60 Years and Still Going Strong: New Marine Security Guard Agreement Signed

By Marcy Mason, DS Public Affairs (Click on an image below for a larger version) It was a proud moment for the State Department and the U.S. Marine Corps when the new Marine Security Guard Memorandum of Agreement was signed on March 13, 2008. Representatives from both organizations gathered in the Treaty Room at the Harry S Truman Building to commemorate one of the strongest civil-military partnerships in history, which began more than 200 years ago when the Marines were first assigned to protect American diplomats. After a brief presentation by the Marine Corps Color Guard, those attending the ceremony were welcomed by Special Agent John J. Root, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s Office Director for Special Programs and Coordination, and Special Agent Vida Gecas, the Branch Chief of the Marine Security Guard Program for Diplomatic Security (DS). The new agreement was signed by two representatives from the State Department, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security Gregory B. Starr, and Special Agent Charlene Lamb, the Assistant Director of International Programs for DS. Two representatives from the Marine Corps also signed the document: Lieutenant General Richard Natonski, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations, and Raymond Geoffroy, the Assistant Deputy Commandant, who oversees security operations for the Marines. It has been nearly 60 years since the first letter of agreement was signed by the Secretaries of State and the Navy on December 15, 1948. After World War II, it was decided that an alert, disciplined force was needed to protect U.S. diplomatic missions throughout the world. Volunteers from the Marine Corps were tapped to fill these posts, and the Marine Security Guard program was formed, ultimately becoming one of the most prestigious assignments in the Corps. The Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, as it is known today, is an elite group of men and women who have been specially trained and selected for this duty. More than 1300 officers and enlisted Marines are assigned to the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group in Quantico, Virginia, its Regional Commands, and Marine Security Guard detachments located at 149 U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe. Often referred to as “ambassadors in blue,” Marine Security Guards are typically the first Americans seen at U.S. missions. Standing duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they protect U.S. government personnel and property, and prevent classified information and equipment from being compromised. Marine Security Guards also control access within U.S. missions and conduct inspections to ensure that classified information is secure. Additionally, they monitor surveillance devices, fire alarms, and are the focal point for all Post emergency communications. As the State Department’s first cleared-American line of defense in emergencies overseas, Marine Security Guards have protected U.S. embassies and consulates from anti-American riots and demonstrations, and have helped evacuate U.S. diplomats and their families during times of crisis. The new Memorandum of Agreement was a collaborative effort that took several years to complete. It is a significantly enhanced revision from previous agreements.