Military Police Role
The critical areas of a division main command post are usually secured by an MP platoon with
augmentation by the Army Band and Corps MP elements as required. When the division main CP is
massed, HP provide internal security. They set up a dismount point and an access control point at the
division tactical operations center (DTOC). They may also set up guard posts within the DTOC. When
the all source production section (ASPS) is located in the DTOC, its security measures may be
combined with those of the main CP. (The ASPS was formerly known as the all source analysis center-
- ASAC). Perimeter defense of the CP is the responsibility of the headquarters commandant; he tasks
units in the CP for personnel and equipment. This may include the MP as well.
Most division main CPs disperse for security reasons. The distance between cells of the CP is based
on METT-T. Because there is no perimeter, no dismount point is used. Access control is performed by
personnel assigned to a particular cell. The MP may set up security patrols and observation posts (OP)
to detect enemy activity and to give early warning to the CP.
As with all MP missions, the platoon's employment is based on METT-T. One squad operates the
dismount point and controls movement around the CP area. Another squad operates the access
control point and guard posts at the DTOC. The remaining squad (if available) mans perimeter
positions, secures the commander's quarters, or augments other missions. This squad may also be
tasked to operate the division prisoner of war collecting point. The ASPS is secured by a squad from
the MP company headquarters.
DIVISION MILITARY POLICE
Organization
Each division has a military police company. In all divisions the organization of the division MP
company is not the same. There are variations of the number of personnel and some equipment. For
the purposes of this subcourse, they are similar enough that individual treatment is not required. The
concepts are the same. The organization discussed here is that of an heavy division. Organization
and numbers of personnel are illustrated at figure 1-3.
The provost marshal (PM) plans the use of all MP assets supporting the division. He controls these
assets through the operations section. The section consists of an assistant PM, an operations officer,
an operations NCO, an assistant operations NCO, MP investigators, and other enlisted staff members.
The section functions as the PM's staff. They plan the long-range use of MP assets. They coordinate
with the other division staff sections. The monitoring of MP support operations is also their
responsibility. The PM operations staff will forward taskings to the MP company and to any attached
MP elements.
MP1031
1-6
Previous Page
