About this Unit
The 96th Military Police Battalion was first activated on 13 May 1945 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, during the closing months of World War II, providing military police support for operations in the European Theater. After deactivation, the battalion was reactivated several times, notably during the Vietnam War, where it conducted law enforcement and combat support missions from 1966 to 1972. In subsequent decades, the 96th MP Battalion participated in various operations, including peacekeeping and contingency missions in the Balkans, Southwest Asia, and Iraq. Today, the battalion continues to serve as a key element in the U.S. Army’s military police force, upholding security and discipline wherever deployed.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 96th Military Police Battalion was first constituted on 13 May 1943 in the Army of the United States and activated at Fort Lewis, Washington.
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Normandy Campaign: The battalion played a critical role in the European Theater during World War II, supporting the Normandy Campaign following D-Day.
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Rhineland and Central Europe: It earned campaign participation credit for the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns, providing security, law enforcement, and prisoner of war operations.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: The unit was inactivated in 1945, but reactivated during the Cold War, reflecting the changing needs of the U.S. Army.
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Vietnam War Service: The battalion was reactivated and served in Vietnam from 1966–1972, conducting convoy security and base defense, and earning multiple Meritorious Unit Commendations.
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Notable Vietnam Actions: The 96th MP Battalion was instrumental in defending Tan Son Nhut Air Base during the Tet Offensive in 1968.
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Southwest Asia Deployments: Elements of the battalion deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early 1990s.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: The battalion deployed to Iraq multiple times in the 2000s, conducting detainee operations, route security, and police mentoring.
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Pacific Theater Presence: The 96th MP Battalion was headquartered at Fort Lewis, Washington, and later at Fort Bliss, Texas, supporting both continental U.S. and Pacific Rim missions.
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Motto and Honors: The battalion’s motto is "Always Ready," and it has earned a Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and foreign decorations for its service.
