Chief, Military Police Corps Regiment and Commandant, United States Army Military Police School

Military Police, Sept, 2003 by Stephen J. Curry

On 26 September 2003, our Military Police Corps Regiment celebrates its 62d anniversary as a branch of our Army. This is a much-anticipated opportunity for all MP soldiers to pause and reflect on our past year's achievements and the incredibly important work we have done, at home and abroad, for our Army and our nation. Of course, the chance to remember and honor the sacrifices of the many MP warriors who have given their lives over the past year defending this great nation is of the utmost significance. Taking this traditional time to honor our fallen comrades strikes even closer to home this year as several of our selfless and dedicated MP heroes have given their lives during the ongoing operations in Southwest Asia. I encourage all in our great Regiment--wherever we may find ourselves--to actively participate in our traditional anniversary celebration to the greatest extent possible, without any degradation to the ongoing war, the defense of our nation, or the training of our soldiers. Here at the home of the Regiment, the anniversary will consist of our worldwide Military Police Regimental Conference, the Warfighter Team Challenge, and the traditional anniversary week celebration. The weeklong celebration includes the Regimental Hall of Fame inductions, the Memorial Grove tribute and the Regimental Review and culminates with the MP Ball. If you have the opportunity to share this celebration with us, we look forward to seeing you here.

As our theme for this year--America at War: The Regiment Responds illustrates, we are truly a busy Regiment, and the demand for MP soldiers and forces has never been higher. We are maintaining the frontline in Korea and a peacekeeping presence in Bosnia and Kosovo, while continuing to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan and guarding the high-risk detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. At the same time, we are reestablishing the concepts of civil obedience and law and order in recently liberated Iraq and helping to secure our homeland in the global war on terrorism. Our MP Regiment has given 100 percent and continues to answer the nation's call with professionalism, pride, and dedication.

I am extremely proud of the unwavering commitment and selfless service provided by our MP soldier--active, Reserve, and National Guard. In particular, the Military Police Corps could not meet its operational requirements throughout the world without the contributions of our terrific MP units in the Reserve and National Guard. Many of our MP Reserve and National Guard units have been mobilized two and three times over the past two years, and we have asked them to place an enormous burden on their families and employers. They have responded as enthusiastic and dependable members of the regimental team and have "done us proud" in whatever mission, operation, or theater we've assigned them. Your Regiment and your Army thank you for your dedication and commitment in defending this great nation.

The year 2004 will bring new and exciting challenges for this very busy Regiment. While we continue our current missions in the far-flung corners of the world, we can't afford to forget that we are an Army and a Regiment that are still transforming and are solidly on the road to achieving the vision of the Future Force. The Army and our Regiment must be ready to fight a different kind of enemy on an asymmetric battlefield--an inescapable reality that is clearly evident in today's streets of Baghdad, Tikrit, and Mosul.

As we face the challenges of this new threat, the Military Police Corps and the multifunctional capabilities we bring to the battlefield will continue to be as relevant to the maneuver commanders in the Future Force as we are in the Current Force. The demands of the rapidly changing concepts of war, stability and support operations, and humanitarian assistance requirements will cause us to reevaluate our doctrine, training, structures, and capabilities. The soldiers of the Regiment, however, will continue to be the key to our ultimate success, for they are absolutely the best that the Army has to field. Our soldiers, leaders, and families will continue to make us proud, and they will continue to be the "Force of Choice."

Again, my personal thanks go out to all of the great MP men and women who proudly and unselfishly serve this great Regiment, great Army, and great nation. And ... Happy Anniversary!