Although the 210th Military Police Battalion has a lineage that stretches back to the centennial of the Declaration of Independence, a unit by that name did not exist until 1976 when it was formed through the conversion and redesignation of HQ Battery, 2nd Battalion, 182nd Field Artillery, itself a descendant of the HQ Battery, 2nd Battalion, 177th Field Artillery organized in the Michigan National Guard in 1940.
Today’s HQ and HQ Detachment, 201th MP Battalion of the Michigan Army National Guard was formed in 1995 when it was consolidated with 46th Military Police Company. Its history includes action in six World War I campaigns, five during World War II, three from the First Gulf War, and a yet-to-be determined number from the War on Terrorism. Its predecessor units were honored with a French Croix de Guerre with Silver Star during World War I, and the 210th was tapped for an Army Superior Unit Award for the period 1995-1996.
As of Autumn 2023, the 210th Military Police Battalion remains an active unit in the Michigan Army National Guard. It is assigned to the 177th Military Police Brigade and is headquartered in Taylor, Michigan.
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The 210th Military Police Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia, also called a unit crest or a DUI for short, was approved on 2 December 1977. Its green and yellow colors are those of the Military Police, and the quatrefoil in the center is adapted from the arms of Count Pontchartrain of France, a major figure in the founding of Detroit, a reference to the Battalion’s home area. Four fleurs-de-lis are for World War II campaigns in France and Europe. The sword and scales are emblems of Law Enforcement, the Battalion’s basic mission which, as the motto proclaims, is “Of And For The Troops.”
Distinctive Unit Insignias are worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.