Just like any major city or State, the United States Army also must have a criminal investigative process when any crimes are committed.
We know that civilian systems have different levels of law enforcement, all with various missions and duties in their job description; the Army has similar operations.
Military Police are similar to civilian police officers, and there are also CID agents that take care of criminal investigations.
In today’s post, I am going to give you 13 cool facts about the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC).
If you have any more facts you would like to add, just post a comment at the end of this article.
1: The History Of USACIDC
There has always been some semblance of law and order within the United States Army.
During the Civil War, any crimes that were committed within the Army were investigated by private agencies with the Pinkerton Detective Agency being one of the top ones.
Major Alan Pinkerton was commissioned by Major General George McClellan to create and lead the first Army criminal investigation division.
It was under the Provost Marshal General, but was not a top command.
During World War I, crimes became numerous, and the Military Police were formed.
Within the Military Police, General John Pershing directed that a criminal investigation unit be formed.
While it worked somewhat, it was also somewhat chaotic.
CID did not perform up to its complete standard because of lack of direction.
After World War I, the crime rates within the Army decreased and CID was not needed.
But, when World War II began, the crimes exploded.
Commanders of Military Police units had the responsibility of delegating criminal investigations within their system and ranks.
In 1943, the realization hit that they needed central control over criminal investigations, and the Provost Marshal General was again tasked with control over criminal investigations.
After World War II, criminal investigations again slid back down to unit level, with the Provost Marshal General having final say.
In 1969, the Army Chief of Staff directed that the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Agency be formed under the direction of the Provost Marshal General.
This was the beginning of what would become a major command.
In September of 1971, the Secretary of Defense had ordered the Secretary of the Army to create a CID Command that would have complete control over all Army criminal investigation.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command was formed and ended the issue of criminal investigations Army wide.
2: Provost Marshal General
The Provost Marshal General still has the final say in criminal investigation.
This is because the Commanding General of USACIDC is also the Provost Marshal General.
3: Only Investigates
CID Agents do not charge anyone with crimes.
They just perform the investigation and turn the information over to the proper authorities to press charges if need be.
But, CID Agents do have the authority to arrest a person if caught in the act of committing a crime.
4: Jurisdiction
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and its agents have jurisdiction over military personnel and any civilians who have committed criminal offenses on Army property or against Army personnel.
5: Agents
CID Agents can be Non-Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers or appointed civilian personnel.
6: Headquarters
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Quantico near Triangle, Virginia.
7: # Of Employees
This may seem surprising, but there are only approximately 2,000 USACIDC employees worldwide.
Approximately 600 of those employees are agents.
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8: Motto
The motto for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is: Do What Has To Be Done.
9: Requirements To Become A CID Agent
These are the requirements for any Army personnel wanting to become a CID Agent:
Currently serving in the active Army or Army Reserves
Have a rank of E4 or E5
United States citizen
Must have at least 2 years and not more than 12 years of military experience
Must have at least 1 year M.P. experience, or 2 years of civilian law enforcement experience
Have a minimum of 60 college credit hours
Other checks and requirements as deemed necessary
10: Primary Missions
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command has some primary missions and responsibilities.
They are:
Investigate serious crimes such as murder, rape, drug trafficking, crimes against children, etc…
Maintain Army criminal records.
Collect and analyze criminal intelligence.
Conduct protective services.
11: Special Missions
Sometimes, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is tasked with special missions.
They may include:
Logistical security.
Protective services for key personnel.
Developing criminal intelligence to create countermeasures for subversive measures on the battlefield.
Investigating war crimes and crimes against allied personnel.
12: Subordinate Commands
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is made up of 5 major subordinate commands.
They are:
3rd Military Police Group at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Commander is Colonel Joseph DeCosta.
6th Military Police Group at Joint Base Lewis/McChord, Washington. Commander is Colonel Detrick Briscoe.
701st Military Police Group at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Commander is Colonel Terry Nihart.
Defense Forensic Science Center in Forest Park, Georgia. Executive Director is Dr. Jeff Salyards.
U.S. Army Crime Records Center located at the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command Headquarters at Quantico, Virginia.
Each of these subordinate commands are also broken down into subordinate units located all over the world.
13: USACIDC Leadership
The current leadership of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command consists of:
Commanding General: Major General Mark Inch
Deputy Commander: Colonel Timothy Chmura
Command Chief Warrant Officer: CW5 Edgar Collins
Command Sergeant Major: CSM Crystal Wallace
Final Thoughts
The USACIDC is the premiere command that investigates all major crimes within the United States Army.
Several years back, I had the opportunity to play a part in a “mock” training exercise for several of these agents along with civilian police in hostage negotiations.
I was the “bad guy,” who took several hostages in a bank.
So, what are your thoughts about the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command?
If you have been an agent or currently are, we would love to hear your opinions.
You can post all comments and questions below.
Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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