The MP impression isn't for everyone. The 4th ID MP Platoon strives to be an accurate & active reenactment unit. As a member of this unit, you may find yourself guarding a crossroads, scouting routes of travel, moving troops to and from the front line & the least popular among the troops... enforcing military regulations. Just remember, we are performing a duty that the MP's of the US Army did nearly 60 years ago. It wasn't popular back then, & it may not be popular with some men now. Whatever we do, it will be done in the spirit of fun & authenticity.
Military Courtesy Proper military courtesy, (US Army regulation - World War II) will be exercised at appropriate times during all 4th ID MP Platoon events. Instruction will be provided, but it is the soldier's responsibility to read period Army manuals covering this topic and others in order to obtain a working knowledge of the military during the 1940's.
Personal Appearance All members must accurately portray a military policeman of the 4th Infantry Division of World War II at all events. To do this, you must have a period, short haircut in which the hair does not touch the shirt collar. With the exception of a neatly-trimmed moustache, (to the corners of the mouth), all soldiers must be clean shaven for all events. Several days beard growth may be appropriate for combat troops, but as MP's we should epitomize the Army regulations.
Military Policemen were expected to set an example for other troops. At most events, the 4th Infantry Division MP Platoon will be portraying a very specific time period during the war. This may include stateside training or garrison duty, patrolling the towns of Southern England before the Normandy Invasion, or directing traffic on the roads leading to Paris. This will require the unit to dress accordingly and carry the equipment appropriate to the scenario. The wool uniform will be correct for most events. The mixing of uniform components will be discouraged; however it will be allowed for a very few, later-war events.
There may even be instances that the 4th ID MP's decide to portray infantrymen of one of the 4th's infantry regiments for a tactical. The specified uniform will be designated prior to the event.
Camp Appearance In order to enhance the feel of a World War II era US Army encampment, modern camping equipment and other anachronisms will not be allowed in public view. Even after spectators leave the camp, steps should be made to at least camouflage modern items, (i.e. place a spare blanket or shelter half over a cooler). If you have a modern sleeping bag or other non-period items, you should leave them in your tent, with the flaps closed.
Participating in period activities such as the cleaning of weapons, drill, playing cards or writing letters home is strongly encouraged. This will serve to round out the encampment, and give members and spectators the feeling that they are really in a 1940's setting. Some activities like road patrolling or guard duty may be assigned by NCO's or officers.
So that a semblance of a military encampment is maintained, family members or friends not portraying a military policeman of the 4th Infantry Division, or other appropriate impression to the era are not permitted to linger in the encampment for extended periods of time. A good rule of thumb would be to visit only as long as the average spectator would. If friends or family come to visit, you may be excused by your NCO to leave camp & stroll around with your visitors.
Persons wishing to attend an event with the 4th ID must either portray a MP of the division or an approved impression that would have had a "reason" to be attached to the unit (i.e. war correspondent). If a member of the 4th ID has an impression other than an MP, they may attend an event; but may only camp with the 4th ID if they portray a military policeman for said event.
Rank & other Information All members must first receive approval from the unit commander before assuming any rank other than Buck Private. Even Private First Class (PFC) must be "earned". If you attend an event wearing unapproved rank insignia, you will be asked to remove it in order to participate. The rank structure is as follows:
Platoon Leader- 2nd Lieutenant Platoon Sergeant- Staff Sergeant Squad Leaders- Sergeant Assistant Squad Leaders- Corporal Privates, PFC's and Technical Ranks fill out the unit
The 4th ID MP Platoon is starting out as a small unit. The above positions will be created & filled as the unit grows in numbers. (There are too many 5-man WW2 American reenactment units out there with all officers & NCO's.) These members will be allowed to sew appropriate rank insignia onto their uniforms, and will be accorded the proper military respect that accompanies the position. This decision will be based on a member's ability to demonstrate a willingness to take on responsibilities among other criteria. Private First Class rank will be handled in a similar fashion. Technical ranks (Technician 5th Grade and Technician 4th Grade) are a different matter. In order to wear the rank of a technician, you must demonstrate an interest in researching a specific role that a US Military Policeman would have performed as a T/5 or T/4. A list of "jobs" that technicians performed will be made available from a copy of the Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E). Those wishing to portray a T/5 or T/4 will be required to develop a presentation about their impression as a technician. This presentation will be given to an audience of unit members at an event. Technicians are also strongly encouraged to collect gear and equipment that would be specific to their role (i.e. tools for a mechanic).
MP Field Manual This document is the field Manuel for Military Police and contains lots of good information for those who want to learn more about the role of the MP's.