To perform these functions, MP provide dismount points, access control points, and guard posts,
measures which may be performed singly or in any combination.
To provide all around security, MP set up a perimeter defense. They deploy in a circle. Positions are
established from which to defend the circle from all directions. MP may be tasked to provide perimeter
defense for a particular facility, for example, a division command post.
To help keep a unit or facility from being surprised by the enemy, military police may provide local
security. They operate security patrols and observation posts to give early warning of enemy activity in
the area.
SECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES
Headquarters Commandant
The overall responsibility for the internal organization of the CP is the responsibility of the division
headquarters commandant. In other words, after the division CG and G3 have selected the general
location for the CP, the headquarters commandant determines the detailed layout. Because
communications are critical to the operation of the division, the communications-electronics officer will
also be involved in the layout of the CP.
The headquarters commandant is also responsible for the overall security of the CP. He will develop
the defensive plan. Rarely will there be sufficient combat elements available to provide CP security.
As a result, the headquarters commandant will be required to task the various elements within the CP
for personnel and equipment. These resources come primarily from the division headquarters
company and the division band.
Division Military Police
One of the division general support platoons is tasked to provide CP security. Because military police
resources are over committed in the division, MP are not normally responsible for the security of the
entire main CP complex. They are responsible for the security of the most critical area of the CP. This
includes the DTOC, or the equivalent, the communications facility, and the ASPS. The platoon may
also be tasked to provide security for the commander's quarters and/or for the commander himself.
The platoon uses a combination of techniques to accomplish the security mission. What combination
the platoon uses depends on METT-T. The techniques used to secure a massed CP will vary from
those for a dispersed CP. Also, techniques will vary, depending on whether the CP is set up in a
wooded area or an urban area, for example. Figure 1-4 is an illustration of a typical CP and its security.
Figure 1-5 is a diagram of how a dispersed CP might be secured.
1-9
MP1031
Previous Page
