Military Police

Spring 2013

Military Police contains information about military police functions in maneuver and mobility support, area security, law and order, internment/resettlement, and police intelligence operations.

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Regimental Command Sergeant Major Command Sergeant Major John F. McNeirney Technical Competence A ll Soldiers must become technically competent and remain so. Our NCO Creed states, "I will strive to remain technically and tactically pro¿cient." And our Soldier's Creed states, "I am an expert, and I am a professional." Part of being an "expert" is being technically competent. Many technical skills are required of members of the Army profession. Technical competence requires that Soldiers be knowledgeable about Army substance abuse and prevention polices. It requires that we be knowledgeable about Army sponsorship programs. And it requires that we understand the Army regulation governing uniforms.1 NCOs must be pro¿cient in the use of the Army writing style. We must be able to compose persuasive awards and promotion recommendations for our Soldiers. Of¿cers must be able to write comprehensive, easily understandable orders, standing operating procedures, and organizational policies. All leaders must be able to write effective counseling statements that can be used to develop their subordinates. The ability to craft substantiated bullets in support of evaluations is not only necessary, but it is also expected. These are examples of general military technical expertise. In addition to general military technical knowledge, it is vital that military police Soldiers remain knowledgeable and technically competent in the skills that are unique to the law enforcement and corrections professions. Military police Soldiers must know military police doctrine and must understand how the Military Police Corps supports the Army and the Joint Force. As military police, we must completely understand the laws and regulations that we are charged with enforcing. We must possess the skills necessary to identify criminal activity indicators and the ability to document information for use by investigators and commanders. We must be experts in the collection, identi¿cation, and preservation of evidence. We must know how and when to employ unique police equipment such as radar or laser detecting and ranging (LADAR) equipment to maintain order and discipline on installations. Corrections professionals must have the skills necessary to safely maintain custody and control of military prisoners. Together, we must be able to pro¿ciently conduct criminal investigations and provide "legally suf¿cient" casework to commanders and staff judge advocates for action. Even as we move into an era of ¿scal uncertainty and unpredictable budgets, I challenge you to take advantage of every possible opportunity to develop your professional policing skills. There are many courses available online and through local colleges—some at no cost. I encourage you to read and understand the military police doctrine and to engage your peers in professional discussions about military police knowledge and skills. I ask that you review the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States2 and become familiar with the elements of various offenses and rules of evidence. The U.S. Army Military Police School (USAMPS) will begin injecting more police skill training into all levels of professional military education. Our goal is for all military police Soldiers to become highly pro¿cient in the unique military police technical skills in addition to the general military technical skills. Remember, it is our ability to apply military police technical knowledge in a tactical environment that allows the Military Police Corps to add value to the Army and the joint force. Endnotes: Army Regulation (AR) 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, 3 February 2005. 1 Manual for Courts-Martial, United States (2012 Edition), U.S. Department of Defense, , accessed on 26 February 2013. 2 Assist, Protect, Defend! 4 MILITARY POLICE . 19-13-1

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