Very quietly and unobtrusively a new force took control of the policing of the United States Zone of Occupation in Germany on 1 July 1946. There was no fuss nor fanfare as a brand new military organization became operational. Rather, the transition was affected smoothly, thoroughly and efficiently. The impact of this change, however, was felt at once in the entire Zone. Yellow flashes of color, characteristic of the new unit, became conspicuous all along the Zonal Boundaries and Frontiers separating the U.S. Zone from the Zones of the French, Russians, and British and from the countries of Czechoslovakia and Austria. New and brightly outfitted soldiers in their freshly painted vehicles were quickly noticed, as well, along the roads and in the towns. The Germans, Displaced Per-sons and American Troops immediately became aware of something new.

Just what is the Constabulary, what is it set up to do and how is it going about doing its job?

Late in 1945 redeployment had become virtually a torrent. The American Army of Occupation in Germany was shrinking at an alarming rate. The occupation, which had only begun a few months previously, had already reached a critical stage. With each passing day there was more and more to do and, ironically, less and less with which to do it. Obviously something had to be "snatched out of the hat" to save what might become a disastrous situation. It was a foregone conclusion by now that the size of the American Army in Germany would be inadequate to conform to the original idea of occupation. Therefore, it was only natural at such a realization to change the plan. It was decided that an answer to the dilemma might be the organization of a small, highly-trained, mobile unit that could police Germany on much the same basis as some of the better state police forces in the United States.

Such was the beginning of the United States Constabulary. Could this unit control Germany and at the same time keep to a minimum the number of troops needed to occupy the nation, and thus assist the Army in meeting the extremely difficult requirements de-manded of it? That answer is now being prepared for the history books.

Late in 1945 the United States Constabulary as such was merely a series of ideas. Early in 1946 those ideas had climbed onto paper. By February the organization and plans had been approved. To those who had just completed weeks of arduous, gruelling work the starting line had just been reached. The words and figures and numbers were to be given life. The pre-viously secret plans were now disclosed, and the persons and units that were to become part of the new organization dug in at once and began to give their creation flesh and blood and a heart.

The First Armored Division and the Fourth Armored Division, both of which had had long periods of service, had won lasting fame during long, hard months of combat and had only a few months previously been designated as probable permanent occupational di-visions, furnished the nucleus for the Constabulary. All ten operational battal-ions (three tank, three infantry, three field artillery and the reconnaissance squadron) of the Fourth Armored Di-vision became Constabulary Squadrons. The Division's Headquarters and Head-quarters Company became Head-quarters and Headquarters Troop of the 1st Constabulary Brigade, the Division's Combat Command "A" became the 2d Constabulary Brigade Headquarters and Combat "B" became the Headquarters for the 3d Brigade. Similarly, battalions of the 1st Armored Division became Constabulary Squadrons and the com-bat commands changed to Constabulary Regiments. The balance of the units and manpower were supplied by cavalry reconnaissance squadrons and tank destroyer battalions, most of whom had outstanding combat records. Thus, the beginning was auspicious, for the backbone of the Constabulary was already rich with history and tradition.

Almost immediately, however, the units were whittled down to the bone. All officers and men who would leave for home via the redeployment pipeline prior to 30 June 1946 were immediately transferred to other units. By the time the shuffle of troops was completed each organization of the new Con-stabulary force was down to a bare cadre size. There were few officers, men and vehicles. Despite such a severe handicap, the units, by the middle of March, began to take shape. An intensive and extensive training program utilizing the highest standards possible was embarked upon, and almost at once, signs of definite pro-gress was noticeable. Constabulary Headquarters, outgrowth of VI Corps, began growing and functioning. This headquarters dealt with each of its squadrons directly and separately, but soon the squadrons were being integrated into regiments and later regiments into brigades. Slowly and gradually at first, this embryo of a completely new military unit, of an experimental force used to control a defeated nation took shape, found its legs, and began to take its first unsteady steps. On 1 July little more than three months later, the unit was full grown and working.

To those on the scene the trans-formation has been well nigh un-believable. By its first working day, the Constabulary was a highly trained, well equipped, smartly uniformed, confident and capable organization that already had acquired a high morale, esprit de corps and a healthy cockiness. All this when the American Army had reached its lowest ebb in a long, long time and when practically all experienced per-sonnel had since left for home.

Today the eyes of the multitude are upon the Constabulary. The military world, especially, is receiving its recent acquisition with much interest, for the Constabulary is unlike any other military organization. As an experiment in the policing of an occupied nation, the Constabulary has the attention of much of the world focused upon it.

The United States Constabulary numbers today approximately 34,526 officers and men. This large command, headed by Major General Harmon, has a Chief of Staff and a Deputy Chief of Staff. Its general staff consists of a G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, provost marshal and a public safety officer. Except for a few variations it has much the same special staff sections as are normally found in a division headquarters but more especially a corps headquarters. As more and more problems are confronted, more sections are being added, and as a result, the head-quarters is still being expanded.

Within the headquarters in addition to the headquarters and headquarters troop, are special troops consisting of a signal squadron, a band, a school squadron, a military police company, a car platoon, an intelligence detachment, a counter-intelligence corps unit, and a representation from the criminal investigation division. Attached to the Constabulary is a special service com-pany and an ordnance medium main-tenance company, and in support is an Air Liaison Squadron.

The Constabulary, except for its headquarters and supporting troops, is divided into three Constabulary bri-gades, the 1st, 2d, and 3d Brigades. Each brigade has a headquarters and headquarters troop and its staff generally parallels the Constabulary headquarters staff except to a smaller degree. A brigadier general commands each of the three brigades.

Under each brigade are three Con-stabulary regiments. Each has a head-quarters troop consisting among others things of a horse platoon with thirty horses and a motorcycle platoon with twenty-five motorcycles. A service troop and a tank troop equipped with the latest light tanks complete the regimental headquarters organization.

Three Constabulary squadrons are an integral part of each regiment. A Constabulary squadron has six troops: a headquarters troop, three mechanized troops and two motorized troops. Mechanized troops have already proved themselves more suitable for con-stabulary operations, and because of this factor, the motorized troops have recently been furnished with additional vehicles in order to make them as mobile and as effective as the mechanized troops. Except for the tanks that are a part of regimental head-quarters, all of the operational vehicles are either "Jeeps," M-8, or M-20 armored cars. A quick glance will show that the operational units of the Con-stabulary consist of twenty-seven squadrons, nine regiments and three brigades.

Since the Constabulary covers virtually the entire U.S. Zone of Occupation, its units, of necessity, are widely scattered. Brigade headquarters are located at each of the three Land (state) capitals. The 1st Brigade is located in Wiesbaden, capital of Greater Hesse; the 2d Brigade is at Munich, capital of Bavaria; while the 3d Brigade is at Stuttgart, capital of Wurttemberg-Baden. Brigade areas conform generally to Land boundaries while squadron boundaries usually follow Kreis (small German county) boundaries. Each squadron, however, controls several Kreise.

The mission of the United States Con-stabulary, as stated in the formal, direct and businesslike tone of its directive, is to "maintain general military and civil security; assist in the accomplishment of the objectives of the United States Government in the occupied U.S. Zone of Germany (exclusive of the Berlin District and Bremen Enclave), by means of an active patrol system prepared to take prompt and effective action to forestall and suppress riots, rebellions, and acts prejudicial to the security of the U.S. occupational policies, and forces; and maintain effective military control of the borders encompassing the U.S. Zone."  

To accomplish its assigned mission the Constabulary mans the border posts on the interzonal boundaries separating the U.S. Zone from the zones of the French, Russians and British and on the frontiers separating the U.S. Zone from Czechoslovakia and Austria. Intensified patrolling is done within a 1000 yard band along the boundaries and borders by foot, horse and vehicular patrols. To give further security in depth, intensified patrolling is performed by vehicular patrols within a band extending ten miles from the boundaries. Additional vehicular patrols operate constantly throughout the entire area covering hundreds of thousands of miles each week. The patrols periodically cover every road and check every town, village and hamlet.

Although border control and area patrols constitute two of the major types of operations, the mission of the Con-stabulary requires a host of others, all of vast importance. In order to discourage and suppress speeding which has caused so many fatalities in Germany, a network of effective speed traps is operated with spot punishment meted out to offenders by roving Summary Court Officers. Some of the most outstanding examples of the Con-stabulary in action have been its "search and seizure" operations. Such acts commonly referred to as "swoop raids" are levelled at areas or points where known or suspected illegal activities exist.

After much careful planning, the raiding force usually hits its objective at first light when the persons affected by the raid are still in their last moments of slumber. Surprise is essential to success and usually is obtained.

Still other functions of the Con-stabulary are the setting up of check points and road blocks, operating railroad check points and operation of Constabulary stations.

Check points and road blocks are brief affairs that constitute an extremely effective "spot check." The check points are set up without warning for approxi- mately (illegible) at crossroads and on roadsides and its purpose is to examine the credentials of every traveler that passes that point while the checkers are at work. The principle here is again surprise, and after the post has been operated a short time, and by the time the word is beginning to get out, the check point moves to a new location.

Railroad check points differ from road check points in that they are of a permanent nature and are operated just inside a border. They check every train that is entering the American Zone or departing from it. Both passengers and baggage come under the scrutiny of the troopers.

Constabulary stations are a recent development. They are merely a Con-stabulary office manned permanently by six or eight men in or near an area that is considered troublesome yet which has no Constabulary Troops stationed in it. The station will provide Germans and American troops alike with a source to contact when giving or securing information or in the event of an emergency. (The Germans have long since ceased calling the Constabulary, "Harmon's Gestapo," for they realize that the Constabulary is interested only in the protection of the law abiding and the apprehension and prosecution of transgressors.)  

Continually experimenting, the Con-stabulary, on 1 July for example, took over border control from infantry units which it relieved, and troopers continued operating as all units before them had done. The border until that time had been controlled by static posts which in most cases covered roads. The posts gained the desired results only in the immediate area of the post. Prospective border violators quickly learned the locations of the posts and simply detoured them and invariably found an open spot to use in their crossing, for soldiers on post were tied closely to the restricted area of their post. (It is an impossibility to completely "close" the border.) Three weeks of experience quickly proved that static posts on the border were not the answer to most effective control of that border. The plan was changed at once to make provisions for foot, horse, and vehicular patrols that operated parallel to the border and in depth. The patrols were dispatched at irregular intervals over changing routes. Static posts have not been entirely abandoned but are still maintained in key places and on main roads. As a result, border violators never know when they will come upon a Constabulary patrol with troopers on the alert for just such individuals. The line of demarcation where border control ends and area security begins is difficult to decide, for many border violators are picked up well into the interior by vigilant patrolmen.

The Constabulary has experimented with all methods of operation in its constant quest for the "approved solution". It has tried performing its tasks with virtually all of its troops employed and conversely, it has operated with a good sized force in reserve so that a policy of frequent rotation could be used in order to keep a program of review training constantly in effect, and to prevent the heavily extended troops from growing stale.

The risk of loss in administrative con-trol in favor of added operational effectiveness was taken and small units of platoon size were placed in widely scattered areas in an effort to cut down on "backtracking" of patrols, and to have Constabulary personnel available in all localities. Sometimes before, the experiment in effect was the concentration of all non-operational troops in one locality, in an effort to strengthen administrative control. This, of course, weakened in a certain extent the operational effectiveness. Gaining valuable knowledge by its intelligent ex-perimentation, the Constabulary is pres-ently operating under a plan that combines the best features of all plans that they have tried to date. The end is not in sight, however, as it is contem-plated that at least one more shift will be made.

Much credit for the success of the Constabulary to date must, of necessity, go to Sonthofen. Sonthofen, as all men of the Constabulary know, is the Constabulary University, the institution that gives selected Constabulary Officers and men their Constabulary Bachelor's Degree. The school sits on the crest of a small hill overlooking the town of Sonthofen approximately ninety miles southwest of Munich. Constab-ulary students today study in the same classrooms where not too long ago the cream of Hitler Youth trained. Sonthofen School, originally a preparatory school for the National Socialistic Ordensburg, was constructed in 1937 under the direction of Dr. Robert Ley and Baldur von Schirach, cost $26,000,000 but was never completed. This school is surrounded by the Algaeu Alps, and provides its classes with every imagina-ble facility. Each month Sonthofen turns out a little less than a thousand trained officers and men. The Constabulary's field grade officers take an abbreviated course lasting five days. Company grade officers and enlisted men are provided with a fully-packed four weeks course that, General McNarney has said, "surpasses any previous military conditioning program." The school's cur-riculum consists of four courses: a basic course for officers and enlisted men and three specialized and technical courses for enlisted men - the communications course, the investigator's course and the desk and records course.

Each month, special trains start at the extreme ends of the U.S. Zone and con-verge upon Sonthofen picking up students all along the way. After they reach the school, the students are presented with a course of study that has rarely been equalled in Army training. Courses are thoroughly planned, effectively organized and are expertly and interestingly presented by as competent a staff of military educators as could have been assembled. Subjects include not only the normal military subjects such as maintenance, driver training, leadership, weapons, map reading and tactics, but include a host of subjects called "Constabulary Subjects." These include: passes and permits; technique and mechanics of arrest; operation of desk and records section; interrogation, confession and statements; evidence; rules, collection, preservation; traffic control and accidents and many others. The trooper's education is completed with the study of general subjects of vital interest such as: History of Germany; Potsdam Conference; Military Govern-ment; U.N.R.R.A. and Displaced Persons; International Relations; and German Courts, Laws and Political Parties. As can be seen, the education provided by the Constabulary School is varied and complete. The training must equip the school's graduates to be able to meet the great demands placed upon them.  

The scope of the Constabulary's mission is tremendous. Its requirements (illegible) constantly sprinting with all the (illegible) it is able to muster. An illustration to indicate the magnitude of the Constabulary effort is the vehicular and pedestrian bridge and the railroad bridge that cross from the city of Mainz in the French Zone to the American Zone. On the former the papers and credentials of 25,000 persons were checked on a single day, while on the latter it is customary, on an average day, to check the passes and baggage of 12,000 individuals. By multiplying those two routine instances by many score, one is able to gain some realization of the tremendous responsibility of the Constabulary today.

The men of the Constabulary are not burdened with static commitments such as the guarding of prisoner of war camps, civilian internee enclosures and other vital installations. Such tasks are taken over by the few infantry units that still remain. It is the job of the Constabu-lary however, to contact periodically (as often as once every three days) the town mayors of all towns, military government detachments and head-quarters of U.S. Troop units in the Con-stabulary areas of responsibility. It is hoped that such close liaison will provide the Constabulary with all the information it requires in order to perform its mission. One of the es-pecially bright features of Constabulary operations is its utilization of German police. Cooperation between the two is good and is becoming progressively better. In very many instances the troops are working side by side with Germans with the latter giving valuable service.

One will quickly agree that the operations just discussed are quite a mouthful. What manner of men are they that are accomplishing or attempting to accomplish such an extensive task?

Today, the United States Constabu-lary consists primarily of young, inexperienced men. Most of them have had only a short period of overseas service, and their total time in the Army is extremely short, as well. Although approximately seventy-three per cent of the troopers are Regular Army men, one does not often see men with decorations or overseas stripes in the Constabulary. Many of the Regular Army men enlisted for a year or eighteen months, and already the enlistment is nearly completed for a large number of them. Many are already in the process of departing for home.

What is perhaps the most outstanding characteristic of the Constabulary is its youth. The average age of the Con-stabulary Trooper is twenty-two, which would indicate that a very high percentage are eighteen and nineteen years of age.

Since most men who today are assigned to the Constabulary have such little service, they must receive immediate training and indoctrination. Thus, the training of new men is a constant, important part of the Constabulary program.

It has long been assumed that top notch Noncommissioned Officers are the backbone of the army. "Old Army Non-Coms" are conspicuous by their absence in the Constabulary as in the rest of the Army overseas today, which places a tremendous burden upon the officers and upon the young enlisted men who must assume important jobs without the experience or training necessary to handle them adequately. Similarly, technical specialists which make an Army operate and function are sadly lacking. This has caused a critical situation. Radio operators, radio repairmen, mechanics, typists, and the hundred and one other specialists that pump blood into the heart of an Army are an extremely scarce commodity, indeed.

Yet, the Constabulary today is doing an outstanding piece of work as is attested by the many units and agencies which are in a position to observe or work with it. The Constabulary Troopers have an air about them and a record of accomplishments that already sets them apart from most other military units.

In order to distinguish the Constabulary and to add luster to its appearance the troopers are uniquely uniformed. Yellow is the Constabulary trademark. The Troopers' helmet liners have two bright yellow stripes around them with the Constabulary patch on the front, they wear yellow scarves when on duty and in special formations, and even the vehicles hold their own, for they, too, are hugged by wide yellow stripes. Sam Browne belts, new leather boots and visored caps are soon to be issued to all men in order to make the trooper as natty a soldier as there is today.  

The Constabulary like a young child is ever restless, never satisfied. Filled with the determination to do the best job possible, it constantly keeps its eyes and ears cocked for new ideas and new improvements. During a few months of operations it has profited tremendously by experience. Operational exigencies have found wanting the framework upon which the Constabulary was built. As a result, a program is presently underway to attempt to make changes to the Table of Organization and Equipment so that the Constabulary will be so equipped and so organized as to be able to accomplish ever better the task before it.

Thus, the unit with its well-hidden nervousness and perhaps misgivings with which it started is now well established. Still feeling its growing pains and sometimes overzealous in its eagerness to make good, the Constabulary is making now and again an inevitable mistake. No one doubts but that the Constabulary is definitely here to stay. And today all over the U.S. Zone of Germany law violators are more skittish, less confident, and less eager to take a chance; law-abiding German civilians are breathing more easily; American and German drivers alike invariably ease up on their accelerators as a Constabulary patrol passes; and the Constabulary is again showing the world that an American can soldier without being pushed by a war.

And thus in Europe today the flash of the "Lightning Bold" no longer portends a storm, but is greeted as a good omen, for the words "Mobility, Vigilance, Justice" are no longer simply words or even an expression, slogan or motto, but now represent a distinct policy, a manner of operating, a characterization of the performance of the United States Constabulary.

On our far-flung occupation fronts the horse plays a small but important part in the duty scheme. At work or on show the tradition goes on.

The cavalry horse and the horse soldier, colorful survivors of the world's first mobile armored forces, are still active in one modern theater of operation - in occupied Germany's American Zone - as part of the security force of the United States Constabulary.

"As long as the U.S. Constabulary retains its police function in Germany, horse soldiers will be necessary to perform missions in terrain unsuitable to motorized and mechanized units." That is the 1948 statement of Constabulary's deputy chief of staff in charge of operations, placing the mark of approval for a job well done by the mounted troopers, and pointing up the necessity for this type of soldiery in occupied Germany today.

In the rough mountain areas and forested stretches impractical to the most modern of "unstoppable" vehicles, the horse trooper and his horse still accomplish difficult missions. Where jeeps, weasels, tanks and ducks find the going impassable even to their specialized cross-country abilities, the horseman is still king. He has mobility to outstrip the man on foot - only other practical method of travel there - and he commands the respect of the pedestrian with the authority inherent in the mounted man over the man on foot. He can cover from two to four times the area that can be patrolled by the foot soldier and do it more efficiently.

The table of organization in the United States Constabulary provides one platoon of horse troopers to each regiment. The platoon dates back to the origin of the Constabulary in 1946. Even before the present elite security force of the American Zone became fully operational on July 1 1946, the horse platoons had been planned and were in training as part of the command of Major General Ernest N. Harmon. They were conceived as necessary specialized units and were earmarked for strenuous duty where their capabilities made them most suitable for use.

The platoon is small and compact. It includes one officer and 32 enlisted men. Thirty horses are contained in each unit, all of German army origin, from SS and Wehrmacht units who utilized horses widely in areas unfavorable to vehicles. At V-E day, there were many excellent horses left in the ruin of the Nazi war machine and some of these were desirable cavalry types, trained by the Germans as cavalry mounts.

There is a rating for every man in the Constabulary horse platoon, once he qualifies for his job. There is a Technician Fifth Grade rating or higher for each man. The following chart shows the platoon organization.

The horse trooper must first of all be a good soldier. He must be alert, aggressive and capable of acting on his own initiative. He must be a skilled policeman, a capable rider, an expert with his pistol and other weapons and he must be able to care for his mount and additional equipment.

Advantage of using horse soldiers in controlling disturbances and disorders are well known. In Germany the inherent respect of the man on the ground for mounted authority is even more marked. This factor has been appropriately utilized by commanders having horse troopers at their disposal.

This T/O is still in use. It is flexible and can be varied as the mission requires, permitting use of the unit as a whole or use in its component parts, each reasonably complete in itself.

Advocates of increased use of horse platoons recommend additional horses to provide organic relief and rotation of the animals on the more difficult assignments and the addition of one or more basics to the headquarters section to provide a larger platoon reserve and to make possible better rotation for the field sections. The need for two radio-equipped jeeps is also pointed out since present communication, provided by four SCR 300s, offers only sketchy intra-platoon contacts and the mounts are difficult to carry through wooded stretches or over rough terrain on a rider's back. They are also difficult to operate at the "carry" and are subject to the usual limitations of this particular equipment in performance.

The platoon carries no kitchen section and has a minimum of small one or two-burner gasoline field heating units. When operating alone the platoon must use civilian equipment and privately hired cooks or depend upon emergency rations which are not satisfactory in continuous operations. In joint operations the platoon is attached to a squadron or troop of Constabulary and can depend upon the parent organization for both communications and messing.

A typical "joint operation" where a horse platoon is attached to a troop of Constabulary, is exemplified by an operation near Fulda in Greater Hesse last spring. Here, in addition to the usual difficulties encountered in operating tight border patrols along the American-Russian Zone boundaries, the job was complicated by old-fashioned "cattle rustling."

Two large displaced persons concentrations were critical points in the area. Illegal border crossers with their eyes on edible beef-on-the-hoof were tempted by the considerable stocks of cattle on the American side. The DPs, brought to Germany as war laborers, had little love for Germans but a marked attraction for fresh meat. Cattle rustling flourished as a well-organized industry, synchronized by mock-up shootings and disorders against Germans in one community while other gangs quietly spirited away animals from nearby communities which had been left alone while troops rushed to riot call duties. It was a situation ideal for horse soldiers who could patrol and comb the wooded areas and hidden crannies in which the cattle could be concealed until darkness made their removal possible.

To meet this particular situation, a large perimeter was established, generally enclosing the threatened livestock. Regular vehicle patrols from the troop circled the roadnet of the area or were held in readiness to be dispatched by radio to intercept any point of the perimeter. The interior and "rough spots" were assigned to mounted patrols.

In daylight hours the cavalrymen rode the high ground, scouting from peak OPs with field glasses. From these vantage points alarms could be sent by radio to the platoon NCS or riders could dash to radio cars of the troop, located in known positions. At night the troopers patrolled the low grounds, observing skyline silhouettes. They established night listening posts in more critical areas. Jeep patrols were contacted when necessary and given intercept missions, leaving the horses available for close searching and ground-combing.

The solution did not stop cattle thefts entirely as it was necessary to patrol a large area, heavily populated or infiltrated by potential cattle rustlers. However, it did reduce it to a minor irritation, recovered many stolen cattle and resulted in arrest of several hundred individuals suspected of connection with the activity. Control work is still a necessity in this area to safeguard property from depredations.

A typical operation of a platoon working independently was a Rhine River mission in the spring of 1946. The horse unit took over a frontier of more than 36 miles along the Rhine River boundary between the French and American zones, where smuggling, illegal crossings, and similar activities, largely carried on by means of boats, were numerous. The area was marshy, dotted by canals and streams available to small boat traffic, and contained much wooded area in which border violators could hide.

To accomplish his mission, the platoon commander set up his CP at the south end of the stretch, established a midway point at the center of the frontier and a terminal point at the north end. Each day two trailers were dispatched to these points, one with eight riders to the Midway, one with four to the north point. The trailers were parked and returned with different crews at the end of patrol, terminal points being from 18 to 20 miles from starting points. From midway, four men, operating as two-man patrols, went north and four went south, the latter to end at the CP South point. Four men worked north to Midway from the CP anchor and four worked south from the north point. The patrols ranged along varied routes, staggered hours to prevent "time tabling" by their hard working adversaries.

Patrols operated seven days a week for ten months. In addition to the regular patrols, many of which were conducted at night, the platoon conducted search and seize operations in suspected centers. It built up an imposing patrol log with total mileage rivaling that of a full troop of Constabulary equipped with jeeps, armored cars and motorcycles. It arrested an impressive number of illegal border crossers, found quantities of illegal gasoline, tires and other black market items, many from Army sources, and built up a general record that earned commendations from the commanding general.

So strenuous was this operation on the horses that General Harmon dispatched several additional mounts to the unit to afford relief for the hard-working animals.

Operating without a mess section, the platoon commander established a platoon kitchen in a German gasthaus, had meals prepared by German cooks and operated his unit as a king-size unit. The patrolling troopers carried lunches on patrol, avoiding emergency rations, thus saving both money and appetites. Hot coffee was available at the Midway.

In still another type of operation, a horse platoon was split into sections and the sections were attached to separate squadrons, thinning the unit almost to the disappearing point. It allowed some horse soldiers where their capabilities were most needed, however, and the horsemen covered difficult gaps along a wide frontier.

On 15 March 1947, Military Government took over the borders with German Border Police. Constabulary units took up another operational phase, withdrawing to kasernes and holding squadrons as intact as possible. A belt in depth behind the border was then patrolled with check points and shifting road blocks, and a reserve was always available to be rushed to the border crossing points upon call. With this phase entered and the heavy patrol schedule reduced along the zonal boundaries, the work of the horse platoons was lightened and some were withdrawn for "palace guard" work and training at large headquarters establishments. One of these is the superbly trained platoon attached to the crack 16th Squadron in Berlin. It is widely used in honor guard duties and lends color and pomp to ceremonies in the quadripartite capital.

However the platoon carries its full share in responsibilities of the 16th Squadron which has the twofold mission of maintaining security in the American sector of Berlin and of patrolling the 75-mile stretch of the Autobahn and its feeder roads between Berlin and Helmstedt.

Another outstanding platoon is the swank 15th Regiment horse unit currently assigned to Constabulary Headquarters in Heidelberg. The platoon continues a strenuous training schedule in addition to its special events calendar. Drill is held daily with "jumping" twice a week. One successful horse show, featuring the platoon's jumps and precision drill, was held in October and more are planned.

Rotation of the horse units provides variety, and places the horse soldiers where they are most needed. These assignments are not based primarily upon organic assignment, however. For example, when the 15th Regiment sent its platoon to Constabulary Headquarters to succeed the second platoon which had been there, the 15th Regiment drew the 6th Regiment's platoon for operations and the 6th was assigned the platoon of the 11th Regiment which had an area where horses were not critical.

The 14th Regiment's platoon which will hold its second Organizational Day on July 1, 1948, is currently in operation around Kassel and Fulda in Northern Hesse. It assists in maintaining Russian-American border security and cooperates closely with the German Border Police there. This platoon rolls up a daily patrol average of some 100 miles, operates check points and road blocks, runs a daily train check and is charged with checking DP installations there.

The 11th Regiment, before March 15, 1947, operated the Czechoslovakian border and, to cover "blind" spots, accessible to horses, divided its platoon into sections and attached these sections on a squadron basis. The first section was attached to the Eighth Squadron and patrolled 8,000 miles in six months of operations, in addition to conducting raids. One of these, a swoop on a border hotel in an isolated spot, resulted in the arrest of 46 persons involved in illegal border crossing activities.

The second section operated with the 94th Squadron and was based in a ski lodge at Silberhuette, formerly the recreation center for SS troopers who had charge of Flossenberg Concentration Camp. The third section was attached to the 51st Squadron and patrolled its rough sections of border from a base at Haidmuehle. All sections did excellent work.

The number of horse soldiers in the American Zone today is not large - less than 200 enlisted men. Their job has never been soft. It was made more difficult by mounts trained in the German manner and understanding only German commands, but it has been a prized assignment and much sought after by Constabulary men who could qualify.

Selection of horse troopers is based upon keen competition and survival of the fittest. Best type soldiers with experience in handling horses are given priority and for each request from units, three men are usually sent to compete for the vacancy. The best of these are retained, others with promise might be given extra training as prospective cavalry replacements.

Esprit de Corps in the horse platoons is high. The horse soldiers believe they are good and the record of operations prove it.

An earlier article in the MILITARY REVIEW discussed the history, organization, and operation of the United States Constabulary from the time of its inception in early 1946 until the end of the first 6-months' period of operation. Many changes have taken place since then to affect the structure and operations of the Lightningbolt force. However, the name, primary mission, distinctive uniform, and insignia remain as in the past. The purpose of this article is to bring readers up-to-date.

Personnel and Organization

Early in 1947, the redeployment of enlisted men took on large proportions and no compensating shipments of replacements arrived from the Zone of Interior. As a result, the Constabulary found itself greatly understrength. In order to alleviate this situation, it was decided to make one troop in each squadron inoperative, retaining four line troops and a headquarters troop as the basic organization of the squadron. In addition, the light tank troops, which had been organic in all regiments, were inactivated. The reduction of line troops to four per squadron was in line with a new table of organization for which early War Department approval was anticipated.

A heavy burden fell on the Constabulary in January 1947, when the headquarters took over the functions of the Third United States Army and many Third Army tasks became its responsibility. During February, the headquarters moved from Bamberg to Heidelberg, which had been Third Army head-quarters. Third Army in Europe phased out on 15 March 1947, and Constabulary headquarters returned to full-time duty on its primary mission.

A general Theater reorganization took place during this same period. Certain administrative functions, previously performed by the Base Sections, were now concentrated under newly organized units, the Military Posts. Constabulary Headquarters functioned as headquarters of the Second District of Military Posts, the 1st Infantry Division serving as headquarters of the First District. The dividing line between the First and Second Military Districts was the geographical boundary between the German states of Bavaria (First District) and Hesse and Wurttemberg-Baden (Second District). It is to be noted that no such dividing line existed between the area of the United States Constabulary and the 1st Infantry Division as far as their respective primary functions were concerned. This additional task remained with Constabulary Headquarters until the Districts were phased out in the spring of 1948 and the Military Posts were placed directly under the European Command (EUCOM).

In the spring of 1947, the Theater received a cut in troop strength, and the Constabulary had to absorb its share. The Constabulary was called on to submit a new table of organization, based on a reduced troop ceiling. The plan which was put into effect provided for a substantial decrease in the number of units within the Constabulary. One brigade was eliminated, leaving a total of two. Four regiments were deactivated, leaving five. Of 27 squadrons, 11 were deactivated, leaving 16. These major changes in organization were put into effect in several phases, beginning 1 July 1947. In order to retain units by historical precedence, a general renumbering process ensued which shifted numerical designations from squadron to squadron. The only squadron un-affected by this change was the 1st (Blackhawk) Squadron, a direct descendent of the famous 1st Cavalry Regiment.

Under the revised organization, the 1st Brigade controlled the same area as the Second Military District (states of Hesse and Wurttemberg-Baden) and the 2d Brigade, the area of the First Military District (state of Bavaria). The reorganization did not entail any change in the operational mission of the Constabulary. This mission was to "maintain general military and civilian security; assist in the accomplishment of the objectives of the United States Government in the occupied US Zone of Germany (exclusive of the Berlin District and Bremen Enclave) by means of an active patrol system prepared to take prompt and effective action to forestall and suppress riots, rebellions, and acts prejudical to the security of the US occupational policies and forces; and maintain effective military control of the borders encompassing the US Zone."

Of the five remaining regiments one, the 2d, was concentrated in a single location. A light tank troop was reactivated for it and a recoilless rifle troop added. The squadrons of the other four regiments were located in different towns with specific operational areas assigned to each. The four remaining line troops in each squadron were all organized alike as mechanized troops, thus eliminating the motorized troops which existed formerly.

Generally, this organization remained unchanged until a "remanning table" was published in April 1948. This provided for a reorganization of all line troops without making any changes in major items of equipment. The reason of this reorganization was the fact that the role of the Constabulary in the Army of Occupation had begun to change. During the first year and a half of its existence, the Constabulary was primarily a police force. Now the emphasis was shifted to a purely military mission which required changes in training, planning, and organization. Under the remanning table, the line troop was composed of troop headquarters and line platoons of reconnaissance, rifle, and weapons type. Each reconnaissance platoon consisted of identical sections of ¼-ton trucks and M-8s. The rifle platoons comprised rifle squads, riding in 2½-ton trucks, and light machine-gun sections of two squads each. The weapons platoons comprised mortar squads and recoilless rifle sections. New weapons, in addition to the recoilless rifles, included the rocket launcher and rifle grenade launcher.

The practice of arming each trooper with a pistol, in addition to a second individual weapon such as a rifle or a submachine gun, was discontinued under the remanning table. Only one weapon to a man was the new basis of individual arming. Mortars, rocket launchers, and grenade launchers were also authorized for all headquarters and special troops.

Constabulary Headquarters was forced to move from Heidelberg to Stuttgart in February 1948, to make way for Headquarters, EUCOM, which gave up Frankfurt to the Bi-zonal Administration.

With the ever-decreasing need for a special-type police force in the European Command, the summer of 1948 found the Constabulary undergoing still another reorganization. This time, the changes were radical. Regiments were reorganized as armored cavalry. One regiment remains concentrated in one location; the others are reinforced by Constabulary squadrons, as previously organized. These remaining Constabulary squadrons do whatever police work needs to be done while the armored cavalry units concentrate on training.

The new armored cavalry regiments are organized generally under Department of the Army tables. This latest reorganization was accomplished during the summer and fall of 1948 but was not officially affected by general orders until 20 December. On that date, the first announcement of the changes was released to the press.

Under this latest plan, the brigades assume functions comparable to those of a combat command in the armored division, and the brigade headquarters have been reorganized to fit this new function. In due time, it is anticipated that special troops assigned to the Constabulary will be attached to the brigades. As of the early part of 1949, the following special units are organic in the Constabulary: a field artillery group with 4 battalions; 2 engineer combat battalions (1 of which was the first Negro Constabulary unit); several smaller engineer units; ordnance maintenance and truck outfits as well as one horse troop.

Operations

Operational tasks have changed with the peaceful and almost uneventful progress of the occupation. No civil disorders have materialized, the German population has shown no animosity toward the United States Occupation Forces, and, generally, the German police forces have assumed responsibility for internal security to such an extent that Constabulary operations could be materially curtailed. Ever since the reorganization effected during mid-1947, the emphasis of Constabulary operations has been on intelligence collection and liaison with other agencies, such as Counter Intelligence Corps, Criminal Investigation Division, Military Government, and German police. Occasional patrols show the German populace that the Lightningbolt force is still around.

The gradual withdrawal from intensive operations began in early 1947, when a Theater directive indicated the Theater Commander's desire that all military units occupy former German military installations (kasernes) and, wherever feasible, withdraw from large, overcrowded German cities. This resulted in a progressive concentration of Constabulary units until all were entirely consolidated by squadron, except for a few small detachments on border posts and other special places.

A very unexpected and pleasing accompaniment of these withdrawals from many locations were the many complaints from the population over the disappearance of the Constabulary men. Many a German felt, and many officials expressed it openly and officially, that the departure of the yellow-scarved troopers had given encouragement to criminal elements.

Similarly, of course, many a Military Government liaison and security officer requested that the Constabulary return to his area to assist him and the German law-enforcement agencies in maintaining low crime rates and generally in giving everyone a feeling of security. Since the Theater Commander's policy was and is to hand the internal functions back to the Germans, none of these calls for return were granted.

The zonal border security functions which the Constabulary assumed at the beginning of its operations were turned over to the German border police forces during the fall of 1947. The Germans were given the responsibility for keeping illegal crossings of the border to a minimum. Allied personnel alone remained the responsibility of the Con-stabulary, since the German police have not as yet been given authority over them. With the complete opening of the British and French interzonal boundaries during 1948, the last remaining Constabulary border posts there were withdrawn. Only on the Russian border are permanent check points for Allies maintained. A few "international trains," operating across national borders, are still spot-checked by the troopers to collect information on the effectiveness and efficiency of German controls.

During 1946 and 1947, the Constabulary made a continuous effort to help German law-enforcement agencies to regain their operational know-how and prestige, which they had lost while operating as stooges for Hitler's Third Reich. This was accomplished by joint patrols with German police, by having German police present at check points, and by loaning them equipment, such as vehicles and radios. While no specific orders have been issued discontinuing this practice, it was found no longer necessary, since the German police agencies have become more and more self-sufficient. The equipment, as well as the personnel available to them, has improved in quality and quantity to an extent where the German police are not dependent on Constabulary assistance any longer. At the present time, the tendency is to turn over some of the US Zone internal security responsibility, formerly belonging exclusively to the Constabulary, to the Military Posts who have military police and service troops at their disposal to cope with any civil disorders. The tendency is clearly a return of the Constabulary to "normal" military duties.

Many observers attribute the uneventful and smooth execution of the occupation to the Constabulary's operations. If it had not been for the preventive actions of the Con-stabulary during 1946 and 1947, for their ever-active patrols, their effective intelligence collection, and their close liaison with local authorities, the internal situation in the US Zone of Germany might well have been entirely different. It is difficult, if not impossible, to fully assess the actual effect of the Constabulary. However, in fairness to the tremendous effort made by the Constabulary, this speculation should be part of the record.

During a typical month in 1946 and 1947, anywhere from 400,000 to 1,000,000 miles were travelled by foot, motorcycle, horse, and vehicular patrols of the Constabulary. From 8,000 to 15,000 road blocks were established, and from 1,500 to 2,700 L-5 liaison plane missions were flown. These operations were accomplished from more than 200 stations. Today, all Constabulary units occupy only about 20 locations.

As in its early days, the Constabulary is still being used for unusual missions. At one time, two full squadrons were employed in a 2-day operation to comb an area for a large number of AWOL soldiers known to be in hiding. A brigade headquarters was charged with this mission, since the area involved covered two different regimental zones. Close coordination with German police, CIC, and Military Government was effected and the mission executed without incident.

During a recent search for a murderer, the entire Constabulary was employed, setting up road blocks and check points throughout the US Zone to apprehend the criminal.

Check and search operations to clean out known areas of crime are still undertaken occasionally. Anything from wanted persons to large stocks of "black market" goods and weapons are the usual results of these well-planned operations.

Prior to the issue of the new German currency, the Constabulary played a vital part in the distribution of the money. First, under Top Secret orders, details were called to Frankfurt at irregular intervals to assist in the transport of the boxes containing the money from the train to the vaults of a bank. To avoid security breaches, no officer or enlisted man was employed on these operations more than once. After the 24,000 boxes were safely deposited, over a period of several months, the task of distributing them again was tossed into the Constabulary's lap. Due to the geographical proximity of one of the brigade headquarters, the task was turned over to the brigade. The planning was difficult because of the Top Secret classification of the operation and the many agencies involved. Military Government was in overall charge. French and British military and civilian agencies participated. The US Army Transportation Corps was committed to furnish the truck transportation. An infantry regiment supplied the labor for the stevedoring. Military Police units furnished local security. All of these, as well as housekeeping units, had to cooperate during the planning stage. The operation was executed smoothly and efficiently, the Constabulary employing a total of 200 "jeeps," 100 officers, and 500 enlisted men. A total of some 50 convoys were organized in Frankfurt and dispatched throughout the occupied areas. Every Constabulary vehicle involved was equipped with a machine gun and every convoy had a minimum of two radio sets. (Illegible) attached to the Constabulary established check points for the convoys on the roads. Some 50 L-5 airplanes furnished an air umbrella day and night, communicating by radio or flags with the convoys to determine whether they had encountered any trouble.

Several times, the Constabulary has been called upon to assist in searches for lost aircraft. Its ready availability, great mobility, and fine communications facilities lend themselves well to special missions of this type.

Training

As the concentration of Constabulary squadrons commenced early in 1947 and the emphasis began to shift from police work to military training, the life of the average trooper underwent decisive changes. In the past, he had spent the bulk of his time on patrols, or at check points, speed traps, and other locations. Now he began to receive an ever-increasing amount of training. For a long time, due to the large turnover in personnel, the training was concentrated on perfecting the individual soldier. Basic subjects were repeated again and again, with emphasis on weapons firing.

Later, with the introduction of a training program for all Constabulary reinforcements, small unit training was initiated and successfully carried out. In the fall of 1947, the platoon was declared the basic training unit, with only occasional work under troop and squadron control. The reason for this was mainly the decision on the part of the commanding general that junior officers and non-commissioned officers of all grades needed the training in their jobs as commanders and leaders.

Not until the spring of 1948 did the Constabulary attempt major unit tactical training. Troop exercises were conducted in which both reconnaissance (cavalry) and dismounted (infantry) problems were executed. Units of troop size also were ordered into the field for periods of 1 to 2 weeks to become accustomed to field life and to carry out troop problems. The results of this training cycle were very gratifying. Along with the tactical improvements in all units, an increase in morale was noted throughout. Reenlistment figures went up, and deficiency reports went down. During the summer months, most elements of the Constabulary participated in field maneuvers of from 1 to 3 months' duration at Grafenwohr, one of the former German Army's largest maneuver areas. Several joint exercises, from CPX's to full-scale maneuvers, were held with the 1st Infantry Division, which spent the entire summer there.

With the 1948 reorganization to armored cavalry accomplished, the divergencies in tactical doctrine which existed during the early days were bound to disappear. With a non-standard type of unit under the command of officers of all ground force branches, there used to be a good deal of disagreement as to how to employ the mechanized troops of the Constabulary with their ¼-ton and M-8 vehicles. Some units employed their outfits dismounted, others used armored cavalry tactics, still others developed a doctrine all their own. The new armored cavalry type of organization eliminated this problem.

Of course, a period of retraining was needed to acquaint officers and men with their new equipment and indoctrinate them with armored cavalry tactics. All regiments operated tank training centers during the retraining phase, which will be climaxed during the maneuver season at Grafenwohr this year.

Intelligence

Since the Constabulary is the only major force in the European Command whose units are spread throughout the US Zone of Occupation, with area security responsibility for the entire zone, it is in a better position than other units to collect zone-wide intelligence and to evaluate it. The intelligence net established by the Constabulary is exemplary, and its intelligence reports are of the greatest value to the Theater G-2. There are intelligence NCO's in each line company to keep the men "intelligence-conscious" at all times. Weekly classes on intelligence are prescribed to impress constantly on the troops that each of them is a potential agent. In addition to organic personnel, the Constabulary has various intelligence agencies attached to it. Through daily spot reports, as well as weekly intelligence summaries and other periodic publications from all regiments, the intelligence net functions uninterruptedly.

Whenever special conditions indicate particular areas of intelligence interest, the flexible system of coverage is adjusted to concentrate on the desired spot, and appropriate measures are taken to cope with the situation. Thus, for example, reports may indicate unrest among the population in certain towns. As a result, a show of force of armored vehicles will quickly and effectively quiet the restless populace. When strikes occur or undesirable political activities increase, intelligence agents are concentrated and the frequency of reports is stepped up. Thus, by one means or another, the Constabulary keeps abreast of any activities in the zone which may threaten internal security.

The Constabulary School

The Constabulary School at Sonthofen undertook the teaching of non-Constabulary subjects and of non-Constabulary students during 1947. In the early days, the School devoted itself entirely to improving the standards of officers and enlisted men specifically for Constabulary work. Later, it took up general subjects, such as courses under War Department Circular No. 9, a Military Police course, and various other subjects, but in June 1948, the School was closed and became available for the headquarters of the Field Artillery Group.

Commanders

The Constabulary's founder and leader in its early days was Major General Ernest N. Harmon. He relinquished command on 1 May 1947 to Major General Withers A. Burress, who had commanded the 100th Division and had been Theater G-2 immediately preceding his Constabulary assignment. General Burress left the force in April 1948, and turned command over to Major General Louis A. Craig. The present commander is Major General I.D. White, who succeeded General Harmon during the war as commanding general of the 2d Armored Division. The two Brigades have experienced only one turnover in commanding generals. In the 1st Brigade, Brigadier General F.B. Prickett commanded from the activation until his return to the United States in November 1947; his successor is Brigadier General Arthur G. Trudeau. The 2d Brigade was commanded by Brigadier General Hobart R. Gay until his redeployment and relief by General Edmund B. Sebree.