Marine Security Guard

Responsibilities

The primary mission of the MSG is to provide security, particularly the protection of classified information and equipment vital to the national security of the United States at American diplomatic posts. This is accomplished under the guidance and operational control of a civilian federal agent of the Diplomatic Security Service, known as the Regional Security Officer (RSO) who is the senior U.S. law enforcement representative and security attaché at U.S. diplomatic posts around the world.{{cite web |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070822035534/https://www.msgbn.usmc.mil/articles/MSGclassroomnamedafterfallenMarine.htm |archive-date = August 22, 2007

Marine Security Guards also provide protection for personnel and classified material located within designated diplomatic missions.

MSGs focus on the interior security of a diplomatic post's buildings. In only the most extreme emergency situations are they authorized to provide special protection to the senior diplomatic officer off the diplomatic compound. MSGs carry a certain level of diplomatic immunity in the performance of their official duties.

Organization

The Marine Security Guards number approximately a thousand Marines at 174 posts (also known as "detachments"), organized into nine regional MSG commands and located in over 135 countries in 18 time zones, as well as its headquarters at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Headquarters Company, along with MSG School, is composed of approximately 100 Marines providing administrative, logistical, legal, training and education support.

The remaining nine regions are commanded by a lieutenant colonel, and typically entail a number of detachments in several countries. The companies are as follows:

Each Detachment is commanded by a Staff Non-Commissioned Officer, being one of the few instances where an enlisted Marine may hold the title of "commander". Generally between the ranks of Staff Sergeant and Master Gunnery Sergeant, Marine Detachment Commanders serve two tours, which generally last 18 months each. Unlike their subordinates, however, Detachment Commanders may be married. The minimum detachment size is seven MSGs (Marine Security Guards) and one detachment commander. This allows for posts to be manned at all times while allowing each of the Marines to conduct other routine training, internal management of the detachment and have some time off. A Marine Security Guard usually serves three 12-month tours of duty. Marine Security Guard "watch standers" are enlisted Marines from the rank of Private First Class to Staff Sergeant.

Duty

After every three years as a Marine Security Guard with the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, any Marine is entitled to the Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon. According to the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations Order (Section 4-4a Line 24) Marine Security Guards are authorized to wear subsequent service stars.

Marines of any Military Occupational Specialty may volunteer for a three-year tour of duty; however, non-Staff NCOs with dependents are not eligible, as well as Marines with potentially offensive tattoos, legal or security restrictions, non–United States citizenship, dual citizenship, significant financial indiscretions, and any other restriction that would prevent a top secret clearance.

Before being assigned to a Foreign Service post, a Marine accepted into the MSG program must successfully complete a training program located at the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG), which is located at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Marine Security Guard duty is one of a few special duty assignments available to qualified Marines. Marine Security Guard duty can be dangerous; there have been instances where Marines have been killed during this duty (most recently, Cpl Steve Crowley in 1979, Cpl Robert V. McMaugh in 1983, and Sgt Jesse Aliganga in 1998). Embassy duty is a crucial aspect of the Marine Corps' mission with a long tradition; the Corps is currently tasked to train and maintain a cadre of guards to cover 181 embassies and consulates worldwide with the ability to augment assigned forces as necessary.

Notes

References

References

1. "Marine Security Guard Battalion". GlobalSecurity.org.
2. Glass, Cpl. Delano L.. (2022-09-12). "Marine Corps Embassy Security Group". [[United States Marine Corps]].
3. (March 23, 2010). "Marine Corps Embassy Security Group". United States Marine Corps.
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5. Harkins, Gina. (9 January 2013). "Marines' embassy guard boost will be tough, expert says". USA Today.
6. (20 September 2013). "Infantry Marines deploy; fill gap in demand for embassy security.".
7. Martinez, Luis. (1 May 2019). "An inside look at the training for Marines who protect US embassies". ABC News.
8. "The mission of the Marine Corps Embassy Security Command". United States Marine Corps.
9. "Col. Michael C. Taylor".
10. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)". United States Marine Corps.
11. "Plan For Success". United States Marine Corps.
12. [http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rvmcmaugh.htm Robert V. McMaugh] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20230203070327/https://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rvmcmaugh.htm Archive])