FM 3-19.4 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

FM 3-19.4
increases the transmission distance and is located based
on OPSEC principles. Wire communication is limited to
the platoons that can hook into an existing wire net.
CONDUCT MILITARY POLICE BASE SELF-DEFENSE
4-42. When collocated with a base or a base cluster, the
platoon is integrated into that base's or base cluster's
self-defense planning and operations. Although bases
and base clusters are more prevalent at corps and
echelon above corps (EAC), the same principle applies to
MP located at the division or brigade support areas.
When an MP base is set up on its own, the base is
responsible for its own security and protection.
Collocated
4-43. An MP platoon collocates with a base or a base
cluster for logistical support and a means to conduct
operations. When collocated, the platoon leader
coordinates with the base defense operations center
(BDOC) and the base cluster operations center (BCOC)
to integrate the platoon's efforts with the base's and base
cluster's efforts. The platoon's portion of the base's or
base cluster's defense is to help provide early warning of
the threat by area security and/or maneuver and
mobility support in the area near the base or the base
cluster. Because MP resources are austere, the platoon
only shares sector efforts on the base's perimeter. MP
are used as static posts (such as gates) only under
extreme conditions. An MP platoon may be tasked to
serve or augment the base cluster's response force.
Before the platoon leader accepts this tasking, he
consults with the company commander to—
• Ensure that the company commander knows
that he may have one less platoon if he is tasked
for the TCF or response force for the battalion.
• Allow the company commander to advise the
base commander that the MP platoon could
Combat Operations 4-17