So you want to be a military police investigator

Military Police, April, 2005 by Bruce Large

Do you think you might want to be a military police investigator (MPI)? Your unit is looking for an outstanding military police soldier who wants to become an MPI. You are interested, but you are not sure if you meet the requirements to go to the MPI Course or what an MPI really does. An investigator can be assigned to a garrison environment or to a combat zone, but no matter where the assignment is, the job of an MPI is a demanding one. It is not a 9-to-5 weekday job but a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week career. It takes a special person to be an MPI.

The US Army Military Police School (USAMPS) follows the selection and certification guidelines of Army Regulation 190-30, Military Police Investigations, which states, "all personnel nominated will meet the prerequisites." Nominees must--

* Have the primary military occupational specialty of 31B (military police).

* Be a US citizen (native-born or naturalized).

* Be in pay grade E3 to E7.

* Have a Government Test (GT) or Service Test (ST) score of 100 or higher.

* Have at least of one year of military service remaining as indicated by expiration of term of service.

* Have a secret clearance based on a favorable National Agency Check with Local Agency and Credit Check (NACLC).

* Have one year of experience with military police or with civilian law enforcement.

* Be a high school graduate or have received a General Education Development equivalent.

* Not have been previously dismissed or reassigned from MPI for misconduct or inefficiency.

* Be free from any records (military or civilian) reflecting offenses other than minor violations, multiple or repeated arrests and/or apprehensions, a substantial record of juvenile misconduct, financial irresponsibility, and other conduct or behavior not in the best interest of Army law enforcement.

Unit commanders may have other requirements as part of the selection process. Applicants who have met all prerequisites will attend the eight-week MPI Course taught by USAMPS at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The school trains MPIs for the US armed forces, the Department of Defense, and allied nations. Candidates receive expert instruction in--

* Criminal law.

* Family advocacy.

* Crime scene processing.

* Testimonial evidence.

* Investigations of crimes against persons and property.

* Physical evidence.

* Drug investigations.

* Investigative reports.

* Special investigative techniques.

* Protective services. * Computer and economic crimes.

There are written exams, hands-on tests, and practical exercises that candidates must complete and pass to graduate the course. The candidates must also meet the height and weight requirements of Army Regulation 600-9, The Army Weight Control Program, and pass the Army Physical Fitness Test while attending the course. While attending the course, students are assigned to C Company, 701st Military Police Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri 65473. Upon completion of the course, graduates receive the additional skill identifier "V5" and can go to work at their home stations as MPIs.

For information concerning travel or issues not covered here, contact--

C Company, 701st Military Police Battalion at (573) 596-0131, ext 37908, 37913, 37915, or 35721; or at DSN 676-7908, -7913, -7915, or -5721; or e-mail <ATSJMPBT@wood.army.mil>; or e-mail the MPI Course manager at <ATSJMPTI@wood.army.mil>.

Sergeant First Class Large is course manager, instructor, and writer for the MPI Course at USAMPS.