The 42nd Military Police Brigade was originally designated the 42nd Military Police Group and was stationed in Germany from 1968 until its inactivation in 1992 (some sources date the inactivation 1994). Its primary mission when the Group was initially activated was to provide customs enforcement, working closely with Germans customs officials at local and national levels and focusing especially on issues of procedures and entitlements for U.S. forces involving tax and customs regulations as they related to the NATO Status of Forces Agreement. The Group’s outstanding performance in resolving these issues was recognized with a Meritorious Unit Commendation in 1969.
New missions were assigned to the Group over the following years. After being transferred to the 15th Military Police Brigade, it was tasked with suppression of the drug trade and implementing anti-hijacking measures. In 1977, the Group’s outstanding work in customs enforcement led to the 42nd MP Group Commander being named Executive Agent for all customs issues involving U.S. European Command; six years later, the Commander was given the same role for U.S Army Europe. As of Autumn 2023, the 42nd Military Police Brigade remains an active unit, assigned to I Corps and based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.
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Approved in 1969, the 42nd Military Police Brigade Distinctive Unit Insignia (unit crest) incorporates the Military Police branch colors of yellow and green with the unit motto “Integrity of Action” in yellow/gold inscribed on a green scroll. In the center of the insignia is a portcullis, a clear reference to security both during war and in times of peace. A sword over the portcullis indicates the Brigade’s ability to provide protection as needed (the Brigade has been given the official Special Designation "The Protectors"), with the two clasps attached to the chain emphasizing the unit’s battlefield capabilities.
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.More guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.
Related Items
42nd Military Police Brigade Unit Patch (SSI)
42nd Military Police Brigade Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)