USDB MP Battalion

• Origins in the 19th Century: The U.S. Disciplinary Barracks Military Police (USDB MP) Battalion traces its lineage back to the original U.S. Disciplinary Barracks established in 1874 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, making it one of the oldest military prisons in the United States. • Unique Mission: The USDB MP Battalion is responsible for the security, custody, and control of the Department of Defense’s only maximum-security military prison, housing convicted service members from all branches. • Historic Prisoners: Over its long history, the USDB has housed infamous inmates, including World War II spies, murderers, and high-profile military offenders. Notably, Nazi saboteurs captured during Operation Pastorius were held and later executed at Fort Leavenworth. • Architectural Evolution: The original USDB was a massive stone fortress known as "The Castle," completed in 1921. The current modern prison facility was constructed in 2002, and the old castle was demolished in 2004. • Women in Command: In 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Teresa Wolfgang became the first woman to command the USDB MP Battalion, marking a milestone in Army gender integration. • Military Execution Site: The USDB was the location of the Army’s last execution, when Private John Bennett was hanged in 1961 for rape and attempted murder. • Specialized Training: Soldiers assigned to the USDB MP Battalion receive advanced training in corrections, inmate management, and crisis response, reflecting the unique challenges of military prison operations. • Prisoner Rehabilitation: The USDB MP Battalion supports prisoner rehabilitation through structured work programs, education, and counseling, aiming to prepare inmates for potential return to society or military service. • Security Innovations: The modern USDB facility employs cutting-edge security technology, including biometric access controls and extensive surveillance, to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. • Unit Motto: The USDB MP Battalion’s unofficial motto is "Discipline, Security, Rehabilitation," reflecting its commitment to the core missions of military corrections.