ABOUT 720th MP BN
- Formation and World War II Service: The 720th Military Police Battalion (MP BN) was activated on 20 January 1942 at Ft. George G. Meade, Maryland, and served both in the United States and the Pacific Theater during World War II.
- Japanese POW Camp Security: During WWII, the Battalion was assigned to guard Japanese prisoners of war and American military installations in Australia and Japan.
- Korean War Contributions: The 720th MP BN did not deploy as a unit to Korea, but its personnel supported various law enforcement and security missions during the conflict.
- Vietnam War "Bushwhackers": From 1966 to 1972, the 720th MP BN served in Vietnam, pioneering the "Bushwhacker" ambush and counter-ambush tactics to secure major highways, notably Highway 1 and Highway 317.
- First MP Unit to Conduct Combat Patrols in Vietnam: The Battalion became the first Military Police unit to conduct combat patrols outside the wire in a war zone, often engaging in firefights with enemy forces.
- Bien Hoa and Long Binh Security: The Battalion was responsible for the security of the massive Long Binh Post and Bien Hoa Air Base, both vital to US operations in Vietnam.
- Humanitarian Operations: The 720th participated in Operation New Life in 1975, providing security and support for thousands of Vietnamese refugees arriving at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
- Global War on Terror Deployments: Since 2001, the Battalion and its subordinate units have deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
- Decorations and Honors: The 720th MP BN has received multiple Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Army Superior Unit Award, and foreign decorations such as the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
- Current Stationing: The Battalion is part of the 89th Military Police Brigade, stationed at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas, and continues to provide law enforcement and combat support both at home and abroad.