Do military police see combat?

Do Military Police See Combat?

The question of whether military police (MPs) see combat is a common one, with many people assuming that they do not engage in direct combat operations. However, the reality is more complex, and the answer varies depending on the situation, the type of conflict, and the role of the military police.

Definition of Military Police

Before we dive into the answer to the question, let’s define what military police are. Military police, also known as MPs, are soldiers who are trained to enforce military law and order. They are responsible for maintaining discipline and order within a military unit, as well as providing support to law enforcement agencies. Military police can be found in every branch of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Roles of Military Police

Military police perform a variety of roles, including:

• Law Enforcement: Military police enforce military law and order, including investigating crimes, arresting suspects, and testifying in court.
• Security: Military police provide security for military personnel, equipment, and installations, including patrolling areas, conducting security checks, and responding to security incidents.
• Support to Combat Operations: Military police provide support to combat operations by conducting reconnaissance, collecting intelligence, and identifying and apprehending enemy personnel.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response: Military police provide humanitarian assistance and respond to natural disasters, including evacuating civilians, providing aid, and restoring order.

Do Military Police See Combat?

While military police do not typically engage in direct combat operations, they can find themselves in combat situations. In many cases, military police are called upon to:

• Provide Security: Military police may be called upon to provide security for troops, equipment, and installations in combat zones. This can involve patrolling areas, conducting security checks, and responding to security incidents.
• Apprehend Enemy Personnel: Military police may be tasked with identifying and apprehending enemy personnel, including terrorists, insurgents, and prisoners of war.
• Maintain Order: Military police may be called upon to maintain order in areas affected by conflict, including crowd control, riot control, and maintaining order in camps and bases.
• Support Humanitarian Operations: Military police may provide support to humanitarian operations, including evacuating civilians, providing aid, and restoring order in areas affected by conflict.

Examples of Military Police in Combat Situations

There are several examples of military police in combat situations:

• Vietnam War: During the Vietnam War, military police were involved in several combat operations, including patrols, ambushes, and battles with enemy forces.
• Gulf War: During the Gulf War, military police played a critical role in maintaining order in Kuwait and Iraq, including patrolling streets, checking for contraband, and providing security for military personnel and equipment.
• Afghanistan and Iraq Wars: In recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, military police have played a critical role in supporting combat operations, including conducting patrols, identifying and apprehending enemy personnel, and maintaining order in camps and bases.

Statistics

According to a 2020 report by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, 33% of military police operations in Afghanistan and Iraq were classified as combat operations. This is higher than the percentage of military police operations classified as combat during the Vietnam War (25%) and the Gulf War (20%).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while military police do not typically engage in direct combat operations, they can find themselves in combat situations. The role of military police in combat is often support-oriented, providing security, conducting reconnaissance, and maintaining order in areas affected by conflict. Military police are a critical component of any military operation, and their contributions are essential to achieving mission success.

Table: Military Police Operations by Type

Bullets List: Types of Military Police Operations

• Law enforcement operations
• Security operations
• Support to combat operations
• Humanitarian assistance operations
• Disaster response operations
• Combat operations

Note: The percentage of military police operations by type may vary depending on the conflict and the branch of the military. The table and bullets list provided are general estimates and should not be taken as absolute figures.