The battalion will be a force multiplier to the operating forces in the Asia-Pacific region by assisting in an array of missions from law enforcement, route regulation, humanitarian assistance, nonlethal weapons training and military working dog employment.

The battalion, part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, activated to improve law enforcement capabilities under III MEF, according to Lt. Col. Amy R. Ebitz, the battalion’s commanding officer.

The structuring of Marine Corps military police into battalions first occurred during World War II, in which the provost marshal of the Far East Command realized that as operations pushed further into theater, transporting prisoners of war through the theater would no longer be a feasible option.

“This battalion has stood up before, when the Marine Corps saw a need to consolidate military police under one single command to provide the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force) expertise in the broad range of military operations done under the title of law enforcement,” said Ebitz. “We will do what our predecessors have done before and support the MAGTF with the most qualified Marines and with the best expertise and professionalism.”

During the Vietnam War, units were again reorganized into military police battalions. The 3rd Military Police Battalion, 3rd LE Battalion’s direct predecessor, fell within Force Logistics Command, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, and was located in San Francisco, Calif.

The consolidation of law enforcement Marines will ensure the battalion is focusing on missions that require the skill set of these Marines, according to Capt. Cory L. Holiday, Company B commander with the battalion. 

Marine Corps Bulletin 5400, released in September 2011, called for the reactivation of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Military Police Battalions, now designated as law enforcement battalions, in each Marine Expeditionary Force. 1st LE Bn. headquarters is at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and 2nd LE Bn. will be headquartered at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

“In the past, we have been executing general- purpose missions instead of acting as military police with a set mission, which is why the Marine Corps decided to reorganize military police assets across the entire Corps,” said Holiday. “With 3rd LE Bn., you can expect to see a better product when it comes to sending out detachments or companies when supporting exercises and operations.” 

During the ceremony, the battalion was made aware of the high expectations that will be asked of it in the near future.

“This is your battalion, and this is your opportunity to do something great for your nation,” said Col. David P. Olszowy, Camp Hansen commander. “Seek the initiative. Go out and make a great name for our country, our corps and the battalion.”

Olszowy was not alone in his expectations of the battalion.

“I am going to require you, as well as myself, to make sure that you are mentally, physically and spiritually fit and ready to do whatever the MAGTF requires of us,” said Ebitz. “(And) to do so with honor and integrity as our predecessors have, so we can add to the proud history of 3rd LE Bn.

“I thank you in advance for your dedication to the Marine Corps, this unit and for the sacrifices and hard work which are to come,” said Ebitz.