The main duties of the initial Military Police Corps were criminal investigation, circulation control, control of prisoners, and combat readiness. In World War II, the initial functions of the corps were internal security and intelligence. The seizure of the Ludendorf Bridge at Remagen exemplified the courage and tenacity of the combat military police in this war. In 1950 Congress passed a law permitting the Military Police Corps to remain part of the active army force structure. In the Vietnam War, functions included port and harbor security, cordon and search operations, convoy and route security, and infantry-type tactical operations. A major role during Desert Storm was the control of the approximately 80,000 enemy prisoners of war. The corps remains ready to meet future challenges. Illustration and 2 references