MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marine Security Guards stand duty at more than 120 U.S. Embassies and consulates around the world. Typically, Marines are attracted to MSG duty for its opportunities to travel the globe while collecting extra pay and promotion points.
Before anyone receives orders for MSG duty they must first submit to an extensive screening process.
Marine Corps Embassy Security Group is scheduled to visit here June 4 to conduct a brief and screening for Marines interested in MSG duty.
The brief is scheduled to be held in the auditorium of building one at 8:30 a.m.
Screenings for MSG duty are scheduled to begin directly after the brief at 9:45 a.m.
All Marines currently in receipt of orders to MSG school are required to attend the scheduled brief.
“The brief will be covering all the basics of MSG duty, covering topics like the school and the embassies” said Staff Sgt. Christopher L. Schmidt, the career retention specialist for Marine Aircraft Group 12 here. “The screening will be essentially an interview checking to see if applicants are qualified.”
Marines planning to attend the MSG brief must complete the Marine Security Guard Commanding Officers Checklist prior to the interview and screening. To acquire a copy of the checklist, Marines should contact their unit career retention specialist.
The screening process consists of three phases. The first phase is where MCESG reviews a Marine’s eligibility through a series of prerequisites.
Some of the prerequisites required are the ability to meet weight and fitness standards along with eligibility to acquire a top-secret clearance.
If a Marine is eligible for MSG duty, they move onto the second phase, an interview.
“In the interview, they are looking for someone who has confidence,” said Schmidt.
“They are looking for Marines they can trust to be out in remote locations and maintain the Corps’ core values.”
After a Marine passes the interview, he moves forward on to a medical screening.
Once a Marine has completed and passed all three phases they will possibly receive assignment to Marine Security Guard School.
Although the screening process may appear to be extensive, it is certainly beneficial.
“The entire process is definitely long, but that’s only because they want to make sure they have the best Marines out there representing our Corps,” said Lance Cpl. Buck A. Head, a Marine here who is scheduled to begin MSG training in May. “I’m excited because not only will I be growing in my personal life, but I will also be growing in my Marine Corps career.”
After completing MSG school, lance corporals and corporals automatically receive an allotment of 100 points toward their cutting score, often putting them ahead of their peers.
In addition to extra promotion points, Marines serving MSG duty earn the opportunity to work alongside various government agencies such as the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Skills taught during MSG school can also open doors and provide job opportunities for those looking to join law enforcement agencies.
“MSG duty is truly a unique opportunity to grow as a Marine,” said Schmidt. “The skills
Marines receive in training alone are extremely beneficial for any Marine, whether they plan on staying in the Marine Corps or not. MSG duty is for those Marines out there looking for a challenge and an experience unlike anything else they have already experienced. This is a chance to expand your horizons in more ways than one.”
For more information, contact your unit’s career planner.