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ALLIED JOINT DOCTRINE

FOR MILITARY POLICE

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ALLIED JOINT DOCTRINE

FOR MILITARY POLICE

AJP-3.2.3.3

SEPTEMBER 2009

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NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION

NATO STANDARDIZATION AGENCY (NSA)

NATO LETTER OF PROMULGATION

21 September 2009

I. AJP-3.2.3.3 -ALLIED JOINT DOCTRINE FOR MILITARY POLICE is a NATOlPfP

UNCLASSIFIED publication. The agreement of nations to use this publication is recorded in
STANAG 2296.

2. AJP-3.2.3.3 is effective on receipt.

Juan . MORENO
Vice dmiral, ESP(N)
Dire Of, NATO Standardization Agency

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RESERVED FOR NATIONAL LETTER OF PROMULGATION

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RECORD OF RESERVATIONS

CHAPTER RECORD OF RESERVATION BY NATIONS

General DEU, ITA

1 BGR, DEU, FRA, USA

2 USA

2 Annex A

3 BGR, FRA, NLD, USA

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RECORD OF SPECIFIC RESERVATIONS

[nation] [detail of reservation]
BGR Item 1.3.2.c.: Bulgarian Military Police will support lawful detention
procedures by providing advice and oversight. No direct duties of
building and maintaining of all kind of detention facilities as well as
implementation of guard and logistic activities are to be expected as an
obligation of BG MP. This reservation applies to Item 3.4.1.
Item 3.3.1.e.: Bulgarian Military Police has no functions in participation
of the accreditation process of local or wide area networks and the
provision of forensic computer expertise to safeguard against malicious
intrusions.
Item 3.5.2.e.: According to Bulgarian legislation BG MP has no crowd
and riot control functions. The most senior Bulgarian MP is to decide
upon the BG MP participation in crowd and riot activities for each
particular situation.
Item 3.5.2.f.: Bulgarian Military Police does not use MWD.
DEU DEU ratifies STANAG 2296 with the understanding i.a.w the preface,
para 0002, to AJP-3.2.3.3 and Chapter 1, para 0102d, of this publication
that it remains the responsibility of the member nations to decide whether
and under which legal and actual preconditions they will perform the
planning and employment of MP forces for teh particular NATO
operations. When providing MO forces and/ or MP capabilities, national
legal characteristics as well as agreements on responsibilities within the
national administration must always be taken into account.
FRA French armed forces are not organized as described in AJP 3.2.3.3 and
the tasks assigned to the Military Police according to this document come
within the remit of other organizations in France (traffic units, provost
brigades). The units provided by France in a military police capacity are
provost units which have the exclusive jurisdiction to take cognizance of
the offences committed by or against French armed forces.
In particular:
Preface: mobility support and detention do not fall within the tasks
assigned to the Prosvost Corps.
Chapters 1 and 3: the function of “provost marshal” as defined does not
exist in France. Traffic units perform the mobility support tasks assigned
to the military police. The detention tasks do not come within the sphere
of the Provost Corps ; its resources exclude taking part in this task.
Paragraph 0305.b: (2) Investigation: the Provost Corps does not have the
jurisdiction to investigate local civilian criminal activities. Its sphere of

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activity is limited to taking cognizance of any types of offences

committed by or against French armed forces.
Paragraph 0305.b: (4) Customs: clearance activities through coordination
with customs and excise authorities are not part of the Provost Corps’
remit.
Paragraph 0305.b: (5) Crowd and Riot Control Activities: this area falls
within the national gendarmerie in France. The Provost Corps is not in a
position to perform this type of task.
ITA a. It is not deemed appropriate to grant Provost Marshal his own staff,
either exclusive or formed by units embedded in other branches, because
this would be in contrast with unity of command principle and would
affect the capability of optimizing the already limited available resources.
b. At national level "Detenction Function" is not envisaged as a Military
Police responsibility.
c. In national doctrine "movement planning" is CS and CSS
responsibility. Military Police can support movement execution mainly
by providing traffc control and escorts.
d. Military Police dog units are used only to detect drugs and explosives
but not mines for which there are dedicated Army units.
e. National Military Police assets asre to be intended as information
gathering assets and not protectie assets, therefore they are not to be used
in aircraft and air weapons protection.
NLD 3.4.1 Military Police Support to Defence Operations: The Royal
Marechaussee does assist in planning and advice for detention operations.
In addition the Marechaussee does observe the rights of detainees. In the
collection of detainees, their evacuation, the Marechaussee works
together with the Army. The Army is trained by the Marechaussee and in
theatre the Army is responisble for their collection, registration and
evacuation. Following national policy and with respect for (inter)
national law the Marechaussee holds detainees only for the maximum
time permitted before handing them over (to, for example, local
authorities);
3.5.2.d. Customs: One of the tasks of the Royal Marechaussee is border
control. In that the Marechaussee works closely together with Dutch
Customs, but the Marechaussee does not obtain pre-clearance of customs
through coordination with national customs and the Marechaussee does
not excise authorities;
3.5.2.f. Dogs: The Dogs of hte Royal Marechaussee are trained to help
indicate the presence of explosice materials and/or drugs. The dogs of
hte Marechaussee are not trained to indicate the presence of mines and

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dead bodies.
USA a. The United States does not support the statement in paragraph
1.4.1.e that states: "Unique to the Military Police profession are
specialized police certifications, training and equipment that increases the
commander's ability to shape the operational art."
Rationale. What is supposed to be taken from AJP-3.2 is misstated.
Military Police do not shape operational art; however, they may conduct
shaping operations. Text should be corrected to read 'Unique to the MP
profession are specialized police certifications, training and equipment
that increases the commander's ability to conduct shaping operations.'
b. The United States does not subscribe to the general characterization
of military police (MP) being able to investigate Genocide, crimes against
humanity, war crimes as implied in paragraph 2.2.2.b. which states:
"Genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes can have a direct,
immediate and lasting effect on public opinion and the ability of NATO
to achieve its end-state objectives. Crimes of this nature require the
special investigative skills, techniques and equipment that Military Police
are capable of providing." This seems to place responsibility for these
types of investigations on military police.
Rationale. The majority of MP are not trained to perform these types
of specialized investigations. Within the United States, only the Army
has one special investigative branch of the Military Police Corps to
perform these functions. Similarly, the other Services have separate
smaller investigative organizations that may perform these functions.
The majority of MP can only support such investigations but would not
be the lead for such actions. The text should be corrected to read
"Genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes can have a direct
immediate and lasting effect on public opinion and the ability of NATO
to achieve its end-state objectives. Only MP with special investigative
skills, techniques and equipment are capable of investigating crimes of
this nature. MP not trained for this task may act in a supporting role."
c. The US does not subscribe to the text in paragraph 3.5.2.g. which
states: "The conduct of War Crime investigations does not differ
substantively from other criminal investigations conducted by Military
Police.
Rationale. War crime investigations require more experience and
more specialized training than given to typical MP. These fall into a
different category wherein specialized training is required. Regular MP
may only support these investigations. The text should be corrected to
read: "The conduct of war crime investigations differ substantively from
other criminal investigations and can only be performed by MP with
special investigative skills or by special military investigative

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organizations. Regular MP can provide support in these type

investigations."
d. The United States will not ratify future revisions or changes to this
publication until it is brought into compliance with AAP-47, Allied Joint
Doctrine Development.
Rationale. The publication is not in compliance with AAP-47
requirements. It does not use the standard AJP format and its content is
missing a lexicon of terms and approved definitions. All terminology
used within the AJP will need to be NATO approved terminology with
either an AAP-6 (NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions) entry,
or have a current plenary proposal submitted to the Military Committee
Terminology Conference for consideration.

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RECORD OF CHANGES

Change Date Date Entered Effective Date By Whom Entered

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PREFACE

0001. This publication establishes the fundamental doctrine for Allied military police forces. It
has been developed in response to the MC 0550, NATO Military Committee Guidance for the
Military Implementation of the Comprehensive Political Guidance, and the IMSM-0387,
Tasking for the Military Implementation of the Comprehensive Political Guidance. It reflects a
common will amongst allies to assist the planning process at every stage to ensure the effective
utilization of military police (MP) assets and to standardize MP support to operations. It
describes the primary roles and characteristics of MP in support of the joint and multinational
campaign at the operational level in accordance with Allied Joint Publication (AJP)-3.2 Allied
Joint Doctrine for Land Operations. This publication is intended to educate the wider audience
of senior officers, commanders and staff officers who will be responsible for the planning and
employment of Allied MP, as well as to assist member nations in developing complementary
and interoperable forces.

0002. AJP-3.2.3.3 Allied Joint Doctrine for Military Police was designed with the
understanding that MP support to NATO operations will be conducted in a multinational
environment with contributions from several member nations. This publication is also intended
to assist the force generation process by identifying the diverse MP support capabilities
available among NATO member nations. It recognizes the varying and developing capabilities
resident in member nations and is not construed to mean member nations will provide these
capabilities. It introduces the new concept of MP activities in their combat support role to land
operations. These four activities are mobility support, security, detention and police functions.
This concept was introduced to capture the essence of the MP capabilities within the Alliance
as a whole and to assist the planning and employment of MP forces.

0003. This publication also makes extensive use of the words "military police" and "provost
marshal" though some nations do not have MP or a provost marshal (PM) as the words strictly
imply. Instead, MP is used in its generic form to encapsulate the breadth of available assets
charged with conducting police-type activities. Similarly, PM is the generic term used to define
the senior officer charged with the proponency of specialist military police advice to
commanders, establishing policy and procedures and facilitating planning for employment of
MP forces.

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ALLIED JOINT DOCTRINE FOR MILITARY POLICE

AJP-3.2.3.3
CONTENTS
Cover i
NSA Letter of Promulgation iii
National Letter of Promulgation v
Record of Reservations vii
Record of Changes ix
Preface xi
Contents xii

Chapter 1 – Employment Principles of Military Police

Introduction 1-1
Military Police Doctrine 1-1
Contribution of Military Police in the Joint Campaign 1-2
Nature of Military Police Activities 1-3

Chapter 2 – The Approach to the Conduct of Military Police Activities

Commander's Proponent for Military Police 2-1
Land Operations Orientation 2-1
Joint and Multinational Effort 2-2
ANNEX 2A – Military Police Planning Considerations 2A-1

Chapter 3 – The Fundamentals of Military Police Doctrine

Military Police Activities 3-1
Mobility Support Function 3-2
Security Function 3-2
Detention Function 3-3
Police Function 3-3

Lexicon Part I – Acronyms and Abbreviations Lex – 1

Part II – Terms and Definitions Lex – 2

Reference Publications Ref - 1

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CHAPTER 1

EMPLOYMENT PRINCIPLES OF MILITARY POLICE

Chapter 1 sets the doctrinal principles of employment of military police in allied joint
operations through identification of their roles and the unique capabilities they
contribute to the campaign.

0101. INTRODUCTION
a. General. Military police (MP) contribute a unique, specialized skill set coupled with core
individual competencies that are not found in other areas of NATO forces. Employment of
these skills and competencies are guided by a provost marshal (PM) in support of the
commander’s objectives.

b. Role. The MP, as a combat support force multiplier, provide essential operational
assistance to combat elements and the commander through the conduct of MP activities.

c. Military Police Activities. MP support commanders at all levels through the conduct of
MP activities. Specifically, these are enabling functions that are conducted by designated
military personnel who are organized, trained and equipped using specialized MP techniques.
These enabling functions are mobility support, security, detention and police functions, which
are conducted across the full spectrum of military operations.

d. Force Suitability. MP can provide the NATO commander with a mission tailored,
specially trained and equipped force package capable of supporting NATO operations, from
peacetime military engagement to major combat operations.

e. Support Capability. MP possess a wide array of capabilities, each developed unique to the
needs of their national armed forces. The capabilities of NATO military police forces range
from a single specialized MP member operating independently to MP formations in support
of NATO forces.

0102. MILITARY POLICE DOCTRINE

a. Hierarchy. MP doctrine is subordinate to land operations doctrine as set forth in Allied
Joint Publication (AJP) 3.2 Allied Joint Doctrine for Land Operations.

b. Purpose. Doctrine serves to formalize the methods by which forces train and execute their
mission to ensure interoperability with other forces committed to accomplishing the same or
similar objectives. Doctrine also serves as a means for personnel not directly involved in the
action to plan and coordinate support for others based upon expected or known practices of
those forces in action. In this regard, Allied MP doctrine fulfils this crucial need in NATO
that allows allied nations to integrate, train and transform themselves to execute operations in
the allied campaign with seamless interoperability.

c. Scope. AJP 3.2.3.3 Allied Joint Doctrine for Military Police clarifies for commanders and
staff the principles of employment and capabilities of MP forces to facilitate efficient
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employment of limited NATO resources at the operational level. This doctrine provides the
operational philosophy, establishes a common language and structures the manner within
which a commander plans and conducts operations. It covers the full spectrum of military
operations and is applicable to all NATO operations (both Article 5 and non-Article 5). For
MP forces, it delineates their principles and conduct of their operations in the joint and
multinational environment. It was designed with the understanding that not all activities and
subordinate tasks can be performed by every NATO nation.

d. Military Police Doctrine Structure. AJP-3.2.3.3 Allied Joint Doctrine for Military Police
fulfils the critical gap between strategic developments in land operations doctrine and
existing MP procedural publications (NATO Standardization Agreement [STANAG] 2226
NATO Military Police Doctrine and Procedures and STANAG 2085 NATO Combined
Military Police).

0103. CONTRIBUTION OF MILITARY POLICE IN THE JOINT

CAMPAIGN
a. Provost Marshal (PM). The PM is:

(1) A military police officer (special staff advisor) who provides advice directly to the
commander and staff regarding all issues related to military and civilian police activities.

(2) An officer who may be of any rank (appropriate to the headquarters) or nationality 1 and is
normally, but not necessarily, the senior MP officer in the command area. He may, or may
not, be afforded a command function (dual-hatted).

(3) Involved in the staff planning process to coordinate MP activities at all levels and during
all phases of a campaign.

(4) Invested with the MP coordination authority over all MP available assets, he provides the
functional liaison to host nation (HN) security authorities and any other police agencies
involved.

b. MP Activities and Core Functions. Commanders gain flexibility by employing MP as

force multipliers to conduct:

(1) Mobility Support. MP facilitate movement along lines of communication to ensure the
commander's freedom of manoeuvre throughout NATO areas of operation.

(2) Security. MP support commanders by contributing to the establishment of a secure

environment in which to operate.

(3) Detention. MP possess unique competencies that ensure accountable custody and proper
handling of all categories of captured persons during NATO operations.

(4) Police Functions. MP assists the commander with the establishment and maintenance of
order and discipline throughout their area of operations.
1
Operational experience in NATO missions abroad indicate it is beneficial for the Provost Marshal and the Commander to be of the same
nationality.
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0104. NATURE OF MILITARY POLICE ACTIVITIES

a. Enduring Characteristics. MP possess specialized training and unique skill sets that
differentiates them from other forces and increases their utility to the commander.

(1) Mobility. MP typically possess organic transport at the lowest level of employment to
perform their mission. They are capable of reacting quickly to orders and being redirected
due to changes in priorities or conditions during operations.

(2) Flexibility. MP are capable of rapid adaptation to circumstances and leveraging other
assets to resolve problems and facilitate a return to normality.

(3) Communications. MP typically possess an organic technical communications capability at

the lowest level to perform their mission.

(4) Situational Awareness. MP typically possess a unique understanding of the potential

long-term or corollary effects of their actions. Through the use of inter-personal
communication skills and patrolling operations, they can quickly gain an appreciation of the
operating environment.

(5) Specializations. Unique to the MP profession are specialized police certifications, training
and equipment that increases the commander's ability to conduct shaping operations.

(6) Liaison. Inherent to the performance of every MP action down to the lowest level of
employment is the conduct of liaison to improve interoperability and gather information that
improves the commander's battlefield perspective.

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CHAPTER 2

APPROACH TO THE CONDUCT OF MILITARY POLICE

ACTIVITIES
Chapter 2 establishes a framework for the conduct of Military Police Activities in
support of Land Operations. It also outlines the approach to enabling activities as
conducted through multinational interoperability across the spectrum of conflict.

0201. COMMANDER'S PROPONENT FOR MILITARY POLICE

a. Provost Marshal. The PM serves as the commander's proponent for policy, plans,
procedures and doctrine for MP. The provision of advice on the role and employment of MP
in support of NATO operations is provided at the strategic, operational and tactical level to
the respective commander. Foremost, the PM provides advice:
(1) Pertaining to all military and civil police activities across the spectrum of operations
including information sharing, close cooperation and liaison between NATO military forces
and civilian police authorities.
(2) Regarding MP support to crowd and riot control activities.
(3) On sensitive investigations (those that could impact the credibility of the mission or
receive international attention).
(4) On the interaction between NATO MP and non-NATO organizations conducting similar
policing activities.
(5) Regarding MP support to detention activities.
(6) On possible local police training activities.
b. Provost Marshal Staff. The PM utilizes an organic staff to facilitate planning, supervision,
coordination and information dissemination. PM staff may be embedded in various other staff
entities to facilitate MP contributions as enabling support.

0202. LAND OPERATIONS ORIENTATION

a. Success and End-State. Success in NATO operations may not involve a "military victory"
in the traditional sense, but rather may involve establishing the basis for reconciliation,
stabilization, or the acceptance of a peace plan. These are pre-determined in the strategic
political-military end-state objectives. The spectrum of these objectives may range from the
total capitulation of an enemy force to the reinforcement of a struggling social, political and
economic environment.

b. Planning. Regardless of the nature of the NATO campaign undertaken (peacetime military
engagement to major combat operations), the prudent and timely inclusion of the PM in the
operational planning process will ensure early recognition of MP and civilian police issues
associated with NATO operations and enable the development of specialist responses aimed
at achieving the end-state (See Annex 2A Military Police Planning Considerations).

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(1) Mandate and End-State. Non-Article 5 crisis response operations, in an environment
without functioning civilian structures, demands specially trained forces to effectively deal
with the civilian population. Military Police are a vital aspect of these specialty forces.

(2) Special Categories of Crimes. Genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes 1 can
have a direct, immediate and lasting effect on public opinion and the ability of NATO to
achieve its end-state objectives. Crimes of this nature require the special investigative skills,
techniques and equipment that MP are capable of providing.

c. Achieving End-State. MP contribute to the accomplishment of the strategic political-

military end-state objectives through application of MP activities. The measure of success in
accomplishing these objectives is unique to every type of conflict.

d. Military Police Enabling Land Operations.

(1) Adaptable. Similar to the force tailoring procedures conducted during mission planning
based upon the nature of conflict, MP can be tailored and scaled to meet the needs of the
commander in theatre.

(2) Manoeuvrist Approach. MP assist the commander by maintaining their freedom of action
to strike the enemy at a time and place of their choosing to shatter the enemy's cohesion and
will to fight.

(3) Enabling. MP activities link or create the conditions for the success of offensive,
defensive and stabilization operations by contributing MP support to all phases of a crisis
including the establishment of safe and secure environment.

(4) Command and Control. To maximize the effective use of a scarce resource such as MP,
the principles of mission command should be employed. This requires centralized planning
and decentralized control of MP resources such as communications, intelligence and
information systems that will assist the commander's span of control and situational
awareness.

0203. JOINT AND MULTINATIONAL EFFORT

a. Policy and Guidance. The current operating environment requires a joint and multinational
mindset. MP have a joint capability operating within the prescribed doctrine which
contributes to the overall mission and end-state. For this reason policy and guidance is issued
to coordinate efforts on behalf of the commander.
b. Coordination. MP perform similar functions in all components (land, air and maritime)
which allows seamless transition into joint and multinational operations. While component
MP forces deployed in support of an operation may not be joint at their respective level, in
order to achieve multinational unity of effort there must be a coordinating authority that
synchronizes MP activities to maximize interoperability.

c. Cooperation and Liaison. Similarly, MP are well suited to conducting liaison and sharing
of information with other police organizations (international, civil, and HN). These activities

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help the commander improve their perspective regarding potential threats, environmental
permissiveness and situational awareness.

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CHAPTER 2 ANNEX A
MILITARY POLICE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

Chapter 2 Annex A describes the fundamental considerations for planning of military

police Activities.

MILITARY POLICE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

2A1. Structure. The structure of MP support provided to any NATO mission should result
from an evaluation of the desired end-state, the environment in which it is being conducted
and MP capabilities. In permissive environments, support operations aimed at security sector
reform may dictate a more predominant MP structure than in less permissive environments
such as war-fighting.

2A2. Origin. MP planning considerations should originate at the strategic level, and must
always consider the support and coordination requirements of other components,
governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and additional agencies
contributing to the desired end-state.

2A3. Requirements. During the planning for MP activities, requirements for coordination will
span most staff functions. This coordination will ensure centralized MP input to the staff
planning process and ensure the most effective utilization of what are often limited resources.

2A4. Specific planning considerations include:

a. Air Component. The nature of MP support to air component operations principally consists
of the provision of security and protection required to mitigate against the threat posed by
enemy sea, land and air forces, foreign intelligence services and subversive terrorist,
extremist and criminal organizations. The MP role in the protection of aircraft, weapons
systems, personnel and associated vital resources are the primary considerations when
planning support to the air component.

b. Maritime Component. MP support to the maritime component may comprise an on-board

MP-type force responsible for internal security of the ship and maintenance of order and
discipline. MP may contribute to a maritime security force that is responsible for access-
control to the ship while in port, and in concert with host nation security and law enforcement
(when available) to contribute to the protections against various threats to ensure the viability
of maritime assets and weapons systems. MP may also be called upon to conduct MP
activities in support of amphibious operations.

c. Multinational Specialized Unit (MSU). MSU provides the commander with police forces
that have military status and training, experience and capability to deal with this area of
public security. MSU roles may include information gathering, investigations, criminal
intelligence, counter terrorism, maintenance of law and order, and public security matters.
When an MSU is established, the PM and MSU commander must cooperate closely to ensure
overlapping interests are deconflicted to improve information sharing and continuity of effort.

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d. External Organizations. NATO will frequently be joined by other aid-oriented
organizations or agencies associated with security sector reform or humanitarian assistance
within a theatre of operations. It is incumbent upon MP to coordinate planning activities at the
respective level taking into account MC 0550.

e. Host Nation. When required by the mission, MP will contribute to nation building /
security sector reform through the conduct of planning, coordination, operations and liaison
with appropriate host nation authorities (law enforcement, internal security, judiciary and
prison services).

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CHAPTER 3
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MILITARY POLICE DOCTRINE

Chapter 3 describes the fundamental components of military police activities and

identifies how they support Allied joint campaigns.

0301. MILITARY POLICE ACTIVITIES

a. Definition. MP activities are enabling functions that are conducted by designated military
personnel who are organized, trained and equipped using specialized MP techniques. These
enabling functions are mobility support, security, detention and police functions, which are
conducted across the full spectrum of military operations.

b. Role. The MP, as a combat support force multiplier, provide essential operational
assistance to combat elements and the commander through the conduct of MP activities.

c. Military Police Support to Combat Functions. MP activities can contribute to all combat
functions 1 . However, MP units may not be able to perform all tasks simultaneously, therefore
these tasks must be prioritised in parallel with the main effort.

d. Principles of Employment. The fundamental requirements for the employment of MP

assets are centralized planning, decentralized control, economy of effort and cooperation.

(1) Centralized Planning. To optimise the MP’s overall contribution to operations their
activities will usually be planned centrally by the PM. This will enable rapid application of
support tasks in response to a commander's evolving campaign plan.

(2) Decentralized Control. In order to carry out assigned tasks in response to centralized
planning, the decentralized control of MP resources will enable a timely response to a
supported commander's needs at the appropriate operational or tactical level.

(3) Economy of Effort. Limited resources require that MP be allocated to the highest priority
task and that, when possible, tasks be combined. Efforts must be made to avoid duplication of
effort. Individual MP units are not likely to maintain an uncommitted reserve, and therefore,
support from other force MP elements should be coordinated through the respective PM.

(4) Cooperation. Cooperation amongst units will contribute to the cohesiveness of a

formation and the desired esprit-de-corps. Unified action at all levels of command;
cooperation with our allies, governmental and non-governmental agencies and with civilians
is necessary to succeed. MP units and sub-units form an integral part of formations and units
and provide each other mutual support.

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0302. MOBILITY SUPPORT FUNCTION

a. Mobility Support. MP facilitate movement along lines of communication to ensure the
commander's freedom of manoeuvre throughout NATO areas of operation. Though not all
inclusive, MP support the commander's movement and manoeuvre capability through the
following:

(1) Movement Planning. The MP assist the commander during the production of movement
plans. This planning involves the preparation for execution of tactical marches and
administrative movement of military forces, as well as population movements on military
routes. MP support these actions through the performance of tasks such as: route
reconnaissance, recommendation of routes and timings for major road movements,
sequencing priority movements, liaison between formation movement cells and other assets
that assist the movement function including civilian and host nation authorities.

(2) Movement Control. The aim of movement control is to maintain an unimpeded flow of
traffic by controlling and regulating movement on the prescribed routes; preventing
unauthorized military, civilian and refugee traffic from interfering with scheduled movement;
finding suitable detours and directing traffic over them if the recognised route becomes
blocked; following current movement progress and reporting as required to the responsible
commander; transmitting alterations in orders to columns on the move and helping with their
execution.

(3) Movement Sustainment. MP sustain the commander's mobility capability by: reporting
route conditions; reporting environmental, social, and threat factors that effect routes;
maintaining a traffic control network; maintaining control of the routes; coordinating for
route assistance (e.g. engineering, host nation).

0303. SECURITY FUNCTION

a. Military Police Support to Security. Security is a command responsibility. Military Police
contribute to the overall security environment by performing several security functions such
as area security, physical security, personnel security, protection of designated personnel and
information security.

(1) Area Security. MP are well-suited to conduct area security operations because of their
extensive mobility and communications capability, and augment the protection of critical
functions, facilities and forces. These security operations are not intended to supplant the core
security function performed by all personnel and are supplemented by the conduct of all other
MP activities.

(2) Physical Security. Physical security concerns those measures designed to safeguard
personnel, equipment, installations, materiel, and documents against espionage, sabotage,
damage, and theft. MP contribute to physical security through the conduct of threat risk
analysis, vulnerability assessments and the provision of recommendations to the commander
on mitigation strategies.

(3) Personnel Security. Personnel security is concerned with all personnel-related measures
designed to counteract the threat posed by hostile intelligence organizations, subversive

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groups or individuals. MP (depending on national consideration) contribute to personnel
security by the conduct of security vetting and identification control.

(4) Close Protection. Designated personnel may require additional protection from criminal
and terrorist attack or abduction. MP perform close protection operations that include tactical
movement on the battlefield, specialist security teams, trained bodyguards, security drivers,
and other resources, as well as any other protective measures necessary to ensure the well-
being of such personnel.

(5) Information Security. Information security deals with organizational, procedural,

physical, and technical measures designed to safeguard all types of information, in verbal,
documentary, and electronic form, in any operational environment, from unauthorized
disclosure, modification, destruction, interruption, or loss. MP contribution to information
security may take the form of participation in the accreditation process of local or wide area
networks and the provision of forensic computer expertise to safeguard against malicious
intrusions.

0304. DETENTION FUNCTION

a. Military Police Support to Detention Operations. The MP provide specialist planning and
advice, oversight and surety for the correct handling and processing of prisoners of war,
internees, and detainees in accordance with applicable international conventions and laws.

(1) Planning and Advice. MP assist the planning for detention operations by identifying
appropriate infrastructure and guard force requirements, logistics requirements, and technical
advice on handling, processing and disposition of captured personnel, property and evidence.
As part of security sector reform, MP may also be called upon to help re-establish civilian
penitentiary or prison services. An important planning consideration is national policy being
imposed with respect to certain facets of captured persons handling (e.g., release authorities
and protocols, and the maximum time permitted to hold captured persons).

(2) Oversight and Surety. MP have the technical expertise to conduct the physical aspects of
detention operations and can serve as an additional resource for the commander to ensure
detention operations are carried out in accordance with applicable international conventions.

0305. POLICE FUNCTION

a. Contributions. MP support NATO operations through the provision of specialist law
enforcement advice, planning and training. They also conduct and provide oversight to a
wide range of specialist police functions.

b. Functions. The MP conduct the following specialist functions:

(1) Law Enforcement. In addition to the national requirements which require MP to enforce
applicable laws, orders and regulations necessary to assist their senior national
representatives with the maintenance of discipline, it may be necessary to establish a general
law enforcement support capability that will enable the joint commander to respond to law
enforcement requirements across the NATO structure. During the conduct of security sector
reform operations, MP are extremely well-suited to assist with the planning, training,
monitoring and mentoring of host-nation police services.
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(2) Investigation. Offences committed against NATO personnel or property, reduce morale,
military discipline, and adversely affect operations and perceptions. Investigation of such
incidents is necessary to preserve a commander’s operational capabilities. MP may also
investigate civilian criminal activities when there is no viable civil or host nation police force
capable of doing so.

(3) Crime Prevention. MP assist commanders with the development of an effective crime
prevention plan. The plan includes the criminal threat, specific areas of concern to a
commander, recommendations for possible deterrents, restrictions and curfews.

(4) Customs. MP may be authorized to assist redeploying units in obtaining pre-clearance of

customs through coordination with national customs and excise authorities.

(5) Crowd and Riot Control Activities. This includes that MP support required to help
establish, restore or improve public behaviour requisite to the efficient functioning of
government utilizing specially trained personnel knowledgeable of the graduated use of force,
crowd dynamics and culturally aware of causal events for the situation. When other dedicated
units perform these tasks, MP liaise with these units and may contribute to this function as
required.

(6) Dogs. MP forces possess a wide array of military working dog capabilities that can serve
as force multipliers for the commander. Dependent on the training received, military working
dogs are capable of providing advance warning of ground-based threats and are uniquely
adapted for low-light search conditions in large buildings and confined spaces. Specially
trained dogs may also help to indicate the presence of explosive materials, mines, dead bodies
or drugs.

(7) War Crimes. The conduct of war crime investigations does not differ substantively from
other criminal investigations conducted by MP. While the long-term investigative and
prosecutorial responsibility for war crimes may not fall within the immediate scope of NATO
operations, the consequences of inappropriate responses to allegations of war crimes could
undermine the overall credibility and effectiveness of NATO. It is imperative, therefore, that
NATO operations planners recognize the role played by MP as first responders to potential
war crimes scenes.

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LEXICON
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

PART 1 – ABBREVIATIONS

The Lexicon contains abbreviations relevant to AJP- 3.2.3.3 and is not meant to be
exhaustive. The definitive and more comprehensive list of abbreviations is in AAP-15.

AJP Allied Joint Publication

IMSM International Military Staff Memorandum
HN Host Nation
MC Military Committee
MP Military Police
MSU Multinational Specialized Unit
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
PM Provost Marshal
STANAG Standardization Agreement

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PART 2 – TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

campaign
A set of military operations planned and conducted to achieve a strategic objective within a
given time and geographical area, which normally involve maritime, land and air forces.
(AAP 6)

command
1. The authority vested in an individual of the armed forces for the direction, coordination,
and control of military forces.
2. An order given by a commander; that is, the will of the commander expressed for the
purpose of bringing about a particular action.
3. A unit, group of units, organization or area under the authority of a single individual.
4. To dominate an area of situation.
5. To exercise command. (AAP 6)

combat service support

The support provided to combat forces, primarily in the fields of administration and logistics.
(AAP 6)

combat support
Fire support and operational assistance provided to combat elements. (AAP 6)

end state
The political and/or military situation to be attained at the end of an operation, which
indicates that the objective has been achieved. (AAP 6)

host nation
A nation which, by agreement:
a. receives forces and materiel of NATO or other nations operating on/from or transiting
through its territory;
b. allows materiel and/or NATO organizations to be located on its territory; and/or
c. provides support for these purposes. (AAP 6)

information
Unprocessed data of every description which may be used in the production intelligence.
(AAP 6)

intelligence
The product resulting from the processing of information concerning foreign nations, hostile
or potentially hostile forces or elements, or areas of actual or potential operations. The term is
also applied to the activity which results in the product and to the organizations engaged in
such activity. (AAP 6)

interoperability
The ability to operate in synergy in the execution of assigned tasks. (AAP 6)

joint
Adjective used to describe activities, operations and organisations in which elements of at
least two services participate. (AAP 6)
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joint force
A force composed of significant elements of two or more Services operating under a single
commander authorised to exercise operational command or control. (Derived from ‘Joint’
AAP-6)

manœuvre
1. A movement to place ships or aircraft in a position of advantage over the enemy.
2. A tactical exercise carried out at sea, in the air, on the ground, or on a map in imitation of
war.
3. The operation of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle, to cause it to perform desired movements.
4. Employment of forces on the battlefield through movement in combination with fire, or
fire potential, to achieve a position of advantage in respect to the enemy in order to
accomplish the mission. (AAP 6)

military police activities

MP activities are enabling functions that are conducted by designated military personnel who
are organized, trained and equipped using specialized MP techniques. These enabling
functions are mobility support, security, detention and police functions, which are conducted
across the full spectrum of military operations.

mobility support function

MP facilitate movement along lines of communication to ensure the commander's
freedom of manoeuvre throughout NATO areas of operation.
security function
MP support commanders by contributing to the establishment of a secure environment
in which to operate.
detention function
MP possess unique competencies that ensure accountable custody and proper handling
of all categories of captured persons during NATO operations.
police function
MP assists the commander with the establishment and maintenance of order and
discipline throughout their area of operation. This includes the provision of specialist
law enforcement advice, planning and training. They also conduct and provide
oversight to a wide range of specialist police functions.
(These terms are a new term and definition, are being staffed for ratification within the
context of this publication, and will be recommended for inclusion in the NTDB and AAP-6)

operational level of war

The level of war at which campaigns and major operations are planned, conducted and
sustained to accomplish strategic objectives within theatres or areas of operations. (AAP 6)

provost marshal
The PM serves as the commander's proponent for policy, plans, procedures and doctrine for
MP. The provision of advice on the role and employment of MP in support of NATO
operations is provided at the strategic, operational and tactical level to the respective
commander. (This term is a new term and definition, is being staffed for ratification within
the context of this publication, and will be recommended for inclusion in the NTDB and
AAP-6)
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REFERENCE PUBLICATIONS

MC 0550 NATO Military Committee Guidance for the Military Implementation of the
Comprehensive Political Guidance

IMSM-0387 Tasking for the Military Implementation of the Comprehensive Political

Guidance

AJP-3 Allied Doctrine for Joint Operations

AJP-3.2 Allied Joint Doctrine for Land Operations

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