?

The Provost Marshalls Office is a 24-7-365 operation. You generally (not guaranteed) will get two days off per week. At Parris Island we worked four days on /two days off.

[konman1]

We worked like a kind of swing shift, just one thing to keep in mind, people dont stop acting stupid on weekends or holidays as a matter of fact weekends and holidays brings out most of the real winners.

[konman1]

not bashing you 5811's but, most peeps hate em while they are on duty but if you live in the bks the best parties were there.

Thats good, I was a 5815

[119Wrestler]

Oh ok.
Yeah thats what I was thinking.
So practically if you're unlucky you stay on base, during holidays
while some other Marines a few days off?

[konman1]

Its not a matter of luck. You would have a lot more time off than you think. And its not like you are going to Aunt Betsies house for Easter dinner, the Marines you will be serving with are your family.

[119Wrestler]

thats true