|
Blackanthem Military News
|
Last Updated:
Jan 5, 2009 - 8:24:33 PM |
|
|
Blackanthem Military News
 |
| The 169th MP Company. Photo SGT John Cervone, Combat Journalist |
CAMP FOGARTY, Rhode Island - The Military Police Corps is one of the youngest branches of the United States Army. It was officially established on 26 September 1941. However, American soldiers have been performing law enforcement duties from Revolutionary War times, when these duties were assigned mainly to a mounted police force called the "Troops of the Marechaussee." Since Vietnam, the adaptability of the Military Police Corps has made it a "Force of Choice" for use in low-intensity conflicts and Operations Other than War such as Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada and Operation Just Cause in Panama.
During Operations Desert Shield and Storm, the Military Police provided area security, conducted battlefield circulation control, and exercised custody over thousands of Iraqi prisoners. Since 1991, the Military Police have assisted in restoring hope to Somalia and upholding democracy in Haiti and Bosnia. Military Police maintained order in war-torn Kosovo, as well as keeping the peace in Afghanistan. During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, MPs were used extensively to maintain control over the large numbers of detainees being held by coalition forces, as well as helping to conduct raids and regular patrols.
The 119th Military Police Company was constituted as Company D of the 118th Engineer Combat Battalion in 1949. In 1950 the unit was called to active federal service and was sent to Germany as part of the 43rd Infantry Division until it was demobilized in 1954. The unit was converted and redesigned as Company C, the 118th Military Police Battalion in 1968 and then finally the 119th MP Company in 1972. This proud units heritage traces its lineage through many of our nations modern conflicts both major and minor. The unit was activated into federal service in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm serving under the 800th Military Police Brigade and again in 2000 for Stabilization Force (Balkans) and conducted operations in Hungary and Bosnia. Finally, the 119th Military Police Company deployed to Iraq, where it's members truly distinguished themselves, in 2003, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
On Saturday, October 4th, 2008, the 119th Military Police Company was inactivated and its members integrated into the 169th Military Police Company. The ceremony was held at Camp Fogarty, East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
There were many members, past and present, on hand to pay homage to a unit that has truly distinguished itself since its inception. As Rhode Islanders we should all be proud of what the 119th Military Police Company has accomplished over the years and always remember that even though its colors have been retired, the unit will always live on in our hearts.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
 |
| The folding of the 119th MP Co Colors. Photo SGT John Cervone, Combat Journalist |
|
 |
| The covering of the 119th MP Colors. Photo SGT John Cervone, Combat Journalist |
|
 |
| The consolidation of the 119th MP Company and the 169th MP Company. Photo SGT John Cervone, Combat Journalist |
|
 |
| Former members of the 119th MP Company (Retired and still serving). Photo SGT John Cervone, Combat Journalist |
|
|
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
