The 785th Military Police Battalion was originally constituted with that designation on 12 November 1942 in the Army of the United States and activated at Fort Custer, Michigan on 28 November 1942. During World War II, the Battalion fought in two campaigns in the European Theater and was also credited with participation in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater before being inactivated on Okinawa on10 December 1946.
Redesignated as the 300th Military Police Battalion and allotted to the Organized Reserves on 12 February 1948, the Battalion was reactivated on 25 February 1948. The activation was short-lived and the Battalion was once again inactivated on 30 March 1951, and it was during this inactivation that the unit was given its current designation of 785th Military Police Battalion on 24 June 1953. On 16 December 1991, the Battalion was finally reactivated after a period of almost forty years. Its location changed in January 1997 to Fraser and in October 2002 the unit was called to active military service for the first time in sixty years. It would be the first of three call-ups between 2003 and 2012, with the Battalion’s outstanding dedication to service while assigned to the 43rd Military Police Brigade between 2005 – 2006 being recognized with its selection for a Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2014.
While the Battalion is officially credited with participation in two War on Terrorism campaigns, both in the Iraq theater, its final number of campaigns are yet to be determined.
Still allotted to the U.S. Army Reserve as of Winter 2024, the 785th Military Police Battalion is assigned to the 300th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command when no called to active service. It is headquartered at Fraser, Michigan.
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The 785th Military Police Battalion Distinctive Unit Insignia was approved on 2 July 1992. Its green scroll with yellow inscription denote its status as Military Police organization. A mighty battle-axe with black blades symbolizes the authority wielded by the Battalion in both peace and war. A pair of crossed swords signify military preparedness while simultaneously commemorating the two World War II campaigns in Europe. The black used for the blades is the color of strength and dependability, while the gold used throughout the insignia is for excellence sought and achieved. “Safeguard And Secure” is the Battalion motto.
Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. Current regulations do not permit the DUI to be worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
More guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.