Mobility, Vigilance, and Justice

Mobility, Vigilance, and Justice: The US Army Constabulary in Germany, 1946-1953 is another in a series of military case studies published by the Combat Studies Institute. This work examines the establishment and operations of the US Constabulary in post-World War II Germany. It outlines the planning involved in the early stages and showcases some of the difficulties involved with implementing the command guidance.

The occupation of Germany after World War II is perhaps the para¬digm of a successful post combat operation in modern American history. After four years of bitter fighting, the US Army rapidly shifted from its combat missions and literally reorganized and retrained its forces for its new peacetime role. The US Constabulary in Europe effectively bridged the gap between the victorious Allies and the defeated populace through aggressive law enforcement, border control, and assistance to the Germans in rebuilding their own law enforcement infrastructure. The distinctive uniforms and insignia of the “Circle C” soldiers also served as a constant symbol of the United States’ resolve to reconstruct a devastated Germany and help shape it into a trusted friend and ally.