PLANNING
As in all military police operations, detailed planning is critical. Planning is always based on all the
factors of METT-T. There are however some special considerations that must be taken into account in
CP security:
Close and continuing coordination must be made. The area for which the MP are
responsible is often located within a larger complex. In other words, friendly units will be
located all around you. All of your actions must be coordinated closely with them and with
the headquarters commandant.
Requirements and priorities must be clearly defined.
Since resources will be stretched, you must develop a plan that uses the minimum number
of personnel.
The choice of weapons to be employed, and limitations on their use and field of fire, is
important.
Methods of communication among the various defensive positions is critical.
You must establish contingency plans and ensure that all personnel fully understand them.
SECURITY MEASURES
Military police use six measures to perform area security operations. These may not all be used at any
one time. They may, however, be used in various combinations. The measures to be performed at any
given time depends on METT-T.
MP operate dismount points to keep vehicles away from an area but allow passengers to proceed on
foot. They set up access control points to provide strict control of facility entrances and exits. Guard
posts are used to prevent access to a facility or to limit entry to an access point. Observation posts are
set up to spot enemy activity and provide early warning. Military police conduct security patrols to
prevent the enemy from infiltrating the protected area and to connect observation guard posts.
Defensive techniques are used to provide perimeter defense.
Dismount Points
Dismount points are established wherever vehicular access to an area must be controlled. The general
location for the dismount point is normally selected by the officer in charge of CP security. The MP
team leader usually picks the exact location. Military police at dismount points control military
movement, civilian traffic, refugees, and stragglers. They enforce elements of the operations security
(OPSEC) plan and disseminate information. The dismount point is often the first line of defense for the
command post.
MP1031
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