How long can you spend in the close protection unit and at what point can you apply for it?

Hello and thanks for the question.

To spend time with the Close Protection Unit (CPU), you will need to pass the Close Protection Course (CPC) The CPC is an intensive and arduous course and is world renowned. Anybody who joins the Royal Military Police can apply to attempt the course as soon as they have finished their apprenticeship in policing. This usually around 2 years after finishing your basic training.

There are a small number of instructor and support staff roles within CPU and an assignment here is usually 2 - 3 years. Anybody who has passed the CPC can be called upon to deploy at any point in their career, no matter where they are assigned to. It is not unusual for every Regiment to have 10 people deployed on close protection operations around the world at any one time. Deployments are normally for 6 months and are preceded by 6 months worth of pre-deployment training.

I hope this answers your question.