Marine Corps Security Guard
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A Marine Security Guard, also known as an MSG or a Marine Embassy Guard, is a U.S. Marine posted at an American Embassy, American Consulate and other foreign official United States Government offices such as the US Interests Section, located in Havana, Cuba, the U.S. Office, located in Pristina, Kosovo, or the United States Mission to NATO located in Brussels, Belgium. Modern use of Marine Security Guards at Embassies started in 1948.
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, VA. Previously, the command was referred to as the Marine Security Guard Battalion and Marine Corps Embassy Security Command.
The primary mission of the MSG is to provide security, particularly the protection of classified information at U.S. Diplomatic Posts. Marine Security Guards are in partnership with the Diplomatic Security Service which oversees security matters for United States Embassies, Consulates, and other State Department property, and fall under the Department of State. MSGs primarily provide internal embassy security under the guide of the Diplomatic Security Agent in charge of the Embassy, otherwise known as the Regional Security Officer (RSO). In addition, MSGs provide security for visiting American dignitaries and may assist the RSO in supervising host country security forces which provide additional security for the exterior of embassies. In addition to MSGs, many embassies have host country security guards providing security for the exterior.
Marine Security Guard usually serves three twelve-month tours of duty. MSGs are obligated to spend a total of 36 months in the program. Marine Detachment Commanders serve two tours of special duty which last 18 months each. Marine Security Guard "Watch Standers" are enlisted Marines from the rank of LCpl (E-3) to Sgt (E-5). Detachment Commanders are also enlisted and are from the ranks of SSgt (E-6) to MGySgt (E-9).
Marine Security Guard duty is one of a few special duty assignments available to qualified Marines. In the past, less than 1% of all Marines have qualified and completed this duty. The assignment is available to all qualified Marines from Private First Class to Gunnery Sergeant.
Along with Navy Seabees assigned embassy duty, an MSG is a rare example of uniformed member of the U.S. armed forces under the operational command of a civilian, albeit law enforcement head. An MSG is still under the administrative control of the Marine Corps, although the administrative support offered through an overseas Post (i.e. State Dept.) is not insignificant in relation to the needs of the MSG detachment.
Marine Security Guard duty can be dangerous; there have been instances where Marines have been killed during this duty (most recently, Sergeant Jesse Aliganga in 1998). In 1979, Corporal Steve Crowley was shot and killed by sniper during an attack by a rampaging mob, which had set fire to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.[1]
After every 24 months as a Guard or Regional officer with the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, a Marine is entitled to the Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon.
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[edit] Notes
- ^ LCPL Travis J. Crewdson (November 30, 2006). MSG classroom named after fallen Marine. Featured Story. Marine Security Guard Battalion, United States Marine Corps.
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