MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Paris, London, Dublin and Berlin are just a few locations that Marines serving Marine security guard duty can be assigned to.
Marine Corps Embassy Security Group hosted a recruiting and screening orientation at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 20, to screen Marines who are beginning the process of becoming a Marine Security Guard.
Marines of any military occupational specialty can be accepted for a three-year tour of duty through the MSG program. However, during the three phase qualification process, prerequisites including rank, citizenship, weight and fitness standards, security clearance, marital status, general technical score and disciplinary record may affect eligibility.
"Marines first need to contact a base career planner to obtain a commanding officers MSG screen checklist and a financial worksheet. Once they complete those they will move on to phase two," said Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Carmona, a career retention specialist with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
A common disqualifying factor for Marines attempting to go MSG is marital status, he said.
"Sergeants and below must be single, but staff sergeants and above can be married due to the limited housing available during tours," explained Carmona.
Phase two is a face-to-face interview in which an applicant meets with a MCESG screening monitor. Phase three consists of medical screenings.
"It would be an honor to get selected to as representative of America," said Lance Cpl. Sylvester McCaulley, a physical clerk with the Field Medical Training Battalion. "Only a few Marines can be chosen."
Special duty pay, travel and extra promotional points are not the only benefits of MSG duty. The security clearance that is required is an additional asset if a Marine desires to continue working closely with the Department of the State after their time in service is complete, said Carmona.
"I see it as a good opportunity to progress in my career," said McCaulley. "Even if I chose to get out [of the Marine Corps], having a top secret clearance will open a lot of doors."
Marine security guards provide security to more than 120 U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. Guards are primarily responsible for embassies' interior security and appointed delegates.
"It sounds like a very exciting experience that I'm anxious to be a part of," said McCaulley.
For more information about MSG duty contact the base career retention specialist or call MCESG RAST at (703) 784-4861/4085.