A Unique Civilian-Military Partnership

Gregory B. Starr
Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security
Remarks at Signing Ceremony for U.S. Department of State and U.S. Marine Corps Memorandum of Agreement
Washington, D.C.
March 13, 2008
(as prepared for delivery)

Under Secretary Kennedy, General Natonski, Mr. Geoffroy, Colonel Cruz, distinguished Marine Corps and Department of State guests, ladies, and gentlemen.

It is a great honor and a privilege to welcome all of you here to the State Department today. The signing of a new Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of State and the United States Marine Corps is an event that carries special significance for two of America’s most venerable institutions. Not only does the agreement uphold a tradition that began almost 60 years ago when the Marine Security Guard program was formally established in December 1948, but it commemorates a unique partnership that has developed into one of the strongest in the history of civil-military relations.

The State Department’s relationship with the Marine Corps dates back to 1798. For more than 200 years, Marines have been at the forefront of American diplomacy. Marines have been detailed as a security force escorting diplomatic personnel and treaties, have rescued and defended American embassies and consulates around the world, and in some very noted and historic actions, performed a unique brand of Marine Corps diplomacy in certain places in the world.

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 a very prestigious assignment 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. Today, more than 1,300 officers and enlisted Marines are assigned to the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group at Quantico, Virginia, its Regional Commands, and the Marine Security Guard detachments located at 149 U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe.

The Marine Security Guards provide an invaluable service to the State Department. 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 control access within U.S. missions. They conduct inspections to ensure that classified information is secure, and they monitor surveillance devices and fire alarms. They 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 against anti-American riots and demonstrations, and have helped evacuate U.S. diplomats and their families during times of crisis. Marine Security Guards have extinguished fires in U.S. embassies and have saved countless lives of personnel involved in civil unrest, earthquakes, and floods. The courage and support of the Marine Security Guards has been constant. They have stood side-by-side with the State Department through horrific events such as the bombings of the U.S. embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam as well as many other challenges -- the most recent being the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade. Time and time again, Marine Security Guards have lived up to the Marine Corps credo, “Semper Fidelis.” They have, indeed, always remained faithful.

The Marine Security Guard program is a successful amalgamation of our two, great organizations. Both the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of State have their own unique, proud heritage; distinct traditions; and operational cultures. Jointly funded, the program has dual chains of authority – operational and administrative – as well as separate applicable regulations. The Memorandum of Agreement that we have signed here today is the governing doctrinal bridge which outlines in detail the many aspects of the program including fiscal responsibilities, housing, training, duties, discipline, logistical and medical support, as well as many other areas.

While we have operated the Marine Security Guard program with a number of previous agreements throughout the years, the Memorandum of Agreement we have signed today is landmark. Where in the past, we have made minimal changes to the document, this agreement is a significantly enhanced revision, and is the culmination of the collaboration and hard work of many individuals.

I would like to wholeheartedly thank all of you here today who have contributed to this fine document. On behalf of the Department of State, I would also like to specifically thank General Natonski, Mr. Geoffroy, and their staffs at the U.S. Marine Corps headquarters for their steadfast dedication to the success of this important project. Lastly, I would like to thank Colonel Cruz and the men and women of this superb organization not only for your input, but for your day-to-day outstanding support of the Department of State. Without your help, it would be much more difficult to conduct successful diplomacy at our embassies and consulates abroad. For this, we are most appreciative.