Why are US embassies guarded by Marines?

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.

Do Marines guard embassies?

The United States Marine Corps has participated in the internal security and protection of U.S. Embassies and Consulates on a formal basis with the Department of State since 1948. In 1950, Marine Security Guards helped evacuate U.S. Citizens at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, during the Invasion of North Korea.

Is U.S. Marine different from U.S. Army?

The U.S. Army is primarily land-based, so they will use trucks, tanks and all-terrain vehicles for transportation. Conversely, the Marines frequently handle Navy-related campaigns, so they might use ships, submarines and amphibious vehicles in addition to Humvees or tanks.

Who is responsible for security at US embassies?

The bureau of diplomatic security (DS) is the security and law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of State and is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy.

When did marines start guarding embassies?

Post World War II: In December 1948, the U.S. Marine Corps agreed to provide a force to protect U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world. The U.S. Marine Corps identified volunteers to fill these assignments, and the MSG program was formed in 1949.

Do the marines guard the president?

White House sentries, four Marine Corps non-commissioned officers who act as a ceremonial guard outside the West Wing of the White House.

Why is a marine not a soldier?

Originally Answered: Why aren’t Marines referred to as Soldiers? Because we’re marine animals, as in amphibious. U.S. Marines were born at sea, working in the rigging of tall ships sniping at the British Royal Marines who were doing the same things.

How hard is Marine Security Guard School?

Marine Security Guard School The Marine Corps trains about 450 MSGs annually, though Congress has authorized an increase in their number to more fully staff diplomatic facilities. MSG school is difficult, though, and the attrition rate exceeds 25 percent over the seven-week training course.

What does the Marines protect?

The Marine Corps itself makes this clear: “The primary mission of the Marine Security Guard (MSG) is to provide internal security at designated U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities in order to prevent the compromise of classified material vital to the national security of the United States.”

What Mos is Marine security force?

8152
Marines who complete Security Forces training are assigned a secondary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 8152 (Marine Corps Security Force Guard), while instructors can earn 8153 (Marine Corps Security Force Cadre Trainer).

What does a marine security guard do at an embassy?

Marine Security Guards stationed at an embassy entrance literally represent the face of America to members of the diplomatic community and citizens of the host country. To everyone who enters the embassy, they are looked upon as a symbol of American values of integrity, courage, loyalty, and commitment.

Can the Marines protect US embassies?

That said, the Marines can and do provide security in case the embassy is attacked and other security measures fail. ” [T]he MSGs’ mission is to delay any hostile group long enough to destroy classified material and aid in safeguarding the lives of diplomatic personnel,” according to the State Department.

How many Marines are in the US embassy security group?

Well over a thousand officers and enlisted Marines are assigned to the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group at Quantico, Virginia; to its Regional Commands; and to the Marine Security Guard detachments located at U.S. embassies and consulates around the globe.

What is the relationship between the Marine Corps and Diplomatic Security?

The United States Marine Corps and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship for more than 60 years. The Marine Security Guard program was formally established in December 1948, and since that time, the two organizations have faced many challenges together.