49th MP Brigade

• 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.