Omar Bennett
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Department of Defense. The Marine Corps has been used in diplomacy since 1798, when it was resurrected in preparation for the Quasi-War with France. Marines have been engaged in U.S. diplomacy for over 200 years, escorting diplomatic personnel, defending U.S. embassies and consulates, and providing support to diplomatic efforts. The Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG) provides diplomatic security in 150 countries, with their primary mission being to protect U.S. diplomatic missions, personnel, and classified information.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founding | The Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775, and has been involved with the U.S. State Department since 1798. |
| Protection | Marines have been used to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities, personnel, and classified information around the world. |
| Training | Marines receive specialized training to handle various crises, including weapons and threat response training. |
| Security | The Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG) provides security for U.S. diplomatic missions in 150 countries. |
| Diplomacy | Marines have escorted diplomatic personnel and supported U.S. diplomatic efforts, including acting as couriers during World War I. |
| Flexibility | The Marine Corps can conduct expeditionary and amphibious operations, utilizing infantry, artillery, aerial, and special operations forces. |
| Size | As of December 2024, the Marine Corps had approximately 169,000 active-duty members and 33,000 personnel in reserve. |
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What You'll Learn
Marine Security Guards (MSG) protect US diplomatic facilities and personnel
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has a long history of engagement with US diplomacy. The State Department's relationship with the Marine Corps dates back to 1798, and Marines have been involved in US diplomacy for over 200 years. During World Wars I and II, for example, Marine Corps non-commissioned officers acted as diplomatic couriers, safeguarding the delivery of diplomatic and confidential mail for the State Department.
The Marine Security Guard (MSG), also known as a Marine Embassy Guard, is a member of the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (formerly Marine Security Guard Battalion). The primary mission of the MSG is to provide security at American diplomatic posts, particularly in the protection of classified information and equipment vital to US national security. They also protect US diplomatic facilities and personnel. This is accomplished under the guidance and operational control of a civilian federal agent of the Diplomatic Security Service, known as the Regional Security Officer (RSO). The RSO is the senior US law enforcement representative and security attaché at US diplomatic posts worldwide.
MSGs respond to both large and small crises, including demonstrations, bomb threats, fires, and nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. In the event of an attack, MSGs deter aggressors to safeguard classified information and diplomatic personnel. They also control access within US missions, conduct inspections to ensure classified information is secure, and monitor surveillance devices and fire alarms. They serve as the focal point for all post-emergency communications.
The MSG program was formed in 1949, and it has become a prestigious assignment in the Marine Corps. In 2013, President Barack Obama authorized the addition of 1,000 MSGs, increasing the number to approximately 2,450 at more than 150 diplomatic posts worldwide.
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US Marines escort diplomatic personnel
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has been utilised in diplomacy for over 200 years, with the State Department's relationship with the USMC dating back to 1798.
US Marines have a long history of escorting diplomatic personnel, defending and rescuing US embassies and consulates, and providing support to US diplomatic efforts. During World Wars I and II, for instance, USMC non-commissioned officers acted as diplomatic couriers, safeguarding the delivery of diplomatic and confidential mail for the State Department.
The Marine Security Guard (MSG), also known as a Marine Embassy Guard, is a crucial component of diplomatic security. The MSG program was formed in 1949, with 83 Marines deployed to over 150 diplomatic posts worldwide. The program has since expanded, with President Barack Obama authorising the addition of 1,000 MSGs in 2013, bringing the total number to approximately 2,450. These guards are responsible for protecting US diplomatic missions and personnel, responding to crises, and safeguarding classified information and equipment vital to US national security.
MSGs are trained to respond to various situations, including demonstrations, bomb threats, fires, and nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. They conduct inspections, monitor surveillance devices and fire alarms, and serve as the focal point for all post-emergency communications. The Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG) provides diplomatic security in 150 countries, with a mission to protect personnel and classified material.
The USMC has a long-standing agreement with the US Department of State to provide security at American embassies, consulates, and other official government offices. This cooperation ensures the safe conduct of US diplomacy worldwide.
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US Marines defend and rescue US embassies and consulates
The Marine Security Guard (MSG) program was established in 1947 to provide a secure environment for U.S. diplomats to conduct their duties. The MSG program became operational in 1949 with the deployment of 83 Marines to 150 diplomatic posts worldwide. Since then, the MSG program has become a prestigious assignment in the U.S. Marine Corps, with over 2,450 Marines assigned to more than 150 diplomatic posts worldwide.
Marines assigned to embassy security duty undergo rigorous training to prepare them for the unique challenges of embassy security, including advanced marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, and surveillance detection. They are trained to respond to a wide range of security threats, including demonstrations, bomb threats, fires, and facility intrusion attempts.
One of the primary missions of MSGs is to protect U.S. diplomatic missions and personnel abroad. They monitor and control entry points to the embassy, screening all visitors and vehicles for potential threats. They also conduct regular surveillance of the embassy's surroundings, using advanced technologies to detect and deter potential threats. In the event of an attack, MSGs are trained to defend the embassy and safeguard classified information and diplomatic personnel.
The Marine embassy security group provides uniformed diplomatic security in 150 different countries, with a presence in 181 separate diplomatic facilities. They work closely with other U.S. agencies, such as the CIA, FBI, and State Department, to share intelligence and coordinate security efforts. They also collaborate with local law enforcement and host country officials to ensure the safety and security of embassy personnel.
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US Marine Corps officers act as diplomatic couriers
The State Department's relationship with the U.S. Marine Corps dates back to 1798, and for over 200 years, the Marines have played a role in U.S. diplomacy. During World Wars I and II, U.S. Marine Corps noncommissioned officers served as diplomatic couriers, ensuring the safe delivery of diplomatic and confidential mail for the State Department. These officers operated in dangerous locations, often armed only with sidearms for protection.
The Marine Corps' role as diplomatic couriers began during World War I, when they covered three routes in Europe and later added an East Asia route. In 1918, General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing authorized the creation of a wartime courier service, the "Silver Greyhounds," led by U.S. Army Major Amos J. Peaslee. This service significantly reduced transit times between Paris and Washington. With the signing of the 1918 armistice, the Silver Greyhounds shifted their focus from military to diplomatic consignments. The Department of State continued to employ U.S. Marines as diplomatic couriers until 1920, even after the Silver Greyhounds disbanded following the Treaty of Versailles.
During World War II, the collaboration between diplomatic and military couriers intensified, with military personnel frequently assigned to support the Department of State. The U.S. military provided "long-haul" transport of diplomatic pouches, transferring them to civilian couriers for final delivery. After World War II, the U.S. Marine Corps continued to play a crucial role in protecting U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. The MSG (Marine Security Guard) program was formed in 1949, and it has since become a prestigious assignment within the Marine Corps.
Today, MSGs are responsible for safeguarding classified U.S. government information, protecting diplomatic missions and personnel, and responding to various crises, including demonstrations, security threats, and facility intrusion attempts. They also control access within U.S. missions, conduct inspections, and monitor surveillance devices and fire alarms. More than 1,000 officers and enlisted U.S. Marines have undergone MSG training and are assigned to the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group and detachments at U.S. embassies and consulates globally.
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US Marines receive specialised training to protect embassies
The Marine Corps is the only military service entrusted with the responsibility of providing security for U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. The Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG) provides uniformed diplomatic security in 150 countries, with 181 diplomatic facilities. The MCESG is headquartered in Quantico, Virginia, where they receive specialised training to protect U.S. embassies and diplomatic facilities.
Marines receive eight weeks of training in preparation for three separate 12-month overseas tours that will take them to embassies around the world. The training includes weapons handling and threat response, as well as specific drills to prepare for the possibility of an intruder breaching security. For example, Marines learn how to survive a collapsed structure, winding their way through tight crawl spaces in shipping containers to replicate collapsed floors and debris. They are also trained in interior guard procedures, reactionary force training, and the handling and storage of classified material.
The primary mission of Marine Security Guards (MSGs) is to protect U.S. diplomatic missions and personnel abroad, as well as to prevent the compromise of classified U.S. government information. MSGs respond to a range of crises, from demonstrations and fires to nuclear and biological threats. They also control access within U.S. missions, conduct inspections, and monitor surveillance devices and fire alarms.
The MSG program was formed in 1949, with the deployment of 83 Marines. In 2013, President Barack Obama authorised the addition of 1,000 MSGs, increasing the number to approximately 2,450 at more than 150 diplomatic posts worldwide. The MSG program has become a prestigious assignment in the U.S. Marine Corps.
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Frequently asked questions
The State Department’s relationship with the U.S. Marine Corps dates back to 1798, and for more than 200 years, Marines have played a role in U.S. diplomacy. During World Wars I and II, U.S. Marine Corps noncommissioned officers acted as diplomatic couriers, safeguarding the delivery of diplomatic and confidential mail for the State Department. The Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, formed in 1949, provides uniformed diplomatic security in 150 different countries.
Marines are used in diplomacy today to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities and personnel. The Marine Security Guards (MSG) program, overseen by the DSS, works to ensure the United States can conduct diplomacy safely and securely around the world. More than 1,000 officers and enlisted U.S. Marines have been trained for MSG duty.
Marines receive specialized training to protect U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. They are trained to respond to large and small crises, including demonstrations, bomb threats, fires, and nuclear/biological/chemical threats. They also control access within U.S. missions, conduct inspections to ensure classified information is secure, and monitor surveillance devices and fire alarms.
