In order to gain an understanding of the current functions and responsibilities of the modern Provost Marshal, it is necessary to review the past and to trace the foreign roots of the Military Police Corps.

The modern Provost Marshal can trace his humble beginnings back to Europe and the Middle Ages where the marshal was first a horse servant and usually placed in charge of a corral of twelve horses. As cavalry grew in importance as a military force, so did the position of the marshal. He soon became the commander of the cavalry troops and

Unknown. Secretary of State - Missouri. The Provost Marshal Papers. [online] http://www.sos.state.mo.us/archives/provost/history.asp date viewed: 6/18/03. Missouri.

The original troop consisted of sixty-three men under the command of Captain Bartholomew Von Heer, a professional Prussian soldier. The Marechaussee Corps had the duty and responsibility of maintaining order and enforcing the Articles of War in the often unruly and sometimes undependable American Army. The Marechaussee Corps was the first MP-like organization in the United States and performed many duties much like the Army Military Police Corps of today. (CID, Unk)

Various. 1987. FM 19-10. Military Police Law and Order Operations. Chapter 1, The Provost Marshal’s Law and Order Purview. [online] http://www.adtdl.army.mil/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/19-10/Ch1.htm date viewed: 6/20/03. US Army.

In September 1862, the federal Adjutant General's office issued General Order No. 140, appointing special provost marshals for each state. The special provost marshal had many responsibilities, which included investigating charges or acts of treason and arresting deserters, spies, and persons deemed disloyal. A reorganization of the War Department in 1863 eliminated the position of special provost marshal, but appointed an assistant provost marshal general (APMG) for each state, a provost marshal for each congressional district and a deputy provost marshal for each county. The duties remained much the same. In addition, the provost marshal assigned to the district was responsible for maintaining troop discipline, assuming custody of prisoners and deserters, administering punishment, and suppressing any depredations and disturbances caused by Army troops or individual soldiers. (Missouri, Unk)

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