Military Police Military Occupational Specialty MOS Rating Patch Police

Military Police Military Occupational Specialty MOS Rating Patch Police (U.S. Army) 4.5" x 3.25" Embroidered Patch with Iron-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.

Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.

Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.

Versatile Use: Perfect for personalizing jackets, backpacks, uniforms, or any fabric surface that needs a touch of personality. 

Durable and Washable: Designed to withstand everyday wear and occasional washing without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
The Military Police Corps as an official branch of the U.S. Army was established on September 26, 1941, but the concept of military policing goes back much further—to the Revolutionary War. Even in the days of Washington’s Continental Army, men were appointed to maintain discipline, guard prisoners, and manage logistics behind the lines. However, it wasn’t until World War II loomed on the horizon that the need for a permanent, organized corps became urgent.

During World War I, ad hoc military police units formed to handle traffic control, security, and prisoner of war operations. But it was clear that for a modern, global war effort, the U.S. Army needed a corps of professionals trained specifically to bring order to chaos. From the moment of its formal founding, the Military Police Corps was tasked with a wide mandate: traffic control, battlefield circulation, law enforcement, rear-area security, handling enemy prisoners of war, and protecting critical assets.

Their insignia—a green shield with a gold sword and key crossed—tells a story. The sword represents enforcement and authority, while the key symbolizes control, especially over access, prisoners, and critical areas. The green background evokes the traditional color of law enforcement, tying them to both military and civilian police traditions.

Notable Commanders
The Military Police Corps hasn’t historically been led by battlefield generals who make headlines, but it has had leaders who shaped its character. Brigadier General Jeremiah P. Holland stands out as the first Provost Marshal General of the modern era, and he was instrumental in laying down the doctrinal and organizational foundation for the MP Corps as we know it.

In more recent times, leaders like Brigadier General David Phillips made significant contributions, particularly during the early years of the Global War on Terror. Phillips was a key figure in overhauling training systems for MPs, ensuring they could perform both law enforcement duties and direct combat operations in urban environments.

Though the corps doesn’t always have singular battlefield icons, many of its battalion and company commanders have led with distinction during Iraq and Afghanistan, where MP units often fought as maneuver elements under fire, rather than just support troops.

Major Campaigns/Operations
Wherever American soldiers have gone, the MPs have gone with them—often among the first in and the last out.

In World War II, they were vital during and after the Normandy landings. They directed convoys during the Red Ball Express operations, managed prisoner of war camps, and maintained order in liberated areas. In the Pacific, they dealt with the complexities of managing occupied cities and civilian populations.

During the Korean and Vietnam Wars, MPs carried out a mix of combat and law enforcement missions. In Vietnam especially, MPs dealt with civil unrest, conducted convoy security operations under fire, and operated heavily in the urban terrain of Saigon and Da Nang.

In Operation Desert Storm, MPs were critical in managing the tens of thousands of surrendering Iraqi soldiers. Their ability to control, house, and secure enemy prisoners played a vital part in maintaining order during and after the ground war.

The post-9/11 era expanded the MP role dramatically. In Iraq and Afghanistan, MPs were called upon not just to police U.S. forces but to mentor and train local police units, operate combat patrols in hostile territory, and provide security for detainee operations. Units like the 705th MP Battalion and the 16th MP Brigade became some of the most deployed and active forces of the era.

Specialized Role/Equipment
The Military Police MOS—currently designated 31B—is one of the most versatile in the Army. MPs are trained to operate in two distinct environments: the structured, rule-based world of military law enforcement, and the unpredictable, violent reality of battlefield support.

Their missions range from routine base security and criminal investigations to high-speed convoy escort and battlefield detainee operations. They are also charged with enforcing the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), conducting traffic stops on post, investigating crimes, and responding to domestic disputes and violent incidents on military installations.

Specialized equipment includes armored security vehicles like the M1117 Guardian, designed for patrols in urban and asymmetric warfare environments. MPs are typically armed with the M4 carbine, Beretta M9 (now largely replaced by the SIG M17), and a variety of non-lethal weapons such as Tasers, batons, and riot control gear.

The Military Working Dog (MWD) program is another vital component. These K9 teams are used for patrol, drug interdiction, and explosive detection, both at home and in combat zones.

Acts of Heroism
Military Police soldiers have time and again proven their courage under fire—despite the fact that their missions are often seen as support roles.

One of the most iconic stories of MP heroism belongs to Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester of the 617th Military Police Company. On March 20, 2005, while conducting a convoy escort mission near Salman Pak, Iraq, her unit was ambushed by insurgents using small arms, RPGs, and machine guns. Instead of retreating, Hester led her team in a flanking assault. She cleared a trench line with grenades and rifle fire, killing multiple attackers at close range. For her bravery, she became the first woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star for direct combat action.

Another name etched into the legacy of MP valor is Specialist Keith “Matt” Maupin, who served with the 724th MP Battalion. Captured during an ambush in Iraq in 2004, Maupin became a symbol of sacrifice and perseverance. He was listed as missing in action for years, and though he was ultimately confirmed killed, his courage inspired a national outpouring of support and remembrance.

In Afghanistan, MPs at Forward Operating Base Salerno helped repel complex Taliban assaults. With little infantry support, they manned towers, guarded gates, and fought off suicide bombers with a mix of small arms, grenades, and raw resolve.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
The Military Police Corps continues to be one of the most adaptable and indispensable branches of the U.S. Army. Their legacy is defined by duality: they are warriors and guardians, enforcers and peacekeepers.

Beyond battlefield heroism, MPs have shaped the military’s internal standards and accountability. They are the backbone of the Army’s justice system, the front line in detainee operations, and critical players in humanitarian aid and stability missions.

MPs were among the first military forces deployed to secure U.S. airports after 9/11. They have served as peacekeepers in Bosnia, helped stabilize Haiti, and provided vital security during disaster relief efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Today, the MP Corps plays a crucial role in cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and domestic readiness operations. Whether walking a beat in garrison, clearing a building in Kandahar, or training a new police force in a foreign country, the Military Police MOS remains a steadfast presence—ready to enforce, protect, and fight when necessary.