The 49th's primary role in California is to provide defense support to civilian authorities (DSCA) in the northern region of the state.

The 49th was officially reorganized in May 2005 and was immediately deployed forward in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

[3] The 49th MP Brigade reorganized on 16 January 2005, specifically to mobilize and deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The unit formally took over the mission from the 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, WA, on 2 November 2005.

While deployed the brigade commanded military police units from the Regular Army stationed in CONUS, Europe, and Korea, National Guard from eight states and the District of Columbia, one US Army Reserve region, and the United States Air Force.