• Provost Marshal

Military Provost Staff

The Military Provost Staff (MPS) Regiment are Defence's experts in detention, providing a global custody and detention capability both at home and abroad. Our mission is to maintain safe, secure, and humane custodial environments, supporting the Service Justice System and upholding the reputation of Defence. We operate under the direct command of the Provost Marshal (Army) and are primarily based at the Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) in Colchester, as well as at Service Custody Facilities across the UK and overseas.

We are distinct from our civilian counterparts in the HM Prison and Probation Service because our team is composed entirely of volunteer transfers from across the Army, Navy and Airforce. Our primary mission is to provide corrective and rehabilitative training within a secure custodial environment for Service personnel, whether they are to be retained in the Service or dismissed.

Our homebase role involves staffing the Detention Company at the MCTC and wider Service Custody Facilities and delivering corrective and rehabilitative training to Service personnel under sentence. Overseas, we support the Provost Marshal (Army) by inspecting and licensing Service Custody Facilities and by providing operational detention, advice, training and assurance worldwide.

The MPS Regiment is a hybrid force, consisting of both Regular and Reserve personnel, showcasing the strength of collaboration between different service branches. We are looking for motivated, professional, and innovative individuals to join our unique and agile team.

Applicants must have:

Corporal

  • LCpls are to have completed two years in rank with a recommendation for promotion on their last report. The rank of Cpl will be awarded upon successful transfer into the MPS Regiment.
  • JMES grade of MFD
  • Functional Skills Level 2 in Numeracy & Literacy
  • ESOL Lite Pass for non-English speaking soldiers in Listening & Speaking
  • Completed JNCO CLM Part 1 or Sgt ADLP
  • Provost Security Vetting Status and Enhanced DBS prior to commencing DSC
  • Completed six years reckonable service at point of transfer
  • Three years residual service remaining at point of transfer

Sergeant

  • JMES grade of MFD
  • Functional Skills Level 2 in Numeracy & Literacy
  • ESOL Lite Pass for non-English speaking soldiers in Listening & Speaking
  • Completed SNCO CLM Part 1 or Sgt ADLP
  • Provost Security Vetting Status and Enhanced DBS prior to commencing DSC
  • Completed six years reckonable service at point of transfer
  • Three years residual service remaining at point of transfer

Applicants must have:

Corporal

  • JMES grade of MFD (Med MLD may be accepted on a case by case basis)
  • Functional Skills Level 2 in Numeracy & Literacy
  • ESOL Lite Pass for non-English speaking soldiers in Listening & Speaking
  • JNCO CLM Part 1
  • Provost Security Vetting Status prior to re-enlistment
  • Re-enlisted within three years of leaving the service (longer periods of absence may be considered on a case by case basis)

Sergeant

  • JMES grade of MFD (Med MLD may be accepted on a case by case basis)
  • Functional Skills level 2 in Numeracy & Literacy
  • ESOL Lite Pass for non-English speaking soldiers in Listening & Speaking
  • JNCO CLM Part 1
  • Provost Security Vetting Status prior to re-enlistment
  • Re-enlisted within three years of leaving the service (longer periods of absence may be considered on a case by case basis)

Are you a former member of the Regular Forces, a prison officer, a police officer, a UK Border Agency staff member, or someone with experience in maintaining the safety and security of vulnerable individuals in detention environments?

Join us and train to become a Military Detention Specialist, working alongside Regular soldiers as a valued member of the MPS Regiment. We require a minimum training commitment of just 19 days per year.


Eligibility

  • Age: 18 – 50 years old (must apply before 50th birthday)
  • Nationality: UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
  • Health: Good general health
  • Vetting: Army Provost Security Vetting and Enhanced DBS

As a Detention Specialist, your role is to maintain a safe, secure, and supportive environment for those under your care. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. You will be at the forefront of mentoring and supporting individuals in detention, helping them address their behaviour, improve as service members, or successfully transition back into society.

This role offers unique training opportunities both in the UK and abroad, where you will help develop effective detention practices within our own and other nations' Armed Forces.

Originally formed in 1901, the Military Provost Staff (MPS) has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the Armed Services, providing essential and ongoing operational support.

As the Defence Subject Matter Experts in Detention, the MPS Regiment will equip you with the specialised skills needed for detention roles. However, your unique experiences, knowledge, and perspectives are invaluable in shaping our Regiment and enhancing the vital function we provide to Defence.

We believe that a diverse team is essential to effectively meet the diverse needs of those in detention. We are committed to inspiring, developing, and supporting everyone under our care.

The MPS Regiment is looking for proactive, positive, and professional individuals to join our unique and rewarding team. Many of us have transitioned from different units to embrace new challenges within the MPS Regiment.

In this role, no two days are the same. You will be responsible for the daily management of individuals who have committed offenses and may have unresolved issues that require your attention and support.

We offer a competitive career pathway that provides diverse opportunities, including deploying on Short Term Training Teams abroad, attending specialised military and Home Office courses, and, as you advance to senior roles, specialising in areas such as Use of Force, Safer Custody, and Mental Health First Aid.

We are committed to your development and offer the opportunity to earn a Level 3 apprenticeship qualification in Custody and Detention, which is recognised across the civilian custodial sector.

Military Corrective Training Centre

The Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) is an establishment that provides corrective training for those servicemen and women sentenced to periods of detention; it is not a prison.

The principal function of the MCTC is to detain personnel, both male and female, of the three Services and civilians subject to the Armed Forces Act, in accordance with the provisions of the Service Custody and Service of Relevant Sentences Rules 2009.

MCTC

We are looking for a distinctive set of skills; skills you have acquired over several years in your military career – do you think you have what it takes to become a Detention Specialist and Unlock potential? Then why not get in touch?

Telephone

01206 543591