Hi,
I have had a couple of questions regarding the duties and responsibilities of a Commissioned Officer. This explanation may not be required on this forum but I will post for those non-military who may be looking. I can best explain it like this:
MPOs do act in much more of a managerial role than the NCMs. While they do have their feet on the ground they typically do not have a hands on role when it comes to MP Operations. They are behind the scenes in that they are like the conductor of an orchestra. While Commissioned MP Officers do deploy to areas of operation, they are usually standing on the sidelines not unlike a foot ball coach.
The best way I can describe the MP Officer relationship is to that of building a house.
A senior Military Officer (Non MP - this may be a General or Colonel) decides he wants the MP Unit that comes under his umbrella to build a house (in reality this would be a specific MP Task). He says he wants a modest Bungalow with one bedroom up and two down. He will give his MP a general understanding of what he wants.
The commanding officer of the MP Unit (or sub unit) will take this information a begin making plans. He in essence is acting like the architect. He makes the plans, he decides the floor plans and what material will be used etc. The CO of the MP Unit will likely give most of the finer details to one of the junior commissioned officer under his command to look after. Here a Platoon Commander will start to decide, counter tops, location of the house, the size of the garage etc.
Once this stage is complete, orders/blueprints outlining the details are given to the Senior Non Commissioned Officers - These are the guys who have worked their way up the Junior Ranks and are somewhat seasoned - The act as the foreman of the construction company. These guys direct the junior ranks, based on the blue prints devised by the Officer Cadre as to how to go about building the house. If a window is put in the wrong place it is ultimately the fault of the SNCO because he/she is supposed to be overseeing the all the little details of the operation.
MCpls, Generally ensure that the fellas are doing what they were told to do. They ensure the troops have the building materials they need and that they get the required coffee/lunch breaks.
Pte/Cpl are hammering nails, doing the framing, drywall, plumbing etc.
This said, Cpls in the MP world do most of the day to day Military Police activities. Officers manage the ranks. Yes they are issued with a badge (Badges will only be issued to those with the Regular Force Qualification) and may carry a side arm but much of their day is spent coordinating the activities that are to occur - not unlike the county sheriff or chief of police.
There is a program in which Reserve Military Police Officers have the opportunity to conduct equivalency training to meet Regular Force Standards.
I hope this helps
