1st Military Police Brigade

Last updated

1st Military Police Brigade
1st Military Police Brigade Logo SVG.svg
Active1 December 2014–present
CountryFlag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom
BranchFlag of the British Army.svg  British Army
Type Military Police
Size Brigade
Part of Army Headquarters
Brigade HQ Marlborough Lines, Andover
Website 1st Military Police Brigade

The 1st Military Police Brigade (1 MP Bde) is a policing formation of the British Army, which is the only one-star command of the Royal Military Police. The brigade was formed in 2014 and is commanded by a brigader, but is due to be re-structured and reduced to a colonel's command.

Contents

History

Army 2020

Prior to December 2014, the military police regiments of the Royal Military Police (RMP) were part of their respective commands: 1st Regiment under 1st (UK) Armoured Division; 2nd Regiment under Headquarters Northern Ireland (reformed in 2006, unknown history after 2007); 3rd Regiment under 3rd (UK) Mechanised Division; 4th Regiment under 101st Logistic Brigade; and 5th Regiment under 102nd Logistic Brigade. However, under the Army 2020 programme announced in 2013, following the Strategic Defence and Security Review of 2010, the Royal Military Police was rationalised and completely reorganised, among other things. Under this reform, the 2nd and 5th Regiments were to disband and their companies either disbanded or transferred to the three remaining regiments (1st, 3rd, and 4th). These three regiments would become 'hybrid' and 'integrated' police units, each with two regular provost companies and one territorial (reserve from 2015) company. In addition, the new Special Operations Unit, RMP which stood up in 2014. [1] [2] [3] [4]

On formation on 1 December 2014, the brigade was organised as follows: [2] [3] [5] [6]

From 2014 until the 2019 Field Army reorganisation, the brigade formed part of Force Troops Command, with the 1st Regiment supporting the 1st UK Division and northern UK operations; 3rd Regiment supporting 3rd UK Division and overseas operations; and 4th Regiment supporting Force Troops command and southern UK operations.

Rather unusually the brigade, unlike the other formations of Force Troops Command, only remained under the command for administrative purposes. Because of the Royal Military Police's special role, the brigade retained investigative independence from the chain of command, thus being part of Army Headquarters operationally. [17]

On 1 December 2014, the brigade headquarters was established with the Provost Marshal (Army) taking control at Marlborough Lines in Andover, Hampshire known as the 1st Military Police Brigade. [3]

Army 2020 Refine

In 2017, a supplement to the Army 2020 programme was announced entitled the Army 2020 Refine which reversed many of the unit-level changes of the former. Under the 'Refine', the 4th Regiment RMP was disbanded in late 2019 and its companies dispersed to the other two remaining regiments [18] [19]

The brigade's structure by 2021 was now as follows:

In 2019, under the 2019 Field Army reorganisation, the entirety of the army's forces were reorganised. With this reorganisation, the 1st and 3rd Regiments RMP were moved to 101st Logistic Brigade, which was later reverted, and the brigade moved to Regional Command, which was also later reverted. By 2021, the brigade was re-organised into its pre-2019 structure, and the brigade moved under the administrative command of the 1st (United Kingdom) Division. [31]

Current organisation

The Special Investigation Branch Regiment was disbanded in 2022, and was replaced by the new tri-service Defence Serious Crime Unit. [32]

The brigade's structure now consists of:

Future

In November 2021, the Future Soldier changes were announced which would radically transform the British Army. Alongside many brigade reductions, the 1st Military Police Brigade will be reduced to a colonel's command as the 1st Royal Military Police Group. According to the British Amy's 'Future Soldier Guide', the Provost Marshal (Army) will continue to command the brigade. The brigade will see some small internal changes with its regiments restructuring by March 2025. The brigade is due to remain under Army Headquarters for the foreseeable future. [33]

Commanders

Commanders of the brigade have all been Provost Marshals and held the title of Provost Marshal (Army) & Commander, 1st Military Police Brigade. [34]

Provost Marshal (Army) & Commander, 1st Military Police Brigade
RankNameTerm beganTerm endedRef
BrigadierRobert (Bill) W. Warren MBE 1 December 2014 — (Provost Marshal since 11 October 2012)22 July 2016 [35] [36]
Brigadier David Neal 22 July 201619 July 2019 [37] [36]
BrigadierVivienne Buck19 July 201915 June 2023 [38]
BrigadierSarah Pringle-Smith15 June 2023 [39]

Footnotes

  1. Transforming the British Army, p. 5
  2. 1 2 Transforming the British Army, p. 13
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Regular Army Basing Matrix by Formation and Unit" (PDF). Army Families Federation. 29 July 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 August 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Summary of Army 2020 Reserve Structure and Basing Changes" (PDF). British Army Website. 3 December 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  5. "Ministry of Defence Report on the Regular Army Basing Plan sorted by Unit, Current Location, and Future Location" (PDF). United Kingdom Parliamentary Publications. 5 March 2013. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  6. "Freedom of Information Act request regarding sub-units of the Intelligence Corps and Royal Military Police under Army 2020" (PDF). United Kingdom Parliamentary Publications. 15 June 2015. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Written Question, Answers, and Statements: Ministry of Defence: Question regarding the Order of Battle by Manpower and Basing Location by Corps" (PDF). United Kingdom Parliament Website. 22 November 2018. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  8. "Typhoon aircraft relocate to RAF Lossiemouth". GOV.UK. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  9. "110 Provost Company Host the 1 RMP Commanding Officer's Cup at Leuchars Station". Facebook. 1st Military Police Brigade. 1 December 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 "British Army units from 1945 on - Provost Companies 101 to 169". british-army-units1945on.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  11. "Royal Military Police Re-Adapt For The 21st Century". Forces Network. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  12. "Google Maps - Catterick Police Station".
  13. 1 2 "British Army units from 1945 on - Provost Companies 170 to 260". british-army-units1945on.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Ministry of Defence Paper: A Better Defence Estate" (PDF). United Kingdom Parliamentary Publications. November 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  15. 1 2 "Ministry of Defence Paper: A Better Defence Estate" (PDF). United Kingdom Parliamentary Publications. November 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  16. 1 2 3 "Ministry of Defence Paper: A Better Defence Estate" (PDF). United Kingdom Parliamentary Publications. November 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  17. Transforming the British Army, p. 10
  18. "Freedom of Information Act request regarding the Army 2020 Refine changes by unit" (PDF). United Kingdom Parliamentary Publications. Ministry of Defence. 10 March 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  19. "RMP Reserves". www.army.mod.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  20. King, Hannah. "Treasure Hunting With The Royal Military Police". Forces Network. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  21. King, Hannah. "Royal Military Police March Across Europe". Forces Network. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  22. 1 2 King, Hannah. "Military Police Put Soldiering Skills To The Test". Forces Network. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  23. 1 2 3 "110 Provost Company Host the 1 RMP Commanding Officer's Cup at Leuchars Station". Facebook. 1st Military Police Brigade. 1 December 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  24. "Royal Military Police Re-Adapt For The 21st Century". Forces Network. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  25. "A Batter Defence Estate Publication" (PDF). United Kingdom Parliamentary Publications. November 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  26. "Shropshire base flying the flag for military future". www.shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  27. "Army Reserve Centre, 156 Walsall Road, Bridgetown, Cannock WS11 0JB". British Army Recruiting. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  28. 1 2 3 4 "Freedom of Information Act regarding changes to Army Reserve units under the Army 2020 Refine" (PDF). What do they know?. 6 July 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  29. "Army Reserve Units | Manchester Belle Vue".
  30. 1 2 "British Army units from 1945 on - Provost Companies 170 to 260". british-army-units1945on.co.uk. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  31. "Freedom of Information Act request regarding Army 2020 Refine changes since 2017" (PDF). United Kingdom Parliamentary Publications. 18 July 2019. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  32. "New investigative unit launched to handle serious criminal offences across defence". GOV.UK. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  33. "Future Soldier Guide" (PDF). United Kingdom Parliamentary Publications. British Army. 30 November 2021. pp. 100–101. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  34. "Provost Marshal (Army) & 1 MP Brigade". www.army.mod.uk. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  35. "Headquarters, Provost Marshal (Army) letter regarding appointment of Colonel (for Brigadier) R. W. Warren MBE" (PDF). The Redcaps: Unofficial Website of the Royal Military Police Association. 22 August 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  36. 1 2 "Appointment of Provost Marshal (Army)". Facebook. 1st Military Police Brigade. 22 July 2016. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  37. "New Provost Marshal (Army)". www.redcap70.net. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  38. "As at 1230 hrs today, Brigadier Vivienne Buck has assumed the appointment of Provost Marshal (Army) & Commander 1 Military Police Brigade". Facebook. 1st Military Police Brigade. 19 July 2019. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  39. "Thursday 15th June 2023 witnessed the historical moment of the change of Provost Marshal (Army) and the symbolic transfer of the Provost Marshal's Sword of Office. The day was marked by a study day and a ceremonial Dinner Night where Brigadier Sarah Pringle-Smith said, "It is with immense pleasure and deep humility that I acknowledge the privilege and responsibility bestowed upon me as the 44th Provost Marshal (Army) since 1861"". www.instagram.com. 16 June 2023. Retrieved 4 October 2023.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Corps of Signals</span> Communications arm of the British Army

The Royal Corps of Signals is one of the combat support arms of the British Army. Signals units are among the first into action, providing the battlefield communications and information systems essential to all operations. Royal Signals units provide the full telecommunications infrastructure for the Army wherever they operate in the world. The Corps has its own engineers, logistics experts and systems operators to run radio and area networks in the field. It is responsible for installing, maintaining and operating all types of telecommunications equipment and information systems, providing command support to commanders and their headquarters, and conducting electronic warfare against enemy communications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Military Police</span> Military police of the British Army

The Royal Military Police (RMP) is the corps of the British Army responsible for the policing of army service personnel, and for providing a military police presence both in the UK and while service personnel are deployed overseas on operations and exercises. Members of the RMP are often known as 'Redcaps' because of the scarlet covers on their peaked caps and scarlet coloured berets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intelligence Corps (United Kingdom)</span> Intelligence arm of the British Army

The Intelligence Corps is a corps of the British Army. It is responsible for gathering, analysing and disseminating military intelligence and also for counter-intelligence and security. The Director of the Intelligence Corps is a brigadier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1st Armoured Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)</span> Inactive British Army formation

The 1st Armoured Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Army with a long history including service during both the First and the Second World Wars. It was based at Tidworth Camp. Previously, it has been designated 1st (Guards) Brigade, 1st Infantry Brigade, 1st Mechanised Brigade, and under the initial Army 2020 reforms assumed the title of 1st Armoured Infantry Brigade. Under the Future Soldier programme, the brigade merged with the 1st Artillery Brigade to form the 1st Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">24th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)</span> Military unit

The 24th Infantry Brigade was an infantry brigade of the British Army from the First World War. It was reraised during the Second World War, as the 24th Infantry Brigade (Guards). During various designations, the brigade was active throughout the Cold War and existed until 1999, when it was merged with the 5 Airborne Brigade to become 16 Air Assault Brigade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colchester Garrison</span> Military installation in Essex, England

Colchester Garrison is a major garrison located in Colchester in the county of Essex, eastern England. It has been an important military base since the Roman era. The first permanent military garrison in Colchester was established by Legio XX Valeria Victrix in AD 43, following the Roman conquest of Britain. Colchester was an important garrison town during the Napoleonic Wars and throughout the Victorian era. During the First World War, several battalions of Kitchener's Army were trained there.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">4th Light Brigade Combat Team</span> Brigade formation of the British Army

4th Light Brigade Combat Team, previously known as 4th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North East, and before that as 4th Mechanized Brigade and before that 4th Armoured Brigade is a brigade formation of the British Army, currently based in Catterick, North Yorkshire as part of 1st Division. The brigade, now known as the 'Black Rats', was formed in 1939 and fought in the Second World War in the Western Desert Campaign in North Africa. The Black Rats were subsequently involved in the invasion of Sicily and fighting in Italy before taking part in the Battle of Normandy and the advance through Belgium, Holland and into Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military Provost Staff</span> Custody and detention arm of the British Army

The Military Provost Staff are the Army's specialists in custody and detention, providing advice inspection and surety within custodial establishments. The MPS form part of the Adjutant General's Corps and are based at the Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) in Colchester, Essex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">11th Signal and West Midlands Brigade</span> Military unit

The 11th Signal and West Midlands Brigade is a signal formation of the British Army's 3rd UK Division. Its headquarters is located at Venning Barracks, in Donnington in Shropshire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bulford Camp</span> Military camp on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England

Bulford Camp is a military camp on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. Established in 1897, the site continues in use as a large British Army base. The camp is close to the village of Bulford and is about 2+14 miles (3.6 km) north-east of the town of Amesbury. The camp forms part of the Tidworth, Netheravon and Bulford (TidNBul) Garrison.

In September 1939, the British Army was in process of expanding their anti-aircraft and mobile assets. Among these new changes was the formation of Anti-Aircraft Command which was formed on 1 April 1939, and the 1st Armoured Division formed in 1937. The list below will include the British Army units, colonial units, and those units which were in the process of formation.

The history of army policing in Great Britain dates back to the middle ages. However, the predecessor units to the modern Royal Military Police were only formed in the 1870s and 1880s, merging in 1926 and being granted their 'Royal' prefix in 1946.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade</span> British Army formation

1st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Brigade of the British Army was created as part of the Army 2020 reform, to command military intelligence, ISTAR, and electronic warfare units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Structure of the British Army</span> Organisation of the British Army

The structure of the British Army is being reorganised to the Future Soldier structure. The Army is commanded by the Chief of the General Staff (CGS), with Army Headquarters which is located in Andover, Hampshire. Subordinate to that post, there is a Commander Field Army, and a personnel and UK operations command, Home Command.

The following is a hierarchical outline for the structure of the British Army in 1989. The most authoritative source for this type of information available is Ministry of Defence, Master Order of Battle, and United Kingdom Land Forces, HQ UKLF, UKLF ORBAT Review Action Plan, HQ UKLF, 1990.

Policing in the English county of Wiltshire (including the borough of Swindon) is the responsibility of several civilian and military authorities.

Future Soldier is a reform of the British Army resulting from the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy published in March 2021. The aim of the reform is to create a more lethal, agile and expeditionary force, able to fight and win wars and to operate in the grey-zone between peace and war. Future Soldier was published on 25 November 2021 and deals with the organizational changes of the British Army, with changes to personnel and equipment were set out in the Defence in a Competitive Age paper published on 22 March 2021.

The 1st Deep Reconnaissance Strike Brigade Combat Team is a formation of the British Army, currently headquartered in Delhi Barracks, Tidworth Camp, Wiltshire, as part of the 3rd Division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1st Regiment, Royal Military Police</span> Military policing unit of the British Army

The 1st Regiment, Royal Military Police is a military policing unit of the British Army which was formed during the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1970s, but disbanded in 1985 following cuts to the RMP in the region. The regiment was then reformed in 1996 following the Options for Change, and since 2014 has been an integral part of the 1st Military Police Brigade and just one of the two remaining RMP regiments since 2019.

References