About this Unit
The 49th Military Police Brigade is a unit of the California Army National Guard, headquartered in Fairfield, California. Constituted in 2005, the brigade was organized to provide command, control, and oversight for military police operations within California and in support of federal missions. The 49th MP Brigade has been mobilized for both domestic operations, such as disaster response and civil support, and overseas deployments, including missions in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Throughout its service, the brigade has earned recognition for its professionalism and versatility in military police functions.
Historical Facts
•
California Roots: The 49th Military Police Brigade is a unit of the California Army National Guard, headquartered in Fairfield, California.
•
Activation: The brigade was first activated in 2004, making it a relatively young military police formation compared to other historic units.
•
Operation Iraqi Freedom: The 49th MP Brigade was deployed to Iraq from 2005 to 2007, where it commanded all Military Police units in the country for Multi-National Corps – Iraq, a rare and significant responsibility for a National Guard unit.
•
First to Command All MP Forces in Iraq: It became the first National Guard brigade to command all theater-level military police operations in Iraq, overseeing thousands of soldiers from both active duty and reserve components.
•
Support to Civil Authorities: The brigade regularly supports civil authorities in California, assisting during wildfires, floods, civil unrest, and major public events.
•
Decorations: The 49th MP Brigade earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its service in Iraq, recognizing its exemplary performance during combat operations.
•
Subordinate Units: The brigade commands several battalions, including the 143rd, 185th, and 579th Military Police Battalions, each with their own rich histories.
•
Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat deployments, the unit has participated in humanitarian missions, such as supporting hurricane relief operations in the United States.
•
International Training: The 49th MP Brigade has been involved in training and mentoring police forces in allied countries, such as Iraq, to help establish rule of law and local security.
•
Community Engagement: The brigade is known for its community outreach in California, including supporting youth programs, veteran events, and memorial ceremonies, fostering strong civilian-military relations.
