Reactivated in 2004, the brigade provides corrections and force protection for both I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The brigade is a subordinate unit of the I Corps, and is separate, meaning that it does not report to a division level headquarters, even during theater operations.

[5] The unit enforced USEUCOM Customs Regulations, investigated violations, controlled parcel post shipments of black marketable goods, and manned twenty-three border stations used by U.S. military personnel crossing the international borders of post-World War II, the U.S. occupied Germany.

[5] In August 1950, the U.S. High Commission for Germany requested the services of the "Customs Unit," later designated as the 42d Military Police Detachment, to control the eastward movement of restricted goods to "Satellite Bloc" countries.

[5] With the increase in tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, this function was important to U.S. interests in Europe.

On 1 November 1952, the detachment was relieved of its strategic export control function, which was subsequently resumed by German authorities.

In addition, the group is responsible for establishing customs policies and procedures for the Federal Republic of Germany and to negotiate with German authorities on questions of procedure and U.S. forces entitlements arising from tax and customs issues within the NATO Status of Forces Agreement.

[5] On 13 December 1974, drug suppression and anti-hijacking protection were added to the missions of the 42d Military Police Group.

As the Executive Agent, the group commander provided staff supervision over the U.S. Military Customs inspection programs in 11 countries throughout Europe.

This responsibility included staff supervision of 169 military customs inspection programs operated by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.

In August 1983, the Commander of the 42d Military Police Group was also designated the USAREUR Executive Agent for customs for U.S.

[9] During this tour, subordinate units of the brigade were responsible for training cadets of the Baghdad civilian Police department.

Its assignment was to conduct theater wide internment facility and reconciliation center operations, as well as managing the Iraqi Correctional Officer Training academies.

Duties of the Brigade during this deployment included force protection, operation of internment facilities, and detainee reconciliation, teaching Iraqi prisoners to read and write and training them in technical skills that will boost their employment potential.