About this Unit
The Criminal Investigator, often known as a CID Special Agent, is a specialized role within the United States Army Military Police Corps, formally established in 1918 during World War I to address issues of crime and discipline among troops. Over the decades, the unit expanded its responsibilities to include investigating serious felonies, fraud, and war crimes both on domestic soil and in combat zones abroad. Throughout World War II, the Korean War, and subsequent conflicts, Criminal Investigators played a crucial role in maintaining law and order within the ranks, gathering evidence, and conducting sensitive investigations. Today, Army Criminal Investigators serve as key components of military law enforcement, collaborating with other agencies to ensure the integrity and security of U.S. military operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the U.S. Army: The modern Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) was established during World War II in 1944, but its roots trace back to Civil War-era provost marshals who investigated crimes among soldiers.
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International Operations: Military criminal investigators have served in every major U.S. conflict since World War II, including Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, often working alongside allied military police and investigators.
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Not Just Soldiers: CID Special Agents are a mix of military personnel and civilian federal agents, with civilians often bringing specialized skills in forensics, cyber, and major crimes.
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Hollywood Portrayals: The Army CID and its Navy/Marine counterpart, NCIS, have inspired numerous TV shows and movies, most notably the popular series "NCIS" and "JAG."
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High-Profile Cases: Military criminal investigators have solved notorious cases, such as the Fort Hood shooting investigation in 2009 and the theft of military equipment and classified materials.
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Cold Cases Division: CID and other military investigative branches have dedicated cold case teams to solve decades-old crimes, often using advanced DNA and forensic technology.
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Protecting the Chain of Command: Criminal investigators are frequently called to investigate allegations of misconduct at the highest levels of military leadership, ensuring accountability and integrity.
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Specialized Training: All military criminal investigators undergo rigorous training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and many attend the FBI National Academy or other advanced forensic courses.
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Global Reach: CID Special Agents are stationed worldwide, from small outposts in Africa to major bases in Europe and the Pacific, providing investigative support wherever U.S. forces operate.
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Forensic Innovation: The military has pioneered forensic techniques, including battlefield crime scene processing and rapid DNA analysis, to support both criminal investigations and counterterrorism efforts.
