Guarding the President

[JosephKelly24]

When my cousin joined the Corps 4 years ago, he was offered the position of guarding the White House/the President. He turned it down for his desire to be an infantryman. I would love to know more details about this job if anyone has any information. I do not know anything about it, so any information is useful.

Thank you.

[JosephKelly24]

Sorry, but I was not specific with my message. What I am mainly looking for is how to obtain this position. General information, requirements, etc. are still valuable though.

[Yonkers]

My rackmate in boot was going into that. You have to get top secret clearance. Basically that means if you scratched your nuts wrong back in 2nd grade they're gonna know about it. You MUST have a clean record. You MUST be in shape. You MUST look good. Presidential security it's called.

Further information:

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=20129

Good luck,

LCpl Yonkers

[YLDNDN6]

Yeah, I was offered that MOS as well. It was called Presidential Support at the time, and they told me it was offered to me based on my high ASVAB scores, the fact that I could get a top secret security clearance, my overall fine physical appearance, outstanding character, natural good looks and six foot frame. In actuality, it was because Reagan was in the Whitehouse, there had already been an attempt on his life, and nobody wanted to chance the next one. I opted for Intel and never looked back.
Seriously, I would go straight to a recruiter with this question. The major factors are test scores, background check/security clearance, and height and weight. The Presidential support Marines are pretty much cookie cutter 6 foot 185 lb men. I would bet that any of them would look great in any other of their dress blues...that's how interchangeable they seem to be....good luck and God speed.

[Tennessee Top]

Sounds and looks glamorous but can't be much fun standing in front of a hatch at modified parade rest (they clasp their hands together in front instead of in the small of their back) for who knows how long, in all types of weather conditions, just waiting for some slimey civilian to come along so you can open the hatch for them...no thanks! It's actually quite belittling if you ask me.

Now, if you want a real challenge, wait till you pick up Lance Corporal and request embassy duty. Marines have been guarding our embassies, consulates, and legations abroad since December 15th, 1948 (and, you don't have to be 6' 185 lbs to be qualified either...but, you do still need to be squared-away).

[JosephKelly24]

Thank you very much LCpl Yonkers, LCpl Stone, and MSgt Van Cleave. As I said before, I had no previous information about this MOS, so all of this information is valuable.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

LOTS of standing around. While a 'cool' job on the face of it, the actual 'job' itself is going to be dull in my opinion....

[Ceya]

Just as TOP stated go for embassy duty (Marine Security Guard - MSG).

A choice you won't regret.

I think it is now 3 yrs at 1 yr per station before was 1.5 yrs per station at 3 yrs.

S/F,
CEYA!

[JosephKelly24]

Sgt Williams, can I have more information about MSG. What do you mean by 3 years at 1 year per station? Does that mean I can be a MSG for a total of 3 years and I will move to a new location every year? Also, how do I obtain this job?

[Tennessee Top]

Typically, you split up your tour on the MSG program between two diplomatic posts abroad. Generally, one will be a hardship post (most likely in a communist block country, one where the terrorist threat is abnormally high, like Moscow, Peking, etc.) and the other will be a non-hardship post (like Paris, Rome, Rio, etc.). There is a numbering system used to differentiate between hardship and non-hardship posts. Now, which you go to first out of MSG school depends on the needs of the program at that time. Graduates fill out a "wish list" but there is never a gaurantee you will get anything on that list. Same applies when it gets close to the time to rotate off your first post; a list of openings will be published and you will have the opportunity to submit your wish list. As an example; as a Detachment Commander, I went to the embassy in Port au Prince Haiti out of school (hardship post for obvious reasons) and then rotated to the consulate general in Sao Paulo, Brazil (non-hardship post for obvious reasons).

Active duty Marines can find out about the MSG program by talking to their career planner and reading the applicable Marine Corps Order. Also, if you don't mind spending around $15.00, you can order the book "Ambassadors In Blue, The Marine Security Guard Program" on-line from places like Amazon.com. This book is written by a former Detachment Commander and is an excellent reference guide for the history of the program, eligibility/selection requirements, training curriculum at school, duties, and day-to-day life of a Marine Security Guard. I found this book to be entertaining and, even as a former MSG watchstander, Detachment Commander, and MSG School Operations Chief, educational. Anybody thinking about the MSG program should read this book as it will shed light on many aspects of the duty and answer a lot of their questions.

There are a couple members here who are active MSG's and have current info about the school/program. Maybe they'll come by and add their comments.

[JosephKelly24]

Thank you, MSgt. I will have to look into that book.

[Tennessee Top]

Thank you, MSgt. I will have to look into that book.

Good luck to you...I also grew up in Ohio! It's a BIG world out there...enjoy it and enjoy being a Marine...there's nothing else like as you'll learn!!

[Ceya]

Sgt Ceya, can I have more information about MSG. What do you mean by 3 years at 1 year per station? Does that mean I can be a MSG for a total of 3 years and I will move to a new location every year? Also, how do I obtain this job?

See Below.

S/F,
CEYA!

MARINE SECURITY GUARD DUTY AND REQUIREMENTS

Date Signed: 8/4/2009
MARADMIN Cancelled Number: 0459/09 2009
R 030930Z AUG 09
UNCLASSIFIED//
MARADMIN 0459/09


1. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MARADMIN IS TO PROVIDE AMPLIFYING GUIDANCE ON THE REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE MARINE SECURITY GUARD PROGRAM. MARINE SECURITY GUARD (MSG) DUTY PROVIDES MARINES THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE OVERSEAS, WHILE SERVING WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE AT EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. MARINE SECURITY GUARDS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING CLASSIFIED MATERIAL AND PEOPLE IN LOCATIONS SUCH AS PARIS, HONG KONG, PRETORIA, AND BOGOTA JUST TO NAME A FEW OF THE 148 LOCATIONS. MSG DUTY IS A VOLUNTARY DUTY ASSIGNMEMT. MARINES SEEKING TO BE PART OF THIS CHALLENGING, EXCITING, AND CAREER BROADENING DUTY MUST MEET SEVERAL PREREQUISITES, AND WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THEIR PARENT COMMAND, MUST COMPLETE A 4-PHASED PROCESS BEFORE ATTENDING MSG SCHOOL AT MARINE CORPS EMBASSY SECURITY GROUP (MCESG) IN QUANTICO, VA.

2. THE CRITERIA TO APPLY FOR MSG DUTY ARE: BE A U.S. CITIZEN, HAVE 18 MONTHS TIME-ON-STATION, HAVE A 90 GT SCORE OR HIGHER, BE QUALIFIED BY MEDICAL AND DENTAL, HAVE AN UP-TO-DATE POST DEPLOYMENT HEALTH ASSESSMENT, HAVE NO NJPS IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, AND BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE A PFT. CORPORALS AND BELOW MUST HAVE PRO AND CON MARKS OF 4.2/4.2 AVERAGE, AND SERGEANTS AND BELOW MUST NOT BE MARRIED. SNCOS (SSGT-MGYSGT) MUST HAVE 38 MONTHS OF OBLIGATED SERVICE UPON REPORTING TO MSG SCHOOL AND HAVE MORE THAN 18 MONTHS TIME ON STATION. SNCOS CANNOT BE SINGLE PARENTS OR HAVE A SPOUSE WHO IS ACTIVE DUTY OR ACTIVE RESERVE. SNCO FAMILIES CANNOT CONSIST OF MORE THAN FOUR DEPENDENTS.

ADDITIONALLY, IN ORDER TO STAND POST AS A MSG OR BE A DETACHMENT COMMANDER, TOP SECRET CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY IS REQUIRED BASED ON A SINGLE SCOPE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION (SSBI). SINCE MOST MARINES DO NOT HAVE THE APPROPRIATE CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY, THE SSBI WILL BE INITIATED BY THE MCESG SECURITY MANAGER UPON ISSUANCE OF ORDERS TO MSG SCHOOL. IF THE MARINE DOES NOT ALREADY HAVE SECRET CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY BASED ON A FAVORABLY ADJUDICATED NATIONAL AGENCY CHECK, LAW AND CREDIT CHECK (NACLC), THE SUBMISSION OF THE SSBI WILL ALSO REQUEST AN ADVANCED NATIONAL AGENCY CHECK (NAC) WHICH MAY RESULT IN SECRET ELIGIBILITY BEING ADJUDICATED PRIOR TO THE COMPLETION OF THE SSBI. THIS MAY RENDER THE MARINE SUITABLE FOR TEMPORARY ACCESS AT THE TOP SECRET LEVEL AND CAPABLE OF STANDING POST. THE MCESG SECURITY MANAGER WILL REVIEW THE ELECTRONIC QUESTIONNAIRE FOR INVESTIGATIONS PROCESSING (EQIP) SSBI SUBMISSION AND MAKE A PRELIMINARY DECISION ON TEMPORARY ACCESS. IF TEMPORARY ACCESS IS NOT AN OPTION, THE MARINE WILL NOT REPORT TO MSG SCHOOL UNTIL ALL ISSUES ARE RESOLVED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY CENTRAL ADJUDICATION FACILITY (DONCAF). ALL POTENTIAL ISSUES WILL BE COORDINATED BY THE MCESG SECURITY MANAGER AND SUBSEQUENTLY REVIEWED WITH THE MARINE'S SECURITY MANAGER AND MMEA-85.

A. PHASE I: INITIAL APPLICATION. MARINES MUST CONTACT THEIR COMMAND CAREER PLANNER (CARPLAN) TO INITIATE AN APPLICATION FOR MSG DUTY. THE CARPLAN WILL PROVIDE THE COMMANDING OFFICER'S CHECKLIST AND FINANCIAL WORKSHEET (APPENDIX C). ONCE THESE ARE COMPLETED AND ENDORSED BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER, THE CARPLAN WILL ENSURE THE MARINE ATTENDS THE RECRUITING ADVERTISING AND SCREENING TEAM (RAST) VISIT OR CONDUCTS A PHONE INTERVIEW IF RAST ATTENDANCE IS NOT POSSIBLE.
B. PHASE II: MCESG RAST SCREENING. SCREENING MUST BE CONDUCTED BY THE MCESG RAST. THE PREFERED METHOD FOR THIS SCREENING IS IN PERSON DURING A MCESG RECRUITING VISIT AT BASES OR INSTALLATIONS. HOWEVER, DUE TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, SCREENINGS CAN BE CONDUCTED OVER THE TELEPHONE. TO CONDUCT A TELEPHONIC SCREENING INTERVIEW, CONTACT THE RAST AT 703-784-4861 OR DSN 278-4861. ONCE SCREENING HAS BEEN CONDUCTED AND ELIGIBLITY HAS BEEN DETERMINED, THE APPLICATION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE SPECIAL DUTY ASSIGNMENTS MONITOR AT MMEA-85 FOR FINAL ADJUDICATION AND ORDERS PROCCESSING.

C. PHASE III: MEDICAL SCREENING AND SECURITY QUESTIONNAIRE. THIS PHASE IS EXECUTED ONCE ORDERS ARE RECEIVED FROM MMEA-85 TO ATTEND MSG SCHOOL. DURING THIS PHASE AN OVERSEAS MEDICAL SCREENING AND PHYSICAL AT THE NEAREST MEDICAL FACILITY TO THE APPLICANT'S COMMAND WILL BE CONDUCTED. UPON RECEIPT OF ORDERS, THE MCESG PERSONNEL SECURITY STAFF WILL CONTACT THE APPLICANT AND THEIR COMMAND SECURITY MANAGER BY EMAIL AND TELEPHONE WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON COMPLETING THE EQIP THAT INITIATES THE SSBI. THE GOAL IS TO COMPLETE PHASE III 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO REPORTING TO MSG SCHOOL IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE SSBI IS ADJUDICATED UPON GRADUATION FROM MSG SCHOOL, HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT PRECLUDE MARINES FROM SUBMITTING INSIDE THIS WINDOW. ADDITIONALLY, SNCO APPLICANTS WITH DEPENDENTS MUST COMPLETE THE OVERSEAS DEPENDENT MEDICAL SCREENING UPON RECEIPT OF ORDERS TO MSG SCHOOL. IF THERE ARE FAMILY HEALTH ISSUES, A MEDICAL OFFICER WILL SCREEN THE FAMILY MEMBER'S HEALTH RECORDS AND A MEMO WILL BE PLACED IN THE MARINE'S HEALTH RECORD INDICATING WHETHER THE FAMILY MEMBER'S MEDICAL CONDITION SHOULD DISQUALIFY THE MARINE FOR MSG DUTY.

D. PHASE IV: FINAL COMMAND CERTIFICATION. THIS PHASE MUST BE COMPLETED NO EARLIER THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO REPORTING TO MSG SCHOOL. DURING THIS PHASE ALL QUALIFICATIONS BASED ON PHASES I, II AND III ARE RECERTIFIED BY THE APPLICANT'S COMMANDING OFFICER. AN INVENTORY PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST MUST BE CONDUCTED AND THE MARINE MUST BE EVALUATED TO ENSURE HE OR SHE IS WITHIN MARINE CORPS HEIGHT AND WEIGHT STANDARDS. THIS MUST ALL BE CERTIFIED BY THE MARINE'S COMMAND.

3. COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS. UPCOMING TRIPS BY THE MCESG RAST WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN FUTURE MARADMINS AND THROUGH COMMAND CARPLAN NOTIFICATION. MCESG RAST VISITS INCLUDE AN INFORMATIONAL VIDEO OF MSG TRAINING AND DUTIES, FOLLOWED BY A BRIEFING OF THE MSG PROGRAM. ALL MARINES AND SNCOS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE VIDEO SHOWING AND BRIEFS, AS ARE THE SPOUSES OF SNCOS WHO WANT TO BE ON MSG DUTY. AFTER THE BRIEF IS COMPLETED, THE RAST WILL SCREEN ALL INTERESTED VOLUNTEERS PER PHASE II OF THE PROCESS. MARINES WHO WISH TO RECEIVE ORDERS TO MSG SCHOOL MUST ATTEND THE BRIEFS.

4. RELEASE AUTHORIZED BY MR. C. F. SWAIN, DIRECTOR, MANPOWER MANAGEMENT DIVISION, (ACTING).//

[Ceya]

http://www.marines.mil/unit/mccdc/mc...uirements.aspx

The Marine Security Guard (MSG) Program, in its current form, has been in place since December 1948, but the Marine Corps has a long history of cooperation and distinction with the Department of State (DOS) going back to the early days of the Nation. From the raising of the United States flag at Derna, Tripoli, and the secret mission of Archibald Gillespie in California, to the 55-days at Peking, the United States Marines have served many times on special missions as couriers, guards for embassies and delegations, and to protect American officials in unsettled areas.

CESG - Requirements

Marine Security Guard (PFC-Sgt)

CAN NOT be married (No single parents with sole custody)
Must have an adjudicated Secret Clearance
Qualify for Top Secret security clearance
Financially stable
18 months time on station
Minimum 90 GT
No NJPs within one year
Completed PFT/CFT
Service Pro & Cons 4.2/4.2 or higher (Cpl and below)
High level of maturity, judgment, and sound moral character



Detachment Commander (SSgt-*MGySgt)

Can be married
No more than four (4) total dependants
No dual military or single parents
Spouse must be U.S. Citizen
Must have an adjudicated Secret Clearance
Qualify for TS security clearance
Financially stable
SSgts must have one (1) year time in grade
24 months time on station
Minimum 90 GT
Completed PFT/ CFT
No NJPs within one year
*MSgt-MGySgt: Within time in service limits
High level of maturity, judgment, and sound moral character
*All applicants for MSG must be a United States Citizen


MCESG - Rast FAQ: Questions and Answers

How do I get orders to MSG School? The first step towards MSG School is through your unit’s Career Planner/Career Retention Specialist (CRS). Inform your CRS that you would like to start your package for MSG School. For specific questions, contact the MSG Recruiting & Screening Team .

How long do I have to be on station before I can apply to MSG duty? Sergeants and below are required to have 18 months Time on Station (TOS), and SNCOs are required to have 24 months TOS before reporting in. Despite this, Marines have received orders for MSG Duty with less than one year on station as any requirement regarding TOS can be waived. If you are short of your TOS requirements, proceed to complete and submit your package. Aside from the MSG Screening Team and your MOS monitor, nobody can deny your request for orders to MSG School. .

Is there a rank minimum requirement for MSG School? NO. There is no minimum rank requirement for MSG School. We are actively seeking PFCs through *MGySgts. In fact, Marines who complete MSG School and still hold the rank of PFC will be administratively promoted to the rank of LCpl. *MSgt-MGySgt must be within time in service limits.

I'm a Sergeant or below and have dependants. Can I do MSG duty? NO. Marines holding the rank of Sgt or below must be single with zero dependents. However, those Marines who have children but are not the primary care takers are not immediately disqualified (i.e. paying child support or alimony is not an immediate disqualifier). SNCO’s may have up to four dependents (three children and one spouse).

Do I need a TOP SECRET clearance to apply for MSG duty? NO. You do not need to have a TOP SECRET clearance to apply for MSG. At a minimum, an adjudicated Secret clearance is required in order to conduct the Phase II Screening. You will need to have a JPAS print out from your Security Manager/S-2 at the time of your phase II interview to verify all information regarding your status.

I heard MSG School is a “P.T. Academy,” do I need a 1st class PFT in order to do MSG Duty? NO. MSG School is not a “P.T. Academy.” MSG school consists of both mental and physical challenges. That being said, very few Marines who come to MSG School in good shape are dropped strictly due to physical fitness.

I'm thinking about getting some sort of law enforcement job after the Marine Corps. Will MSG duty help prepare me for this type of employment? YES. The skills and experience acquired during MSG school and out at post are much the same as those sought after by law enforcement departments across the U.S. MSG School itself is very highly respected by law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, MSGs will work side by side with numerous federal agencies and separate themselves from other Marines who do not have this experience.

I want orders to MSG school but my command won't let me go. They say I'm too valuable. Is there anything I can do? YES. Your command cannot deny your request to do MSG duty, they simply make a recommendation. They still have to submit your package through your Career Retention Specialist. HQMC has the final say as to whether you will receive orders or not. If someone in your command refuses to let you submit a package, make sure you get it in writing.

When I was younger I got into some trouble with the police. Can I still come to MSG school? That depends on what type of trouble you got in. Many, if not most, Marines did a few stupid things before joining the Marine Corps. Many things can be waived or are not serious enough to stop a Marine from coming to MSG school. If you have any doubt, go ahead and start your package. Upon being screened by the MSG screening team, they will find you qualified or unqualified. Drug waivers do not disqualify Marines for MSG duty.

I heard that MSG's don't qualify annually with the M16, is that true? YES. MSGs are exempt from qualifying annually with the M16. However, MSGs do qualify with the M9 Beretta and M870 Shotgun on the Department of State qualification course which does not carry over to standard Marine Corps qualification.

What is the toughest part of MSG School? MSG school brings many challenges. Students will be challenged both mentally and physically throughout the duration of the course. Although there is no one piece of MSG school that stands out as the toughest, many Marines have minor problems with managing their time during MSG school. During MSG school you will be expected to learn a large amount of new information in a short amount of time. That being said, MSG students will be afforded every opportunity to study, retain, and conquer the material covered during school. The instructors here at MSG school are dedicated to giving MSG students ample opportunity to pass the course. However, no one will be dragged or slid through the course. Again, attitude is everything; if you want to pass and commit yourself, you will pass.

Are Female or Male Marines treated different from one another during MSG school? Marines are Marines, period. Marines reporting to MSG school will be treated equally and fairly no matter what their sex.

What uniforms should I bring to MSG school? MSG Students are required to report with their entire minimum uniform requirement. It is not recommended that students purchase several extra uniform items before reporting to MSG School. Reporting with the basic uniform allowance and ensuring that every uniform is serviceable is all that is required. For further information refer to the following references: (A) MCO P1020.34_ (B) MCO 1326.6_ (C) MCBUL 10120

Will there be someone at the airport to meet me? How should I get to Quantico? There will be no one at the airport to greet Marines arriving for MSG School. All Marines are advised to take a taxicab to 2007 Elliot Road, Marine Corps Base Quantico. Receipts should be kept to be used for travel claims. Transportation costs will be reimbursed upon completion of travel claim. Ground Transportation Questions when flying into Dulles International Airport http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/ parking_transportation_3/ground_transportation

Do I need to report in Alpha's? YES. All Marines reporting to MSG School will be in their Service “A” uniform upon reporting in. To clarify, it is NOT acceptable to come to MSG School in civilian attire and request to change into Alphas. All Marines will stand a uniform inspection immediately upon reporting into MSG School.

I have a few tattoos can I still go to MSG School? YES. Having a tattoo, or several, does not immediately disqualify one for MSG duty. However, all tattoos must be in good taste and non-offensive in nature. Tattoos that are racist, sexist or vulgar in any way will not be accepted.

I received NJP when I was a PFC, can I still receive orders to MSG School? YES. In order to be eligible for a pre-screening interview, you must have no NJPs within the past year. If it has been at least one year since your last NJP, you are eligible for a screening interview.

My GT is an 85; can I still get orders to MSG School? NO. The minimum requirement for the MSG program is 90. Marines with scores lower than 90 are required to re-take the ASVAB and earn a higher GT score. This requirement is not waiverable.

Do I have to be a US Citizen before receiving orders to MSG school? YES. In order to obtain a TOP SECRET Clearance, one must be a U.S. citizen. Marines may be screened for MSG Duty as soon as they become a U.S. citizen, no sooner.

Can I have a dual citizenship? NO. In order to obtain a TOP SECRET clearance, one cannot hold dual citizenship, but must be a citizen of the U.S. only. Marines holding dual citizenship may be screened by a member of RAST and found qualified for MSG, and can renounce their citizenship to their country of origin at MSG School.

My spouse is not a US Citizen can I receive orders? NO. All spouses must be U.S. Citizens. Dependents may hold dual citizenship.

I am only five feet tall do I need a waiver? NO. MSG currently has no height standards. As long as Marines fall within USMC height/weight standards, they are eligible for MSG duty.

Do MSGs go to two or three posts? How many posts do Detachment Commanders go to? All MSGs will serve two eighteen month posts.

I bounced a check when I was younger does this disqualify me? NO. Although all MSG students will have their personal and financial backgrounds thoroughly screened to ensure each student is financially responsible and mature, the bouncing of one check will not disqualify one from receiving orders to MSG School.

I came in the Marine Corps on a drug waiver does this disqualify me? NO. Having a drug waiver does not disqualify Marines from receiving orders to MSG School.

What should I do about TMO before coming to MSG School? NO. All E-5's and below report to MSG School on PCS orders and should therefore process TMO prior to departing their present permanent duty stations. The TMO will place the house hold goods/unaccompanied baggage (HHG/UB) into non-temporary storage (NTS) or long term storage at or near the location the Marine is relocating from. In the event a Marine will be departing an overseas location the shipment will be stored in California. MSG is weight restricted; therefore Marines are not allowed to ship their full JFTR weight allowance. Upon completion of MSG School E-5's and below will go directly to post and not be forwarded the opportunity to return to previous duty station for any administrative purposes.

SNCOs report to MSG School on TAD orders, and WILL have time to return to their command after graduation and handle TMO at that time.

I already have PCS orders to another unit, change them to MSG School? Depending on several factors, including your primary MOS, there is a possibility that your orders can be changed. For specific information regarding existing orders, contact the MSG Monitor via your command Career Retention Specialist.

[YLDNDN6]

And yet another good reason to shy away from Presidential Support: 6 sets of dress blues to maintain in addition to regular issue (that was the scoop in the 80's anyway)...that's a TON of maintenance.....