Where has the time gone?

OK, almost 2 years since the last posting here, that is totally UNSAT! I need to keep all you Jarheads better informed about things going on over at the MSG Duty History Project.

First, I have added GySgt K. J. Carleo to the Admin staff of the website. This will really add some new life to the project as I have been managing it since I started it about 8 years ago. Gunny has already jumped in feet first, as all Marines do, and has some great ideas to expand the website.

Second, I would really like to see some more stories being submitted. You guys are not as shy as you are trying to be. Take some time and jot down some interesting items that happened when you were on post. This really gives visitors to the website a better idea of what we do on and off duty on embassy duty.

Marine Corps Security Guard Graduation

Francis X. Taylor, Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security and Director for the Office of Foreign Missions

Remarks at the Marine Corps Security Guard Graduation
Quantico, VA
February 21, 2003

Good Morning Marines! I am pleased to be with you, your families and those that have trained you for one of the most demanding missions in today's Marine Corps -- that of being a Marine Security Guard.

I bring you greetings from the 65th Secretary of State, the Honorable Colin L. Powell. Secretary Powell knows very well the challenges that await you and has often said how proud he is to be the only retired Army General Officer to have command of an active Marine combat unit. You are his and now my troops. I am equally proud of you and the way those that have proceeded you have performed this critical mission for our Nation. Both as a former senior military officer and a new Assistant Secretary of State, I salute you, your mission and your success.

Together, we will help protect the very important diplomatic capability of our country. The diplomatic capability that built the greatest coalition in the history of the world to take on the threat of global terrorism. The diplomatic capability that is now working at the UN, in NATO and with our allies around the world to prepare the coalition of the willing to end Saddam Hussein's access to weapons of mass destruction and untold horrors to his own people. Like these examples, you will be the guardian of our diplomatic capability, a symbol of America's strength and values, both to American citizens and the citizens of the country in which you are serving.

Your service to your country is a role model to American society. Your presence here, your Marine Corps uniform, epitomizes your pledge to serve our great nation and our Constitution with pride and dedication. However, you have taken your pledge even further by becoming a Marine Security Guard. You have committed to serve willingly in places you may have never heard of and never dreamed you would see, to defend American principles. You will be the window to our worldwide diplomatic capability, the first symbol of strength of America and our values, not only to American citizens who visit our embassies abroad, but to the citizens of the country in which you will serve.

Marines have served with the American diplomatic corps for the past 57 years with great distinction. Since the Foreign Service Act of 1946, you have been the first line of defense for U.S. diplomatic efforts overseas. You are surrounded with that history dating back to pre-war China here at MSG Battalion. With an increasing number of attacks against our missions and personnel overseas you are also on the front lines of the war on terrorism.

With your training now complete and this graduation almost over, you will join those ranks of those that have served before and are now charged to guard their legacy and prepare the ground for those who will surely follow. And what is that legacy? It is a legacy of integrity, service and excellence. And why are these values so important to that legacy? It is because it defines how you serve, how you are viewed by those who serve with you, and those that you will meet in the course of your duty. Your integrity is the bedrock of your existence. We trust you to defend us because we know that you will always act with honor and do the right thing in all circumstances. It is an awesome responsibility to stand watch over and protect others and we give it only to those that we trust -- and we trust each of you. Your character must continue to be above reproach, your training world class, your lifestyle reflective of the highest values in the Corps and America. You represent what all of us would want our sons and daughters to be, and we want you to continue to represent the core values of America as your serve with integrity.

The second value is service and by your presence here wearing the uniform of the Marine Corps you have pledged yourself to serve our Nation and its Constitution. You, who are going out as watch standers, have gone further by agreeing to remain single to serve in remote posts away from the mainstream and do so willingly. You understand your responsibility to our Nation and the American people. Indeed you have pledged your life to defend those principals. Never forget that service is a key principal for your legacy that you will continue to build upon.

The final value is excellence. No one could watch any recruiting commercial about the Marine Corps and not understand that the Marine Corps standard is excellence, and if you join, that is the standard the Corps holds you to meet. There is no place in our business for second best...second best means that vital National Security information gets compromised and people die. We stand tall to prevent that every day. Let excellence be the watchword of how you perform daily. We are counting on that standard from all of you.

At post, you will become part of the Foreign Service family. Through the years, Foreign Service Officers and Marine Security Guards have forged a wonderful bond of mutual appreciation, respect, and friendship. In times of crisis, they protect each other, take care of each other, and on Friday nights, they frequently relax together in a great family tradition at every post in the world.

I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank the family members, friends and staff that have come to share this very important day with you. America is a country where families have sent their sons and daughters to defend the Nation since before our Nation was born. Our democracy is strong because of our citizen soldier tradition and that could not continue if the people of America would not willingly allow their children to serve. We appreciate your sacrifice -- the missed special days, the holidays without your loved ones, the long distances away that we ask them to serve. We know the emotional roller coaster that many of you feel with family members and friends that serve our Nation. We appreciate your sacrifice and know that you too are a part of our family and that without you, service would not be possible. So I want all of our graduate to understand that no matter how far away you are, call your mother, call your fathers, your significant others and let them know as often as you can how much you appreciate their sacrifice and support for your adventure. If you do as I say, they will always be there for you regardless of where you are in the world. Family and friends are constants that bring stability at the most difficult times.

Let me conclude by again congratulating each of you on your graduation today. This is a significant career milestone for each of you. We are very proud of your accomplishments and look forward to the opportunity to serve with all of you. Thanks to all for joining us today.

Marine Corps Security Guard Duty

From Marine Corps News Service as posted on the about.com website

Jul 11 2005
by Lance Cpl. R. Drew Hendricks

April 18, 1983, a building in Beirut, Lebanon was bombed, killing 63 people. Sept. 20, 1984, 24 people were killed when a bomb slams a shopping annex in Aukar, Lebanon. Aug. 7, 1998, buildings in Kenya, Nairobe and Dar es’ Salaam were decimated simultaneously, killing 291 people.

Every one of these bombings targeted a U.S. Embassy in an attempt to disrupt America’s influence overseas, according to the U.S. Department of State.

The U.S. has embassies in order to protect and oversee American interests in foreign nations.

It is the duty of Marine Security Guards to ensure the embassies are safe from any threat, in any place at any time, according to the MSG mission statement.

Marine Security Guards are responsible for the internal security of embassies in 115 different countries.

With so many Embassies, a large number of people are needed to fill the quota.

“We need as many people as we can get right now. If a Marine qualifies, we will use him,” said Gunnery Sgt. Edward Owens, an MSG Battalion Recruiter.

Marine Security Guard is not a primary military occupational specialty, but is a B-billet, or secondary occupation. It is a special opportunity for Marines who are willing to put in a little extra work to travel the world and see a completely different side of the Corps, according to Lance Cpl. Anna Renhard, who recently graduated MSG school.

“MSG is way different than the fleet, we have a mission unlike anyone else’s. The units are small, so you get to know the people you work with real well, real quick,” added Renhard, a former military policeman here.

The school, located in Quantico, Va., is one not to be taken lightly, according to Renhard. The curriculum is broad and intense on every subject. The school is relatively short compared to the amount of information students are required to learn, lasting only six weeks.

“The training is unlike any I have received anywhere else. There is more extensive training in martial arts and close combat weapons, you also get to use almost every weapon a Marine would come across,” said Renhard.

“Marine Security Guards are the most well equipped force, prepared and ready to complete their mission anywhere,” said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Dillon, the career planner here.

To join MSG, a Marine has to be a well-rounded individual, not just in training or physical aspects. They also have to be financially and mentally sound.

“You can’t go into MSG with a whole bunch of debt,” Dillon mentioned.

Included in the screening and interview document for MSG duty is a financial spreadsheet. The commanding officer can make a recommendation based on the financial stability of the Marine.

One requirement that cannot be waivered is sergeants and below cannot have dependents, and single parents need not apply.

Staff noncommissioned officers are allowed to have no more than three dependents. Dependents also have special requirements, which can be found in Marine Corps Order P1326.6D.

Aside from these requirements no one, except for MSG Bn. and the Marine’s MOS monitor can deny a Marine’s request to join MSG.

It may be fairly simple to get accepted to MSG School, the school and the duties assigned to the MSG Marines is no easily accomplished feat, according to Renhard.

This assignment is not something you can jump into lightly. Both Dillon and Renhard agree that if your heart isn’t in it, you don’t need to do it.

“You rely too heavily on your unit members to have someone go into it half-heartedly,” said Renhard. “The quickest way to get dropped is by showing a lack of effort.”

This special duty assignment is offered openly to any Marine who wants to do it, according to the MSG recruiters. Marines just have to look into it and see if it’s for them.

“MSG is a secret everyone should know about and everyone should take advantage of,” said Dillon. “I know that if I wasn’t retiring soon, I would jump at the opportunity.”

Marines interested in MSG duty should contact their career planner, or visit the MSG Website at https://ww.msgbn.usmc.mil/ for all the information and requirements concerning MSG duty.

Company C, Marine Security Guard Battalion January-April 1975

From the ehistory website.

CO Maj James H Kean lJan75-30Apr75

ExO Capt Robert C Lewis IJan75-30Apr75

PersCh SSgt William J Miller !Jan75-30Apr75

MSG Detachment Saigon, RVN Personnel Roster lJan75-30Ap(75

Cpl Stephen Q Bauer

Cpl Manuel A Bispo

Cpl John L Ghilam

Cpl Ronald A Mayfield

Cpl Charles McMahon, Jr

Cpl Roberr E Mondo

Cpl Joe B Myes,Jr

Cpl David E Norman

Cpl Francis J Richard

Cpl Carlos Silva

Cpl Randy C Smith


MSgtJuanJ Vatdez

GySgt Vasco D Martin

SSgr Cohn D Broussard

SSgrJamesJ Daisey

SSgt demon S Scgura, Jr

SSgt Michael K Sullivan


Sgt Phillip A Babel

Sgt Terry J Bennmgton

Sgt MarnnJ Davenport

Sgt Roberr L Pram

Sgt Kenneth Geagley, Jr

Sgt Duane R Gevers

Sgt Paul J Go2git

Sgt Gregory E Hargis

Sgt Steven E Johnson

Sgt David M Leet

Sgt Kevin M Maloney

Sgt Dwight G McDonald

Sgt Gary L Mellmger

Sgt Hclstead G Murray III

Sgt William C Newell

Sgr Donald R Nicholas

Sgr Richard G Paddock

Sgt Douglas D Pocrat?

Sgr David Rose

Sgt Steven T Schuller

Sgt Andre Stringer


Cpl Joseph F Arata


LCpl Larry E Beachy

LCpl Eric D Boyd

LCpl Thomas E Cole

LCpl Timothy B Creighton

LCpl Kenneth E Grouse

LCpl Thomas K Dickson

LCpl Douglas G Drummond

LCpl Clyde E English, Jr

LCpl William K Fulton

LCpl Oils L Holmes

LCpl Darwin D Judge

LCpl Dennis R Serbus

LCpl Patrick F Short

LCpl John C Stewart

LCpl S K Stratton

LCpl Walter M Sweeny

LCpl Jerome Thomas

LCpl James V Vaincourt

LCpl David B Wiflae

MSG Detachment Bien Hoa RVN Personnel Roster lJan75-27Apr75

GySgt Roberr W Schlager Cpl Carlos R Arraigna


Sgt Ronald E Duffy Cpl Gary N Lmdholm

Sgt James M Fclber LCpl Dean M Kmzie

MSG Detachment Can Tho RVN Personnel Roster lJan75-50Apr75

SSgt Boyette S Hasty Sgt Terry D Pate

Sgt John W Kirchner Cpl Lee J Johnson

Sgt John S Moore Cpl Lawrence B Killens

MSG Detachment Da Nang RVN Personnel Roster lJan75-30Mar75

SSgt Walter W Sparks Sgt William S Spruce III

Sgt Lazaro Arriola Cpl Ronald W Anderson

Sgt Venoy L Rogers Cpl Leonard A Forseth

MSG Detachment Nha Trang RVN Personnel Roster lJfan75-23Apr75

SSgt Roger F Painter Cpl Levorn L Brown

Sgt Michael A McCormick Cpl John G Moya

Cpl Robert L Anderson CplJimmieD Sneed

MSG Phnom Penh Cambodia Personnel Roster lJan75-12Apr75

GySgt Clarence D McClenahan Sgt Maxie C Wix**

SSgt Gilbert J Feest* Cpl James D Cox

Sgt Kenneth E Armstrong Cpl Allan W Mitchell

Sgt Robert L Clark** Cpl David L Ragland

Sgt Russell H Cutler Cpl Victor Sajka****

Sgt Many L Gray LCpl Alien J Becker

Sgt James W Shunleff*** LCpl Ronald C C Dumosch

Sgt Ralph V Simpson, Jr LCpl Phillip D Ku-syth

Sgt Gary Stanton LCpl Michael G Miciotto


*Augmented from the Taipei Detachment **Augmented from the Seoul Detachment ***Augmentedfrom the Bangkok Detachment ****Augmente€{ from the Hong Kong Detachment

Attack in Damascus fails

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Four men shouting religious slogans tried to blow up the U.S. embassy in Damascus on Tuesday but their car bomb failed to go off and Syrian security guards killed three of them in a shootout.

No American diplomats were hurt in the assault, a Syrian official said.

Syrian-U.S. relations have been tense for many years, mainly over Syria's role in Lebanon, the Middle East conflict and Iraq, and its support of militant groups in the region.

The official news agency SANA said three attackers had been killed and a fourth wounded. A Syrian official said earlier that all four assailants had died.

A witness said at least one Syrian security guard had been killed by the attackers, who had been shouting Islamic slogans.

"I saw two men in plain clothes and armed with grenades and automatic weapons," said Ayman Abdel-Nour, a Syrian political commentator who was in the area. "They ran toward the compound shouting religious slogans while firing their automatic rifles."

Syrian state television said the attackers had tried but failed to detonate a car bomb.

Television footage of the scene showed a van packed with gas canisters and detonators taped to them, as well as bloodstains on the pavement and several damaged vehicles, including a white bullet-riddled car that a truck was preparing to haul away.

The embassy flag was flying at half-mast, one day after the fifth anniversary of the September 11 al Qaeda attacks on the United States.

The Rawda area where the attack occurred is one of the most heavily guarded districts in the Syrian capital. It houses security installations and the homes of government officials.

Hours later, the area remained sealed, with sharpshooters deployed on rooftops and top security officials at the scene.

Interior Minister Bassam Abdel Majid told state television an investigation was under way.

Security officials said the assailants' arsenal included rocket-propelled grenades. It was not known if they had fired them during the mid-morning gunbattle in central Damascus.

U.S. CONFIRMS ATTACK

In Washington, State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said: "We can confirm reports of an attack on our embassy in Damascus by unknown assailants. The event appears to be over."

There was no word on the identity of the attackers, but Syrian forces have clashed with Islamist militants several times in recent months, often during raids to arrest them.

In June, four gunmen and a guard were killed when Syrian security forces said they had foiled an attack by Islamist militants near the premises of state-run television in Damascus.

The United States recalled its ambassador from Syria in February 2005, expressing "profound outrage" over the assassination of Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in Beirut. Washington blames Syria for that killing. Damascus denies any involvement.

The United States increased its criticism of Syria during Israel's 34-day war in July and August with Lebanon's Hizbollah guerrillas, who are supported by Syria and Iran.

Syria, accused by Washington of helping insurgents in Iraq and backing Hizbollah and the Palestinian Hamas movement, blames the rise of militancy in the region on U.S. policies such as the Iraq war and U.S. support for Israel.

In the early 1980s, Syria crushed an armed revolt led by the Muslim Brotherhood movement.

The embassy assault occurred one day after the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States by Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda.

Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon

The Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon is a Marine Corps military award was established by order of Secretary of the Navy John Howard Dalton on July 15, 1997. The award recognizes those Marine Corps personnel who have served as Security Guards and is retroactive to January 28, 1949.

To be awarded the Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon, a service member must hold the Marine Corps military occupational specialty (MOS) 8151 Marine Corps Security Guard and must have served twenty-four months of service at an American Embassy or Consulate. The award is only awarded to Marine Security Guards for their service at American Embassies or Consulates in a foreign country.

Additional awards of the Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon are denoted by service stars except for those awards which are retroactively presented, in which case the Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon is a one time only decoration.

Marine Embassy Guard Duty

As a former Marine Embassy Guard, I hold this duty very close to my heart. It was THE best duty, bar none, I had the privilage of being selected for.

The Marine Security Guard Battalion, now known as The Marine Corps Embassy Security Command, mission is to exercise command, less operational control of the Marine Security Guards, in that it is responsible for their training, assignments, administration, logistical support, and discipline.

The Marine Security Guards primary mission is to provide internal security services at designated U.S. Diplomatic and Consular facilities to prevent the compromise of classified information and equipment vital to the national security of the United States of America. The secondary mission of Marine Security Guards is to provide protection for U.S. citizens and U.S. Government property located within designated U.S. Diplomatic and Consular premises during exigent circumstances, which require immediate aid or action.

(* Mission is the general term for embassy, consulate or legation; commonly referred to as a "post".*)

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