Most German Army divisions in WWII usually had their own field military police platoons. These units were tasked with directing traffic along routes of advance and resupply, manning checkpoints, handling prisoners as well as deserters, and maintaining law and order of captured territories. Soldiers in these field military police units were distinguished by insignia on the left sleeves of their uniforms as well as a special gorget on their chest, which led regular soldiers to derisively call them "chain dogs."