The Army's law enforcement professionals. Military Police Soldiers enforce the law, conduct criminal investigations, manage detainees, and secure installations — maintaining order across every theater of operations.
The 31-Series is the Army's law enforcement and security force. From garrison policing to combat zone security operations, Military Police Soldiers own the mission of maintaining discipline, enforcing the law, and protecting the force.
Leading the Army's law enforcement and security. Officers plan and lead missions to maintain law, order, and discipline.
The 31B Military Police is the backbone of Army law enforcement, conducting patrol, security, and detainee operations.
CID Special Agents conduct complex criminal investigations and forensic analysis to maintain Army integrity.
Managing the custody and welfare of detainees. Specialists oversee the operation of confinement facilities.
Handlers partner with highly trained military working dogs to detect explosives, narcotics, and enemy threats.
Top-tier leadership in Military Police. Senior NCOs responsible for large MP formations.
Junior enlisted MPs begin their career on patrol, working the desk, or manning access control points. New soldiers learn garrison law enforcement, report writing, traffic enforcement, and use-of-force procedures under the mentorship of experienced NCOs. Promotion to SPC/E-4 typically occurs within 2-3 years.
This is the time to build foundational law enforcement skills, pursue certifications, and volunteer for specialized assignments like K-9, SRT, or protective services details.
MP NCOs are the first-line leaders of law enforcement and security operations. Sergeants (E-5) lead fire teams and patrol shifts, while Staff Sergeants (E-6) serve as desk sergeants, squad leaders, and operations NCOs. They are directly responsible for the training, discipline, and tactical employment of junior MPs.
Completion of BLC (Basic Leader Course) is required for E-5, and ALC (Advanced Leader Course) for E-6. Specialized schools like SRT, K-9, and CID significantly enhance career progression.
Senior MP NCOs represent the most experienced law enforcement leaders in the Army. Sergeants First Class (E-7) serve as Platoon Sergeants and Operations NCOs, Master Sergeants/First Sergeants (E-8) lead at company level, and Sergeants Major/Command Sergeants Major (E-9) serve as senior enlisted advisors at battalion, brigade, and provost marshal offices.
These positions are highly competitive and board-selected. A proven record across garrison law enforcement, combat operations, and advanced MP assignments is essential for selection.
Enlisted MP Soldiers with leadership potential and a bachelor's degree can pursue commissioning through Officer Candidate School (OCS) or the Green-to-Gold program. OCS is a 12-week intensive course at Fort Moore, while Green-to-Gold sends soldiers to college full-time with an ROTC scholarship.
Former enlisted MPs who commission as MP Officers (31A) bring invaluable law enforcement and operational experience. MP officers serve as platoon leaders, provost marshals, and eventually command MP battalions and brigades.
| Installation | Location | Division / Unit | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Leonard Wood | MO | MP School / TRADOC | TRADOC |
| Fort Liberty | NC | XVIII Airborne Corps MPs | FORSCOM |
| Fort Campbell | KY/TN | 101st Airborne MPs | Air Assault |
| Fort Carson | CO | 4th Infantry Division MPs | FORSCOM |
| Fort Drum | NY | 10th Mountain Division MPs | Light |
| Fort Stewart | GA | 3rd Infantry Division MPs | FORSCOM |
| Fort Cavazos | TX | III Corps MPs | FORSCOM |
| Camp Humphreys | South Korea | USFK / 2ID MPs | OCONUS |
Military Police Soldiers serve at nearly every Army installation worldwide. MPs are assigned wherever the Army has a presence — garrison law enforcement is needed on every post, camp, and station.
From installation patrols to combat zone security, Military Police Soldiers enforce the law and protect the force across every theater of operations.
Explore Training CoursesMilitary Police is the Army's direct path to law enforcement. You'll earn real-world police experience, certifications, and skills that translate directly to civilian LE careers after service.
CID Special Agents investigate felony crimes with federal authority. Build your 31B experience, maintain a clean record, and apply for the CID Special Agent Course to become a criminal investigator.
MP training covers UCMJ, use of force, search and seizure, and evidence law. Master the legal fundamentals early — they define every action you take on patrol and in investigations.
MP experience is highly valued by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Many MPs transition to FBI, DEA, Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, or local police departments after service.
Military Working Dog handlers are a specialized MP assignment. Pursue K-9 handler school after your first duty station — it's one of the most rewarding and competitive assignments in the MP corps.
MP promotion to E-5 averages 3-4 years. BLC completion, strong NCOERs, specialized certifications (SRT, K-9, CID), and deployment experience accelerate the timeline significantly.
Military Police is one of the most versatile and transferable career fields in the Army. Whether you want to patrol, investigate, handle K-9s, or lead security operations in a combat zone, the 31-Series puts you on the front line of law and order. Arrive in shape, learn the law, and serve with integrity.
Start MP PrepOf the Troops, For the Troops.
We are the Military Police Corps —
dedicated to order and discipline,
guardians of law and justice,
protectors of the force.
We serve with integrity,
enforce with fairness,
and defend with courage.Wherever Soldiers serve,
we stand watch —
upholding the standards
that define our Army.Of the Troops, For the Troops!