Department of the Army

Pamphlet 600–3–31

Personnel—General

Branch Code
31–Military
Police

Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
1 June 1987

UNCLASSIFIED
 SUMMARY of CHANGE
DA PAM 600–3–31
Branch Code 31–Military Police

o
Headquarters *Department of the Army
Department of the Army Pamphlet 600–3–31
Washington, DC
1 June 1987

Personnel—General

Branch Code 31–Military Police

Army electronic publishing database. No

content has been changed.

Summary. Not Applicable.

Applicability. Not Applicable.

Proponent and exception authority.

Not Applicable.

Interim changes. Not Applicable.

Suggested Improvements. Not

Applicable.

History. This publication has been Distribution. Not Applicable.

reorganized to make it compatible with the

Contents (Listed by paragraph and page number)

AN ARM AND A SERVICE • 1, page 1
THE MILITARY POLICE ROLE IN...COMBAT OPERATIONS • 2, page 1
...COMBAT SUPPORT OPERATIONS • 3, page 2
...COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT OPERATIONS • 4, page 2
THE MP OFFICER’S ROLE IN...COMBAT SUCCESS • 5, page 2
...LAW ENFORCEMENT • 6, page 3
...CIVIL DISTURBANCES • 7, page 4
...CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION • 8, page 4
...CORRECTIONS • 9, page 5
...PHYSICAL SECURITY • 10, page 5
THE MP OFFICER’S...TRAINING AND EDUCATION • 11, page 7
...ASSIGNMENTS • 12, page 10
...PROGRESSION • 13, page 10
FUTURE OF BRANCH 31 • 14, page 11

Figure List

Figure 1: Military Police Corps—An Arm and a Service, page 1

Figure 2: Combat Support Operations, page 1
Figure 3: Combat Service Support Operations, page 2
Figure 4: The MP Officer’s Role In Combat Success, page 2
Figure 5: MP Officers Provide Law Enforcement Services When Needed, page 3
Figure 6: Military Police Officers Aid in Coordinating Movement of Divisions of Manpower and Equipment, page 3
Figure 7: MP’s Fulfill Their Duty—Law Enforcement, page 4
Figure 8: Military Police Restore Order during Civil Disturbances, page 4

*This pamphlet supersedes DA Pam 600–3–31, April 1982.

DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987 i

UNCLASSIFIED
Contents—Continued
Figure 9: Crime Prevention and Investigation is an Important Function, page 5
Figure 10: The MP Officer’s Role in Corrections, page 5
Figure 11: Physical Security and Terrorist Training, page 6
Figure 12: On the Battlefield, Protecting Vital Assets, page 6
Figure 13: MP Officers Aid in the Security Planning of a Growing Number of Projects, page 6
Figure 14: The Field of Physical Security Tactically Makes Use of a Wide Range of Technology, page 7
Figure 15: Military Police Officers Expect a Career of Continuing Education, page 8
Figure 16: Schooling May Take Place at a Variety of Places, page 8
Figure 17: US Army Military Police School at Fort McClellan, Alabama, page 8
Figure 18: Field-Learned Expertise and Research into Current Developments, page 9
Figure 19: Emblem, page 9
Figure 20: Ensuring Successful Support for Tomorrow’s Army, page 9
Figure 21: The Military Police Officer has the Opportunity to Serve in Virtually Every Corner of the Globe, page 10
Figure 22: Emblem–Crossed Pistols, page 11
Figure 23: Military Police as a Combat Response Team, page 11
Figure 24: Peacetime Expectations Grow as Crime and Terrorism Grow, page 11
Figure 25: Special Tact is Needed to Integrate our Soldiers with Peoples and Customs of Foreign Lands, page 12
Figure 26: MP Officers Confront Situations that Draw on Their Specialized Expertise, page 12
Figure 27: THE UNITED STATES ARMY MILITARY POLICE CORPS “OF THE TROOPS AND FOR THE
TROOPS”, page 12

ii DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987

1. AN ARM AND A SERVICE
The Department of the Army Officer Branch Code 31 is for commissioned officers in the Military Police Corps.
Military Police officers are, first and foremost, professional soldiers. They are charged with the responsibility of
managing Military Police resources to perform a variety of critical missions. Military Police officers are given
specialized training and experience to prepare them for the combat, combat support, and combat service support
operations they will perform in their future assignments.

Figure 1. Military Police Corps—An Arm and a Service

2. THE MILITARY POLICE ROLE IN...COMBAT OPERATIONS

Military police combat operations help the tactical commander to retain combat forces in the main battle area. In
modern warfare, conflict with enemy forces will occur throughout the battlefield, not just in the forward battle area.
The Military Police are the tactical commander’s primary response force against terrorists, saboteurs, and special
operations forces throughout the area of conflict. When enemy forces operate in the rear area, the MP will close with
and destroy the enemy’s capability to fight. MP in urban terrain will eliminate pockets of resistance and remove small
enemy units in the field. Military Police will conduct offensive operations to defend critical locations, activities, and
assets. They will delay, harass, or defeat the enemy.

Figure 2. Combat Support Operations

DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987 1

3. ...COMBAT SUPPORT OPERATIONS
Military Police support the combat operations of tactical forces by conducting battlefield circulation control and area
security operations. MP expedite the forward movement of critical combat resources. They evacuate enemy prisoners
of war. And they provide security for the special ammunition that is such a critical asset in modern warfare.

Figure 3. Combat Service Support Operations

4. ...COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT OPERATIONS

In peacetime, and to a lesser extent during wartime, Military Police support commanders’ responsibility for law and
order within the command. They enforce laws and regulations. They investigate crimes. They are responsible for the
Army’s confinement and correctional system.

5. THE MP OFFICER’S ROLE IN...COMBAT SUCCESS

a. Military police officers support tactical commanders by leading MP units in a wide range of operations keyed to
the commanders’ needs. From the MP platoon leader who serves as a special staff officer for the maneuver brigade
commander and leads his platoon in support of the brigade’s tactical operations to the MP brigade commander who, as
corps provost marshal, allocates MP assets and resources to meet the corps commanders’ battle priorities, MP officers
answer challenge and responsibility with the leadership of the professional soldier.

Figure 4. The MP Officer’s Role In Combat Success

2 DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987

 b. MP officers lead combat operations to keep the enemy from delaying the commander’s reinforcing units,
disrupting command and control, and destroying critical special weapons capability. They lead their units aggressively
to help the commander keep major tactical units fighting the main battle. Enemy forces too large to be defeated by MP
will be reported, delayed, and disrupted until the commander can redeploy major combat units against these forces.
c. MP officers lead combat support operations to expedite the movement of combat resources by ensuring a way is
open to move reinforcing troops, fuel, food, and ammunition across the battlefield and to evacuate enemy prisoners of
war from the battle area to ensure that tactical commanders are not impeded by the burden of guarding and caring for
enemy prisoners and to meet the obligations of international law.

Figure 5. MP Officers Provide Law Enforcement Services When Needed

d. MP officers direct combat service support operations to provide law enforcement services when needed. Military
Police assist commanders and fellow soldiers by preventing the diversion of military resources, investigating criminal
activity, and apprehending military offenders.
e. The MP officer’s role in combat relates directly to his peacetime role in leading soldiers in the Military Police
Corps. The leadership of MP officers in peacetime, as in combat, supports the accomplishment of the commander’s
responsibilities and objectives.

Figure 6. Military Police Officers Aid in Coordinating Movement of Divisions of Manpower and Equipment

f. In a peacetime environment, there is continuing need to move soldiers and supplies across the United States and
within foreign areas where we maintain installations. The need to move a division of 15,000 people and over 3,000
vehicles demands coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, or their host nation counterparts.

6. ...LAW ENFORCEMENT
In peace and war, Military Police officers, trained in methods and techniques of police science and management, advise
and help Army commanders meet their responsibilities for establishing discipline, enforcing laws, and preventing
crimes. MP officers work closely with civilian authorities in the US and overseas to ensure effective, coordinated law
enforcement programs.

DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987 3

 Figure 7. MP’s Fulfill Their Duty—Law Enforcement

7. ...CIVIL DISTURBANCES
a. The Army’s protection of the United States is related, usually, to danger from hostile nations. Sometimes,
however, domestic tranquility is shattered by a civil disturbance or natural disaster that results in loss of life, property,
and resources. When the normal processes of government are disrupted, the Military Police may be called upon to help
restore order and aid in rescue and relief operations.
b. In disturbances directed against US military installations around the world, Military Police officers plan, direct,
and conduct operations.

Figure 8. Military Police Restore Order during Civil Disturbances

8. ...CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION
The size and worldwide commitments of the Army make preventing and investigating crime an important function of
the MP Corps. Crime prevention helps ensure the Army is present and fit to take to the battlefield when needed.
Military Police officers are trained in the fundamentals of criminal investigation to enable them to supervise investiga-
tors assigned to their units.

4 DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987

 Figure 9. Crime Prevention and Investigation is an Important Function

9. ...CORRECTIONS
One of the more challenging areas of Branch 31 is the Army’s correctional program for military prisoners. The Army’s
treatment of prisoners, while firm, is humane and individualized. MP officers are progressive leaders in implementing
new psychological, educational, and vocational concepts leading to successful rehabilitation. Their goal is to prepare
prisoners to return to useful service in military or civilian life.

Figure 10. The MP Officer’s Role in Corrections

10. ...PHYSICAL SECURITY

a. Military Police officers plan and supervise all aspects of security during peacetime, mobilization, and wartime
operations. Military Police performing physical security duties safeguard personnel, property, and operations from
hostile military operations and intelligence activities, terrorist and criminal acts, and other disruptive influences.
b. During peacetime, MP officers oversee the physical security operations that support installation and base security,
law enforcement, and crime prevention programs. Physical security operations rely on sound planning to protect against
espionage, sabotage, damage, misuse, and theft.

DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987 5

 Figure 11. Physical Security and Terrorist Training

c. Employing adequate physical security during wartime operations requires that MP officers be proficient in all
aspects of tactical military planning and operations. On the battlefield, Military Police officers lead physical security
forces to fight as a combat element to protect vital assets and to facilitate combat operations.

Figure 12. On the Battlefield, Protecting Vital Assets

d. MP officers plan for the security of VIPs, banks, hospitals, sensitive ammunition and materiel storage and cargo
areas, airfields, ports and harbors, inland waterways, railways, and petroleum pipeline systems. They advise on security
safeguards for nuclear reactor facilities, hydroelectric power plants, and in the design of all Army construction projects.

Figure 13. MP Officers Aid in the Security Planning of a Growing Number of Projects

6 DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987

 e. The field of physical security grows in responsibility and importance as technology makes available more
complex and costly equipment, as terrorists continue to select military targets and as the Army transitions to wartime
operations.

Figure 14. The Field of Physical Security Tactically Makes Use of a Wide Range of Technology

f. MP officers plan for the use of a number of physical security measures during all phases of peacetime,
mobilization, or wartime operations:
• Locking Devices
• DELAY Devices
• Armored Sedans
• Badging Systems
• Protective Vests
• Electronic Entry Control
• Security Containers
• Tactical Security Forces
• Military Working Dogs
• Surveillance Systems
• Intrusion Detection Systems
• Radio Frequency Data Link
• Standardized Command and Control Display Systems
• Explosives & Bomb Detection Equipment
• Lights/Physical Barriers

11. THE MP OFFICER’S...TRAINING AND EDUCATION

a. Officers in Branch 31 can expect a career of continuing educational development. It begins with the Military
Police Officer Basic Course when officers learn the fundamentals of leadership, tactical operations, circulation control,
physical security, criminal investigations, military and civilian law, and management. Later, advanced schooling offers
the training needed for subsequent career development.

DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987 7

 Figure 15. Military Police Officers Expect a Career of Continuing Education

b. MP officers attend special courses to gain the technical knowledge certain assignments require. They may
complete the Military Police School’s courses in advanced investigative management or security management, or attend
the Traffic Management Course at Northwestern University, or the FBI’s National Academy at Quantico, Virginia. And
based on an Army need for advanced degree expertise, they may be selected for civilian graduate schooling in a law
enforcement-related field.

Figure 16. Schooling May Take Place at a Variety of Places

Figure 17. US Army Military Police School at Fort McClellan, Alabama

8 DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987

 c. The major training site for MP officers is Fort McClellan, Alabama. Here the US Army Military Police School
conducts courses and develops concepts, doctrine, equipment, and training materials to meet the needs of Military
Police mission accomplishment. Staff officers selected for assignment to the MP school will combine their field-
learned expertise with research into current developments and changing requirements. The role of the Military Police
School is to ensure successful support for tomorrow’s Army in the field.

Figure 18. Field-Learned Expertise and Research into Current Developments

Figure 19. Emblem

Figure 20. Ensuring Successful Support for Tomorrow’s Army

DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987 9

12. ...ASSIGNMENTS
Military Police support the US Army wherever its units are stationed. MP officers may be assigned duty in Europe,
North America, Central America, and Asia. Today there are military police units in Germany, Italy, Alaska, Korea,
Japan, Hawaii, and at most military installations within the continental United States. And, like their counterparts in
other branches, MP officers have the opportunity to serve in foreign area, advisory, and embassy assignments. Thus,
MP officers enjoy one of the greatest advantages of military police work—the chance for a variety of duties in virtually
every corner of the world.

Figure 21. The Military Police Officer has the Opportunity to Serve in Virtually Every Corner of the Globe

13. ...PROGRESSION
2d Lieutenant—Platoon leader of MP company with combat support, physical security, or garrison law enforcement
mission. Training officer of basic training company.

1st Lieutenant—Platoon leader, executive officer, staff officer in a combat support, physical security, garrison law
enforcement, or correctional setting; commander of MP detachment or training company.

Captain—Company commander, correctional officer, battalion or division staff officer, installation physical security
officer, community provost marshal, MP School instructor, commander of a confinement facility.

Major—Commander of customs detachment, installation provost marshal, MP battalion executive officer, staff officer,
combat division deputy provost marshal.

Lieutenant Colonel—Battalion commander, major installation or division provost marshal, staff officer at major
headquarters or Headquarters, Department of the Army.

Colonel—Commander of MP brigade; USACIDC Region Commander, US Disciplinary Barracks Commander, or

senior staff officer at Headquarters, Department of the Army or at a major Army command.

General—Assignment to highest positions of Army command and staff.

10 DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987

 Figure 22. Emblem–Crossed Pistols

14. FUTURE OF BRANCH 31

a. The role of the Military Police becomes more demanding as greater emphasis is placed on the Military Police as a
combat response force and as worldwide terrorism and unrest blurs the line between peace and war.

Figure 23. Military Police as a Combat Response Team

b. Peacetime society’s expectations of law enforcement grow as public sensitivity to escalating terrorism and crime
becomes acute.

Figure 24. Peacetime Expectations Grow as Crime and Terrorism Grow

c. Around-the-globe Army commitments call for special tact to integrate our soldiers with the people and customs of
foreign lands.

DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987 11

 Figure 25. Special Tact is Needed to Integrate our Soldiers with Peoples and Customs of Foreign Lands

d. In every area, more than ever before, Military Police officers can expect to confront situations drawing on their
specialized expertise, their tactical training, and their professionalism in the pursuit of duty.

Figure 26. MP Officers Confront Situations that Draw on Their Specialized Expertise

Figure 27. THE UNITED STATES ARMY MILITARY POLICE CORPS “OF THE TROOPS AND FOR THE TROOPS”

12 DA PAM 600–3–31 • 1 June 1987

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