Did you know?

The origin of the term troop has been lost in time but it is thought to have come originally from the French word troupe or trope, based on the Latin word troppus, a flock. Today troops are subordinate formations within artillery batteries and both engineer and armoured unit squadrons. The term troops is also used to describe the 'other ranks' (junior NCOs and private soldiers).


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Further details can be obtained from the DPTC Intranet site.

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Royal Australian Corps of Military Police

The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police (RACMP) is a small, highly trained and professional Corps dedicated to the provision of combat support and specialist police support for the Army and ADF. In order to fulfill these requirements the Corps relies heavily on the skilled application of recognised and acknowledged policing skills throughout the Force Continuum and effective teamwork in supporting formations and units on operations and in barracks. The RACMP provides a comprehensive operational policing service to the Army and to Joint and land commanders in peace and crisis conflict on any operation anywhere in the world within a national or a multi-national environment.
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Military Policeman

The Military Policeman in the Army assists Military Police Commanders in providing command and control support to the senior military commander, and assists the Provost Marshal - Army by providing policing support to the wider Defence community. A Military Policeman can expect to be involved in policing tasks in a variety of situations in both the field and barracks environments. The Military Policeman must be able to operate independently, make ethical decisions based on available information, be flexible in their approach to problem solving and communicate effectively with soldiers, their commanders and members of the public.

Some of the tasks that Military Policemen undertake include, investigations, liaison with other policing agencies, traffic regulation, patrol duties, close personal protection for VIP, assistance with physical security and handling enemy prisoners of war. In addition to working as a General Duties Military Policeman a soldier in the RACMP can choose to specialise as an Investigator, a Military Police Dog Handler or a Close Personal Protection Operator.

Duties


The duties of a General Duties Military Policeman are to:

  • Conduct route reconnaissance.
  • Signpost routes.
  • Assist with road movement and control traffic.
  • Conduct traffic accident investigations.
  • Assist with control and evacuation of Prisoners of War (PW).
  • Conduct initial action and protect the scene of a crime.
  • Assist with the control of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
  • Conduct minor investigations.
  • Detect and prevent offences by the use of check points and patrols.
  • Escort VIPs.
  • Apprehend, escort and detain offenders.
  • Conduct the physical security of attractive stores depots.
  • Assist in the local protection of the unit.

If you specialise as an Military Police Investigator, your main job functions will be to:

  • Attend scenes of crime to locate, identify and collect physical evidence.
  • Photograph crime scenes and prepare photographic supplements.
  • Record necessary measurements at crime scenes and prepare sketch plans.
  • Interview witnesses and record statements.
  • Interrogate suspects.
  • Collates all relevant evidence, present in an admissible form and compile reports.
  • Present evidence to Service tribunals and civilian courts.

Educational Requirement


Completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English and Mathematics.

Employment Training


It is desirable that applicants hold a military driver licence prior to applying for transfer to RACMP. Initial corps training is then undertaken at the Defence Police Training Centre (DPTC) at Holsworthy, NSW over a 11-week period. This is followed by 12-month On the Job Experience with the 1st Military Police Battalion posted to Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville or Darwin.

Employment Location


An MP is employed within Land Command and Enabling Force units, including Training Command establishments. Principal employment locations are Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney and Darwin.

Pay


After completing initial training a qualified Military Policeman is on Pay Group 3. After successful completion of the probationary period and the Service Police Investigator Course, a Military Policeman is on Pay Group 4.

Military Policemen are encouraged to specialise by undertaking further military and trade courses as well as tertiary studies during their initial engagement.

Other training and courses include:

  • Close Personal Protection - Trains specialist military police to act as the Army's body guards.
  • Guard Security (Military Police Dog Handling) - Trains selected military police in all aspects of military police dogs, including how to track offenders and enemy saboteurs.
  • Detention Centre Supervisor (All Corps) - Trains service personnel in the requirements needed to operate a detention facility.
  • ADF Investigators Course - Trains military police in the advanced skills of investigations to then be employed in the ADF Investigation Service (ADFIS).