Military Police unit joins 1st Armored Division in Patching Ceremony

FORT BLISS, Texas -- The Fort Bliss Law Enforcement Activity Military Police Company participated in a patching ceremony on Dec. 13, 2024, officially marking their reassignment to the 1st Armored Division

The ceremony, attended by the Commanding General of the 1st Armored Division Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor and the Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Armored Division Command Sgt. Maj. Light, marked a significant milestone in the unit's history.

"The first MPs were created by George Washington and were part of the Continental Army. They're older than the nation itself," Taylor noted during the ceremony. He recalled Washington's timeless words: "Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all."

"We have a set of standards that we hold ourselves to, and that is what the military police do – they hold us to that standard," Taylor emphasized. "This force restructuring will allow us to create a company whose sole purpose is the policing of our profession inside the Fort Bliss community and the 1st Armored Division."

"The Military Police Corps is no stranger to changes, but it is important to maintain continuity during this change," said 1st Lt. Christian Perez, the unit's acting commander.

"The Law Enforcement Activity is dedicated to building a company of professional law enforcement officers that fosters trust and care amongst each other, build cohesive teams, and develop strong and competent leaders."

The patching ceremony, a time-honored Army tradition, witnessed Taylor and Light place the 1st Armored Division patch on the soldiers' left shoulders.

"It was an honor to have the commanding general and command sergeant major to host and attend the patching ceremony," Perez remarked. "We wanted the patching ceremony to be a mark of a new team with a new vision."

"The LEA mission is a no-fail mission to provide professional law enforcement to Fort Bliss and its surrounding communities," Perez explained. "Supporting the commanding general's initiative by providing a safe community to our soldiers and their families. 'It's better at Bliss.'"

This reassignment strengthens the unit's operational capabilities and connection to the Fort Bliss community while honoring its historic role in maintaining the standards and discipline that have been fundamental to the Army since its inception.

The Fort Bliss Law Enforcement Activity plans, directs, and provides law and order, fire and emergency services, and protection operations in support of the military base to provide a safe and secure environment for the service members, civilians, and families that work, live, or visit the installation.