FAST Co.

[Marinemom32]

Talked to my son, and he found out where he will be going for his Security Force Deployment. He will be going to Spain! I told him that I am really excited and happy for him. He graduates on 12/22, and will get to come home for a 10 day leave also. Does anyone know if he will have additional Training for FAST Company?

[thewookie]

Probably not going to get FAST Co. training unless he is assigned to FAST Co.

Is he with FAST?

Spain is a good duty spot though, but is he getting stationed in Spain or just visiting?

[Marinemom32]

Yes he is with FAST Company, he said his Unit is Alpha 6, First Fast Company, and his deployment will be in Spain. He just doesn't know when he will leave yet...so was kind of wondering if he will have additional training for FAST company, he is finishing up his SF training.

[thewookie]

If he is a new Marine, or will be a new Marine with FAST Co., then his training has just begun.

They'll get him up to speed pretty quickly once he gets settled into his platoon. And once they get him up to speed internally, then additional training opportunities will be out there.

[Apache]

IMHO
Advise him to take advantage of all training he may have a choice in .

That one segment could very well serve him well somewhere down the road ---

[Marinemom32]

Thanks Wookie good to know. Yes he will be a new Marine, he is excited to get out of the "student status" and into a Unit. So how did you like Greece? My brother went to Greece with the Navy, and he loved it.

[Marinemom32]

IMHO
Advise him to take advantage of all training he may have a choice in .

That one segment could very well serve him well somewhere down the road ---

I hope he will take advantage of any training that they have to offer for FAST, and I think he will. He wants to learn everything

[thewookie]

So how did you like Greece?

It was terrible and I couldn't wait to come home. ;)

Actually, when I was there I did come home, twice; for Rappel Master and then Army Airborne school.

Then I went back and hated life in Greece. :usmc:

[thewookie]

I hope he will take advantage of any training that they have to offer for FAST, and I think he will. He wants to learn everything

He is about to get some of the most advanced special weapon and tactics training available. The type of training most Marines never see. He might not be shooting bad guys in the face, but next to that, the training FAST Company is immersed in is exactly why 99.99% of Marines join.

Hopefully he can stay focused, eager to learn, and humble -- and the sky is the limit.

[Marinemom32]

It was terrible and I couldn't wait to come home. ;)

Actually, when I was there I did come home, twice; for Rappel Master and then Army Airborne school.

Then I went back and hated life in Greece. :usmc:
Haha..yeah I have hard time beleiveing that you hated Geece! Sounds like you have had a pretty amazing career with Marines, I bet you have some great stories!

[Marinemom32]

He is about to get some of the most advanced special weapon and tactics training available. The type of training most Marines never see. He might not be shooting bad guys in the face, but next to that, the training FAST Company is immersed in is exactly why 99.99% of Marines join.

Hopefully he can stay focused, eager to learn, and humble -- and the sky is the limit.

Sounds like a great experience, I am really excited for him. He wanted Kings Bay GA at first, so he could go to school, I told him, you can always go to school not many 18 year olds get to go to Spain. One thing about him, is he is very humble, and grateful for everything that he has learned. He does get homesick, but I just remind of why he joined, and he snaps out of it. I let him vent, which is what he needs.

[thewookie]

He wanted Kings Bay GA at first, so he could go to school

Kings Bay and FAST --> especially FAST in Spain --- are polar opposites. Like most red blooded American men he probably joined the Corps to travel the world, meet exotic women, and kill terrorist - well, he gets two of the three right there in Spain. Definitely not in Georgia. :)

I agree with you when you tell him to go to Spain, and he'll be glad he did. Back when I reenlisted and was deciding where to go with security forces it was tossup between Spain, Greece and Rhode Island. The Rhode Island job was better on the surface, and close to home.

But I couldn't get Spanish and Greek women out of my mind. And I didn't want to be close to home,, cause I joined the Corps to travel the world and meet exotic women.

When time came to choose I quickly ruled out RI -- too close to home. So, I was gonna pick Spain, but the spot for an NCO filled over the weekend.

And all I was left, was stinking Greece. :p

[Marinemom32]

[quote=thewookie;825839]Kings Bay and FAST --> especially FAST in Spain --- are polar opposites. Like most red blooded American men he probably joined the Corps to travel the world, meet exotic women, and kill terrorist - well, he gets two of the three right there in Spain.

Yes!! Exactly what told him, I said I bet the women will be beautiful, and probably won't speak good English, so there are only a few other things that you can do with them, and he just laughed at me. I think after it soaks in, he will be extremely happy.

Come on, I bet you had a blast in Greece....like you said exotic Greek Women...you probably couldn't get enough! lol

[Tennessee Top]

Don't be surprised if he doesn't bring one of those exotic Spanish girls home with him. I brought an exotic Nicaraguan girl home with me when I was a Sergeant. She hung in there till my first unaccompanied 12 month tour to Okinawa, Japan. About the halfway point, she met Jody and that was that...occupational hazard (and her loss).

[Marinemom32]

Don't be surprised if he doesn't bring one of those exotic Spanish girls home with him. I brought an exotic Nicaraguan girl home with me when I was a Sergeant. She hung in there till my first unaccompanied 12 month tour to Okinawa, Japan. About the halfway point, she met Jody and that was that...occupational hazard (and her loss).

Sorry to hear that, and defnitely her loss! All I can hope for is that he enjoys his time there, and does not want to bring any exotic women home with him....but with the way their economy is now, there are probably plenty of young exotic women looking for a handsome Marine...just not my son! haha

[YLDNDN6]

I was stationed in Rota, Spain in the mid 80's and I can vouch for the exotic women. At the time, though, the attitude toward U.S. military members was pretty cool...i.e. they didn't have much time for us. They were afraid that our presence there would bring down a nuke strike by the USSR. Anyhoo, your boy should have a great time there, as I understand we are received with a bit more openness these days.

[Marinemom32]

[quote=YLDNDN6;826124]I was stationed in Rota, Spain in the mid 80's and I can vouch for the exotic women. At the time, though, the attitude toward U.S. military members was pretty cool...i.e. they didn't have much time for us. They were afraid that our presence there would bring down a nuke strike by the USSR. Anyhoo, your boy should have a great time there, as I understand we are received with a bit more openness these days.[/quot

Thanks for the info! The more I talk to him the more excited he gets. I think he is also excited to move from "student status" to an actaul unit. Hopefully he will get to have a little fun while he is over there. right now he is just focused on graduating SF and getting to come home for Christmas...which I am pretty excited about that too!

[YLDNDN6]

Now, back in the day, our pay stubs had the abbreviation "Stud" on them while we were in student status. So, even though he will be leaving behind his student status, he will sorta miss having "Stud" on his check stub. I hope you guys have a great Christmas together. Take care!

[Marinemom32]

Now, back in the day, our pay stubs had the abbreviation "Stud" on them while we were in student status. So, even though he will be leaving behind his student status, he will sorta miss having "Stud" on his check stub. I hope you guys have a great Christmas together. Take care!

I will have to ask him is he has "Stud" on his pay stubs.... But then again....all you Marines are "Studs" in my book!! Thanks for the wishes...never thought when he joined that he would get to be home for Christmas his first year in...Do you know if before he gets deployed he will get pre-deployment leave?

[YLDNDN6]

I honestly don't know about that. In my day, it was more a matter of being able to schedule leave during non-essential presence times (i.e. critical training periods or other times when it was required to be on station for whatever reason). If he can manage to get in some leave time before deployment this way, I'm sure he will.

[Marinemom32]

Thanks for your help...I know he is going into the negative for his leave coming home for Christmas, he mentioned something about pre-deployment leave, and that it does not go against your leave bank. He said he will be very busy with training right up before he does leave. I guess we will just have to wait and see!

[Marinemom32]

I talked to my son last night, and he said they basically had thier final exam for Security Force training yesterday. He said it was BadA$$, and loved every minute of it. Said this has been some of the best training he has recieved so far...not sure if I can post what they did, but he said all his training kicked in, and even just instinct kicked in. He loved every minute of it. He said today is gear turn in, graduates tomorrow, heads to his new duty station, and then he gets to come home!
Never ever did I ever think that his first year in the Corps we would be able to spend Christmas together. I am just so grateful.

[MOS4429]

Thanks for the update. Good to hear a young Marine loving it!

[Marinemom32]

Thanks for the update. Good to hear a young Marine loving it!


I was very happy to hear it too! After his training at ITB, he was seriously doubting himself and why he did this...I did my best to encourage him, and let him know it will get better. From sound of his voice yesterday and just his overall enthusiam, it has gotten better. I lov hearing it too!!:)

[Tennessee Top]

Glad to hear you're happy and things seem to be working out.

Don't mean to be a Grinch but don't count your chickens till he walks through your hatch at home. No matter what you've been told, last minute changes happen all the time for whatever reasons that are never explained and plans have to be cancelled. Eventually, your son is going to be introduced to the "big green weenie" (getting screwed by the USMC to put it bluntly) and disappointed. Hopefully, it won't happen this Christmas but if it does don't be surprised.

Congratulations to your son for completing his FAST training!

[Marinemom32]

Glad to hear you're happy and things seem to be working out.

Don't mean to be a Grinch but don't count your chickens till he walks through your hatch at home. No matter what you've been told, last minute changes happen all the time for whatever reasons that are never explained and plans have to be cancelled. Eventually, your son is going to be introduced to the "big green weenie" (getting screwed by the USMC to put it bluntly) and disappointed. Hopefully, it won't happen this Christmas but if it does don't be surprised.

Congratulations to your son for completing his FAST training!

Thanks Tennessee Top! I have already had to change his ticket 3 times!! If it means anything has had to show his Sargent his travel plans, how he is getting home, and getting back, he is reporting to his new unit on Thrusday, so I have been a little weary about it too...but he seems pretty confident. He has been disappointed before, but it is him putting his own thoughts in his head...Getting RA and such...which he never got.

Thanks for explaining what the "big green weenie" is!! I have been seeing this other places, and just didn't want to ask lol....but I am glad I know now!!

[Marinemom32]

Well it's official....he is on a plane right now on hisway home....had to change the ticket one last time to an earlier flight, he left at 7:25 am and will arrive in Louisville at 12:30...I told him I don't get off work until 2, and have an hour drive to Louisville. I guess he would rather sit in an Airport in Louisville then in his Barricks in Allentown?? I am not sure...but he said where he is staying should be condemened, they spent all last night cleaning them up...He said where hs is now they are full, and have to use these... Just glad he is on his way...might have to sneak out of work early, my boss is on vaca...:banana:

[YLDNDN6]

That's great to hear! Enjoy yourselves and have a blessed holiday!

[MOS4429]

I guess he would rather sit in an Airport in Louisville then in his Barricks in Allentown?? he said where he is staying should be condemened, they spent all last night cleaning them up

To tell you the truth, most Marines would rather sit in an airport for an hour and "sight see" than in a barracks staring at...well...green.

LOL. He could be out in the field sleeping in a fox hole or under a 6 by!!!

[Tennessee Top]

To tell you the truth, most Marines would rather sit in an airport for an hour and "sight see" than in a barracks staring at...well...green.

LOL. He could be out in the field sleeping in a fox hole or under a 6 by!!!


THAT'S for sure! The "eye candy" in a civilian airport HAS to be better than some enlisted barracks!!

Mom, let us know how his stay with you goes.

[foreverproud]

Marinemom32,

So happy that your son was able to make it home for the holidays. Sounds like he'll be having an exciting times ahead.

The very best to you and your son!

[Marinemom32]

THAT'S for sure! The "eye candy" in a civilian airport HAS to be better than some enlisted barracks!!

Mom, let us know how his stay with you goes.

Yes you both have a point, and that is exactly what he said he did....watch the women and acted like he was reading a book!! So far it has been great....but on his first night back, while picking a friend up, he hit a deer with my car...at least everyone in the car was OK...can't say the same for the deer and my car. He is been enjoying his time with his friends....and of coruse he does stop in and give me a hug, and says how much he loves me...and then he is off again...

[MOS4429]

watch the women and acted like he was reading a book!!

LOL. Did he wear Blue Brother's shades, too? :D


and of coruse he does stop in and give me a hug, and says how much he loves me...and then he is off again...

Yep. That's the way of leave...so much to do, such little time to do it.

[Marinemom32]

LOL. Did he wear Blue Brother's shades, too? :D



Yep. That's the way of leave...so much to do, such little time to do it.
lol No he didn't wer any shades...

I know he is always so busy with all his friends when he is home on leave...and I know his a young Man, Marine that has needs that his mom can't take care of...but I still need some of his time too...and he pretty good about seeing me too...

[tbull]

Did you say your son was in "Alpha 6 1st FAST? The reason I ask is I am a former FAST Marine, 2001-2004, and I was curious if they changed things up since I have been out of the corps. Back then it was only FAST Co in Norfolk, VA. Not to long before I got there I had heard there was a 2nd FAST in Yorktown, VA that was no longer in operation. We just had Platoons that were all in 1 set of barracks just outside the Naval Base. I am sure things have changed a bit since 2004. Our platoons did 6 month rotations to Japan, and Spain.

If he graduated on 12/22, and was selected for FAST then I would imagine right now he is just getting started with his new platoon. I was in 2 platoons, the 2nd platoon I was in myself and few other NCO's were extended in FAST to pickup and train a new platoon. All in all it was a great time with some great training. Tell him to keep his head on straight and he can get some really good schools. CQB and HRST were 2 that I attended and they were both top notch..Sorry for chiming in I was just surprised at how things seemed to have changed. Good luck to your son.

Sgt. Halsey
FAST 2001-2004

[FistFu68]

:usmc: Had a Lance Coolie in My Squad in tha Nam,Felipe Torres;that stayed in tha Crotch,ended up going all tha way up too Full Bird Col,and started The Very 1st.FAST Co...It was some Nuke Base on tha Coast of Ga...Or Fla? S/F :iwo:

[Marinemom32]

Did you say your son was in "Alpha 6 1st FAST? The reason I ask is I am a former FAST Marine, 2001-2004, and I was curious if they changed things up since I have been out of the corps. Back then it was only FAST Co in Norfolk, VA. Not to long before I got there I had heard there was a 2nd FAST in Yorktown, VA that was no longer in operation. We just had Platoons that were all in 1 set of barracks just outside the Naval Base. I am sure things have changed a bit since 2004. Our platoons did 6 month rotations to Japan, and Spain.

If he graduated on 12/22, and was selected for FAST then I would imagine right now he is just getting started with his new platoon. I was in 2 platoons, the 2nd platoon I was in myself and few other NCO's were extended in FAST to pickup and train a new platoon. All in all it was a great time with some great training. Tell him to keep his head on straight and he can get some really good schools. CQB and HRST were 2 that I attended and they were both top notch..Sorry for chiming in I was just surprised at how things seemed to have changed. Good luck to your son.

Sgt. Halsey
FAST 2001-2004
Sgt. Halsey,
Yes pretty sure he said he is Alpha 6 first FAST Company. from what he tells me they will be getting deployed to Spain in late August. I think right now he is getting trained on Hum V's. he is getting a little discouraged, it is all hurry up and wait. But all in all he is liking it, and excited about the opportunity to go to Spain! And he is in VA, he said abuot 15 minutes from Virginia Beach.. And I appreciate you chiming in, good to hear from someone who has been through this!

[SBYates]

I just stopped in Rota, Spain in April 2011; and I just had friend go over to the FAST Company there. I believe it is consider a PCS, so not a deployment. I do know, the Marine Corps has been expanding its FAST Company presents to more Naval Stations. But as far as leave he should get leave before he has to go over. I thought the places was nice, the base isnt to big though.

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[Marinemom32]

SBYates,

Thanks for the info. yes he did say he would get a 15 day leave prior to leaving, just glad that get to see him before leaves. He also said Sapin is just where they will be hanging his hat so to speak, he said they will be giong to other surronding countires while there also. Thanks again for the info, would like to learn as much as I can about FAST

[tbull]

It sounds like he is on the typical FAST rotation, we called them FDP's. Most of those are planned out well in advance. Typically he will know when he will be deployed unless it is a change of plans and they need a FAST plt to operate somewhere else on short notice. When we went to Iraq we only knew a few days in advance that we were for sure going there. However when plt's deploy to Japan, Spain, Bahrain, etc...Those are already planned well ahead of time. And your right typically while on those deployments, depending on where they are, you will have squads or the entire plt break off and do different missions in different countries, or aboard a ship. We even went out in even smaller groups for weeks at a time to train sailors on Marksmanship, and Martial Arts. Those were always cool because after you were done with them for the day you were kind of on your own program until the next day. So there is a wide variety of things we did in FAST, I did 3 deployments in 3 years so sometimes you are not stateside very often. I am sure he will like it. Contrary to popular belief FAST platoons are not like Recon or Seals. Their main mission is security and they are very good at it. We were able to shoot much more than other units in the Corps simply because we were much smaller. The Marines like myself that were lucky enough to go to CQB schools and other schools are usually task with training the current, and future platoons on things like that. So while FAST platoons do get alot of "high speed' type training that you may see in some elite units, they are nowhere near the level that those men are. Even still the PT is usually very intense on a daily basis, so guys that cannot maintain that level of intensity are usually weeded out quickly and either leave FAST, or end up pushing pencils in HQ. The down side of FAST is that most Marines that are in their first contract will rotate out of FAST and transfer to the Fleet Marine Force to finish their enlisment. So even though all FAST marines are grunts, and have been initially trained on a specific weapons system or as a rifleman before they went to FAST, the way they operate is so much different that they are behind the curve ball when they get to the fleet. So its a catch 22..That being said I enjoyed my time there and was fortunate to get training that many Marines do not get the benefit of recieving. I am sure your son will do just fine. Just tell him to make sure he stays in shape, but I am sure his squad leader will take care of that. Chances are that most of the NCO's in his plt have already done one tour with a FAST plt.

[Marinemom32]

tbull,

Thanks so much for the information! That really helps to know some of things that he will be doing...he has enjoyed training so far, really likes all the training with the different weapons, he has come to really enjoy shooting.. I didn't think he would be in the states much, I think he said he will be leaving Late August, and will not be back until March. If i can ask, what is the commuication like while they are gone? Do we get to talk or is it letters...I understand it is high security, and OPSEC but just kind of want to know how we will be able to communicate. he does enjoy PT..he really likes to push himself, so he will have no problem with the PT.
His contract is for 5 years, so yeah two of them will be in FAST, and then he will go to the fleet, and I guess the first year is all training..he left for boot 6/6/11, and graduated on 9/2/11, so almost has that first year under his belt. ..he did mention something about a MOS hop? Switching after FAST? Not sure if he is able to to that or not. Thanks again for all info, was very helpful!
cindy

[tbull]

It all depends on what he is doing. For example while we were in Japan we actually had phones in our rooms. Of course we had to pay for them, and they arent cheap. But we had an answering machine and everything. I never went to Spain but I would imagine its not far off from that. However when he is out operating off site somewhere like a ship, emails will probably be the norm for comm. In Iraq some of the media would let us use their phones, but there was not much communication. It all depends on where he is. Technology has come so far since 04 that I am sure they wont have an issue calling home regardless of where they go.

As far as changing MOS's, that is usually something you cannot do until the end of your first contract I believe. In other words, if he re-enlist he may be able to go to school for another MOS. 8152 is the MOS of security forces which is was FAST falls under, after he leaves he will go back to his primary 0300 mos of whatever he obtained in SOI.

[Marinemom32]

Thanks tbull! This is good to know. So i am thinking he will probably will not be able to take his phone with him, but we will have other ways to communicate? I have kind of gotten used to talking and texting to him everyday, its nice, but I know it won't always be like that. I don't think it will be an issue either, just want to know what to expect.

Ok so he will not be able to change his MOS..I am not sure where he got tht info from, I am sure you now how rumors and such get circulated around. As far as his primary, all I know is he was infantry. Thanks again for all the info, I really appreciate it!