About this Unit
The 519th Military Police Battalion was first constituted on 15 May 1945 in the Army of the United States and activated in France during the final months of World War II. The unit provided security, law enforcement, and prisoner of war operations throughout Europe before being inactivated in 1947. Reactivated during the Cold War, the 519th MP Battalion has since served in various key operations, including deployments to Panama, Iraq, and Afghanistan, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions. Throughout its history, the battalion has earned a reputation for professionalism and versatility in support of both combat and peacekeeping operations.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 519th Military Police Battalion (MP BN) was constituted on 15 September 1942 and activated at Fort Ontario, New York, making its debut during the height of World War II.
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European Campaign: The battalion served in the European Theater, participating in several campaigns, including Northern France and Rhineland, where they provided critical security and law enforcement support.
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Prisoner of War Operations: During WWII, the 519th MP played a key role in processing, guarding, and transporting thousands of prisoners of war across Europe.
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Berlin Airlift Support: Following WWII, elements of the 519th MP BN supported the Berlin Airlift, helping to maintain order during one of the most tense periods of the early Cold War.
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Vietnam War Involvement: The battalion was deployed to Vietnam, where it earned campaign streamers for multiple phases, including Counteroffensive Phases II, III, and Tet Counteroffensive.
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Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, the 519th MP BN provided law enforcement, battlefield circulation control, and enemy prisoner of war operations in Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
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Peacekeeping in the Balkans: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the 519th deployed personnel to Bosnia and Kosovo, supporting NATO peacekeeping and stability operations.
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Post-9/11 Deployments: The battalion has deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, conducting police, detainee operations, and base security.
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Distinguished Unit Awards: The 519th MP Battalion has been awarded numerous unit commendations for its service, including Meritorious Unit Commendations and campaign streamers.
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Modern Day Mission: Currently headquartered at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), Louisiana, the 519th MP BN provides military police support to the Joint Readiness Training Center and continues to deploy soldiers worldwide.
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