Locate, isolate, contain: MSG students learn room entry, clearing
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Marines are trained, organized and equipped as a force in readiness, and stand prepared to meet all mission requirements, according to the National Security Act of 1947.
http://www.marines.mil/units/hqmc/quantico/Pages/Locate,isolate,contain.aspx
12/7/2008 By Lance Cpl. Meloney R. Moses, Marine Corps College of Continuing Education
With two weeks until graduation, class 1-09 of the Marine Security Guard School is reminded that the overall mission is to locate, isolate and contain all enemies.
‘‘It is a reality check, because all the stuff we train for may need to be used at an embassy,” said Cpl. Randall Conner Jr., a student at the MSG School here. ‘‘This is the most dangerous b-billet. We are faced with the threat of being shot.”
Given simulation rounds for Airsoft Electric Guns and rubber pistols, the students carried out basic room entry procedures and response techniques at an Airsoft close quarter battle field in Manassas on Nov. 25.
Students were split up into teams and given floor plans so they could be familiar with the rooms in their embassy.
‘‘They already learned the floor plans so in any situation, they can respond,” said Gunnery Sgt. Lance George, the primary response instructor at the MSG School. ‘‘We teach them to locate individuals in an embassy that shouldn’t be there and detain them.”
‘‘We train as if we’re out on post,” said Conner. ‘‘It’s exciting.”
George explained, the Marines learn, and train, to abide by the regulations used by the Department of State.
Lance Cpl. Richard Kennedy, a student at the MSG School said it’s difficult to remember what the department of state does because they train different than the Marine Corps, making it easier to forget important material.
Marine security guards, essentially Department of State employees, are strictly trained to use non-lethal force, Cpl. Nathan Diezman, a MSG student, explained. We can’t throw hand grenades and bust down doors in an embassy.
‘‘We have to be a little more tactical,” said Diezman.
With the instructors presenting different scenarios, the students had to think quickly in order to respond.
‘‘You have got to be able to pay attention,” said Conner. ‘‘It’s free flow. Something may change and we have to adjust to it. If you can’t adapt, you just might die.”
For more information about MSG school, contact Gunnery Sgt. Drew Pate at [email protected] or call 703-784-4861.
Editor’s Note: This is the fourth story in a six-part series. See previous stories and additional photos on the Web at www.quantico.usmc.mil.
Previous articles in this series:
Marines begin security guard training
Future marine Security Guards train in defense
MSG Marines take training to the range