Posted on Sep 27, 2017
I'm looking for the regulation or TC on MPs standing at attention or parade rest while under arms on duty. Which TC/FM should I check?
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So far I have checked through STP 21-24-SMCT, TC 7-21.13, Military Police Leader's Handbook FM 3-19.4 and Soldier's Manual MOS 31B STP 19-31B1-SM.
I am all well aware I need to salute an officer as per customs and courtesies. Yes on occasion the salute may be delayed as we deal with an immediate situation that makes it impractical/unsafe. The question I've been looking at is while on duty as an MP, is there an FM, AR or TC that specifically addresses MPs and if we are to stand at attention or parade rest while talking to an officer or NCO while under arms and on duty.
For officer safety, I believe the answer is no, my squad leader also agrees with this assessment. I've heard other NCOs use the reason that we do not stand at parade rest/at ease or attention is for officer safety while we've been down here as well. We have not been questioned about this where we are after giving the answer that we are not standing at attention/parade rest because of officer safety and weapons retention. I have yet to have any higher ranks upset because of this, but wanted to find what written doctrine there is on this if any.
I have always been taught to salute, but not stand at attention or parade rest while on duty if we are under arms on duty as MPs, but after training today we decided to look into this a bit more and check for actual written doctrine/FMs that give clarity if there is anything specific to MPs on duty for this. Keeping in mind I did not see anything in either the MP leader's handbook or the MP handbook addressing this. It may be possible I was looking using the wrong search words.
I am all well aware I need to salute an officer as per customs and courtesies. Yes on occasion the salute may be delayed as we deal with an immediate situation that makes it impractical/unsafe. The question I've been looking at is while on duty as an MP, is there an FM, AR or TC that specifically addresses MPs and if we are to stand at attention or parade rest while talking to an officer or NCO while under arms and on duty.
For officer safety, I believe the answer is no, my squad leader also agrees with this assessment. I've heard other NCOs use the reason that we do not stand at parade rest/at ease or attention is for officer safety while we've been down here as well. We have not been questioned about this where we are after giving the answer that we are not standing at attention/parade rest because of officer safety and weapons retention. I have yet to have any higher ranks upset because of this, but wanted to find what written doctrine there is on this if any.
I have always been taught to salute, but not stand at attention or parade rest while on duty if we are under arms on duty as MPs, but after training today we decided to look into this a bit more and check for actual written doctrine/FMs that give clarity if there is anything specific to MPs on duty for this. Keeping in mind I did not see anything in either the MP leader's handbook or the MP handbook addressing this. It may be possible I was looking using the wrong search words.
Posted in these groups: 
31B: Military Police
Customs and Courtesies
31B: Military Police Customs and Courtesies
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 18
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I've tried to do some research on this for you, and I can't come up w/ anything. A bunch of manuals on drill, and even your post on Rallypoint...lol. I think your situation is perfect. When explained, it is not questioned. I would think that the base commander could also come up w/ a regulation regarding this so that it is down on paper - just in case you come across that one person (because we ALL know there is one somewhere) that will want to give you crap about it.
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I’ve always been told that while working the road, you are a representative of the provost marshals office, specifically the PM, usually a MAJ or LTC. So theoretically, you are them. I’ve had SFC try to put me at parade rest on traffic stops as an E4 and E5, and I disregarded. They complained and were to told to pound sand... also had a COL that acted a fool, I had never met him before but was well aware of his position and job, he came into the MP station, while I was the desk sergeant at o dark 30, with a severe attitude and trying to rip my head off. I stood up out of the comfy leather desk chair, and said “sir, I suggest you think about what your doing right now, and turn around and walk out the door, take a deep breath and come back in and introduce yourself in a calm and professional manner or I will charge you with disorderly conduct and conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. Then your boss 3 star will have to come get you. Your choice” he shut his mouth turned walked out and came back in very well behaved. I said was that so hard. I had the backing of the PM and had no issues with further contacts later on with him. He was an a*^h%%^
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Suspended Profile
You do salute when doing gate guard at posts stateside and depending on post regulations, OCONUS. If I run plates during a stop and I get the persons rank and name, I would, showing honor, salute them if they are an officer.
Suspended Profile
AR 600-25
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the answer is NO you do not stand at attention or parade rest while in the performance of your military duties you do salute but you do not hold it to wait for the salute to be returned you remain polite and respectful. This is what is taught in AIT. Officer Safety trumps standing like a target. (That being said if you are in the Company Area or the PMO and a senior MP is talking to you and you are not in danger....id say yes) when on duty you are only answerable to those in you DIRECT chain of command. Patrol Supervisor, MP Duty Officer, Provost SGT, PM...(1SG and Commander if your unit is supporting a PMO)
Yor still refer to everyone as direct in 600-20
Yor still refer to everyone as direct in 600-20
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U stand at attention to officers, unless its one that u pulled over. If its a traffic stop, after u get his/her ID, u say ma'am or sir and render aa life after the stop is done. U render s salute if ur at the gate too. It was easyervfor !e when I was an MP cuz u had the stickers on the front of ur so windshield. Blue for officers and red for enlisted. But in relation too standing at parade rest in front of an NCO, whether a Sgt or CSM, u do not have to. U render th
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SGT (Join to see)
Understandable with the typos. I just got back to checking in on this again, we've been following that guidance but we were looking for anything that might be in print for us to be able to use to cover if anyone does question how we've been operating. As of yet no one has (but there will always be that one guy).
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Suspended Profile
Wouldn't it be in the customs fm and there's a section when to salute
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