The primary task of the military police is to intercept anyone not authorized to approach the principal.
Two methods are used to accomplish this; stationary security and/or security during travel.
Planning
The MP operations section prepares the plan for the protective service mission. The mission passes
through the chain of command/operations to the PS security platoon leader. When the platoon leader
receives the warning order, he begins his troop leading steps. The platoon leader will review the
completed order, when received, to see what changes may be required from his initial planning.
The number of MP required depends on METT-T. A major consideration will be whether protection will
be required for an extended period, such as that provided the division commander. Other important
considerations are the principal's itinerary and his mission. The protection mission may be assigned to
a squad or a team. Whenever possible, squad and team integrity should be maintained. The MP
selected for such duty must be well qualified on their weapons. They should also be mature,
experienced, tactful, and of excellent appearance. A squad is normally the largest element used in a
protection mission.
The squad leader begins his troop leading steps when he receives the warning order. When the
completed order is received he makes the necessary adjustments. The team leaders are given
warning orders in turn. In addition to their normal equipment, MP participating in protective services
missions should have protective clothing, primary and back-up communication equipment, and night
vision devices. The security element leader must have a copy of the itinerary of the principal.
Weapons to be employed will vary with the mission and conditions. In areas where there is a high
population density, side arms are appropriate. In less densely populated areas or outside of buildings,
automatic and semiautomatic weapons may be employed. The ammunition load is dictated by the
mission. There may be a need for smoke and/or pyrotechnic signaling devices.
Personnel, weapons, and vehicles must be prepared to move on short notice. All must be closely
inspected prior to the mission and continually checked during the mission. Failure could result in the
loss of security for the principal and mission failure.
Stationary Security
Protective services for a building or principal are normally performed by an MP team. After planning for
the mission, the team leader briefs his team members. He assigns them their duties and ensures they
understand their responsibilities. They need to know the rules of engagement, as well as what to do if
the principal ignores the security provided. Access control procedures and guard orders are discussed.
Team members are told of any special restrictions on the circulation of individual in the area. The team
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