The primary mission of the Marine Security Guard is to enforce security regulations, provide protection for classified material and control the entry of personnel within the embassy, as directed by the Chief of Diplomatic Mission or his designated representatives. The second mission of the Marine Security Guard is the protection of lives and the protection of property.”

The mission of today’s MSG is seemingly the same as it was 42 years ago when I was assigned that duty. Its implementation and execution have been revised, of course, to fit the demands of present national security needs. According to the Department of State, Marines were first assigned to embassy duty in 1949 and their posts were Cairo, Egypt; Seoul, Korea; Bangkok, Thailand; and Tangier, Morocco. Surely, there is more to being a Marine Security Guard than adhering to diplomatic protocol, wearing dress blues, and having dinner with people whose life experiences do not include Parris Island or the Third Marine Division.

Long before the Cold War was over, terrorism, in all its ugly forms, posed more of an immediate threat to the average person than the possibility of a nuclear war. The popular conception then was that military preparedness focused on conventional warfare. The enemy was perceived as attacking or defending with divisions of soldiers and squadrons of jets armed with nuclear warheads. But today the enemy may use something as simple as a car bomb or a detonating device, tucked away inside a briefcase, that can blow a building to rubble.

Before 1979 few Americans paid much attention to embassies or consulates or why and what Marines were doing in Egypt, Moscow, Stockholm and all corners of the world. Then they watched television and saw the Ayatollah Khomeni’s revolutionary forces lead Marines bound and blindfolded from the American Embassy in Teheran, Iran. Suddenly, everyone from radio talk show hosts to mall shoppers began talking about the Marines stationed at our embassies.

The Foundation: Henderson Hall

In August 1956, 75 noncommissioned officers, with exceptional service records, all found to have been physically and mentally qualified, started a four-week course of instruction for embassy Marines. Many scoffed at the discipline imposed by Master Sergeant Guiseppe Guilano and Captain J. S. Bradley, referring to the experience as another boot camp. Of those 75 Marines, 55 would ultimately be assigned to one of six regions of the world where the United States had an embassy or consulate. I was honored to be one of them.

Discipline and basic Marine Corps values were the backbone of our training, but we were also introduced to new terms and subject matter. Infernal explosives, contact, capacitance and ultrasonic alarms became part of our new vocabulary. The word “Communism” was linked with classes in sabotage and espionage. We were riflemen, cooks and field radio operators, all learning how to change master cylinder locks on safes the size of bank vaults. Proper social etiquette and table manners would replace the casual atmosphere of barracks parlance and chow hall mannerisms.

Others who thought they had left their history and geography classes behind in high school found themselves faced with Marine Corps instructors teaching more of the same. We were mystified as to why we would be taught fingerprinting and photography. When “Protection of Dignitaries, Principles of Protection” and the “Dos and Don’ts of Riot Control” were discussed, we felt we were nearing familiar ground. Before graduation, each Marine was required to give a lecture on an assigned subject. It all made perfect sense; we were trained to meet whatever occasion necessary. The instruction we received had nothing to do with world politics or international relations, but it had everything to do with being a Marine.

Assignment Cairo

After completing the training at Henderson Hall, I was assigned to the American Embassy in Cairo, Egypt. On July 26, 1956, Egypt’s President Gamal Abdul Nasser had nationalized the Suez Canal, causing many historians to believe the “Suez Crisis” was as close to pushing the world toward another World War as any other single event. On Oct. 29 that year, Israel attacked Egypt. On Oct. 31, British and French jets attacked Egyptian oil fields; Nov. 4, Egypt blocked the Suez Canal; Russia threatened rocket attacks on Paris and London; and on Nov. 7, the United Nations General Assembly agreed to a police force for Egypt. The American Embassy received orders to evacuate all Americans.

The Henderson Hall Marine staff and State Department personnel had done their job. It would be up to us to react according to what we learned. The process of rotating replacements for Embassy Guards was no different from what occurred in many units of the Marine Corps. The names change and the personalities are different, but the execution of responsibilities is the same. We were short one watchstander when we were put on full alert. Each Marine had to pull double shifts of guard duty as well as the day-to-day chores associated with embassy duty. A day later, a replacement arrived and within a short time we were able to function as a ready unit. The experience of a small unit of eight Marines working harmoniously toward a common goal was unique, one which I had not found in my prior four years of military service.

A single Smith and Wesson .38-caliber revolver with four rounds of ammo, the regulation issue back then, was our official armament. More weapons found in the vaults of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Attach’s included a Thompson submachine gun, one carbine and a couple of Springfield ‘03 rifles, all remnants of World War II. Judging by the condition of the ammunition, our personal shotguns would be more reliable. The civilian clothing purchased at Bonds Men’s Store in Washington, D.C., was no longer the uniform of the day. The smug sensation of serving as a Marine in civvies was short-lived, and the Suez Crisis became real. Plans were finalized to evacuate 1,300 Americans to Alexandria where the Navy’s Sixth Fleet awaited. Evacuation also meant the relocation of the Marine Security Guard’s Regional Office to Beirut, Lebanon.

Suez Crisis Evacuation

One by one, Marines evacuated their quarters, taking a few personal belongings and moving into the embassy. A small but well-armed force of Egyptian soldiers who didn’t know who we were, suddenly appeared outside our home and scrutinized us as we left. Some Marines were stopped by Egyptian soldiers and “impolitely” asked for their passports. Sergeant William Gillenwater could only produce his embassy ID card; he was thrown up against a wall, searched and released. I was fortunate enough to pass for an Egyptian citizen, and a soldier asked a question which gave me the impression that he wanted to know the time. Making a few indistinguishable Arabic syllables, I lifted my Waltham wristwatch toward him. He lowered the automatic rifle, stepped back and saluted in British style, thanking me as he did. Other than our three house staff, few nationals knew there were eight U.S. Marines living in an Egyptian home. But our neighborhood was a beehive of iron curtain residences, and it’s quite possible our presence was better known than we thought.

The American Embassy became the living quarters for us and a skeleton force of Foreign Service men and women. Tension grew as British Canberra jets appeared over Egypt. The remaining embassy personnel, who may have been indifferent to us before, now suddenly treasured our presence, and Marines found eager Foreign Service Officers listening to weapons instructions from a kid who up until then was considered just a guard. Marines worked around-the-clock emptying mail pouches containing sensitive information and feeding them piecemeal into a fire.

Egypt severed diplomatic relations with Britain and France. The British Embassy had been evacuated and shut off from any exterior power source, leaving British civilian guards to patrol the interior compound. Water was available, but the Brits? food supply was very low. While Egyptian soldiers and police guarded the exterior walls, a few Marines devised a plan to help ease their food shortage by heaving cans of food-including fruit and sardines-over the embassy wall.

We returned to the Marine House in time to observe the 181st Birthday of the Marine Corps. Circumstances dictated a modest, tempered gathering of Marines and guests who crowded into our ornate, two-story home decorated with gables and iron fencing. The interior furniture-gold leaf chairs upholstered with purple velvet-was also out of character with what Marines are used to. Our invitations were hand typed on bond paper. The dining room became our ballroom.

On Nov. 11, I wrote the following on the back of the invitation to keep as a souvenir, never thinking I would ever return to Cairo again. “The party started at 2100 hours and was still going on when I left to go back on duty. [Regional Security Officers maintained embassy security for 8 hours.] Ambassador Raymond A. Hare was the guest speaker. We had about 75 guests. There was dancing, singing, etc. All the Marines were in dress blues, and believe me, we looked sharp. We had a little ceremony which included playing a record of ‘The Marines Hymn’ and the reading of the Commandant’s message [Gen Randolph McCall Pate], a custom throughout the Marine Corps.

“The festivities were enjoyed by all; this celebration is supposedly the biggest and the most fun fare in the Embassy. People regardless of grade come and really let their hair down. Although we had planned something a little more elaborate, I’m sure, under the circumstances we’re in, it was appropriate. God willing, next year we hope to have possibly a little more time to plan. Special guest Canadian Major General E. L. M. Burns, commander of UN Treaty Supervising Organizations in the Middle East, made a toast to all Marines everywhere.”

Respected Ambassador

Ambassador Raymond E. Hare had a wonderful reputation with the Marines. He made it a point to meet each new Marine guard after he arrived on post. Each morning as he entered the chancery, he established eye contact with the Marine at the front desk, smiled and said, “Good morning,” but the words implied, “Glad you’re here.” On May 17, 1958, we received a personal letter of commendation from Ambassador Hare which said, “The Incentive Awards Committee of the Department of State has approved a Superior Service Award for the Embassy, as a unit, in recognition of outstanding loyalty and devotion to duty during the Suez crisis.”

We earned the respect of those whose lives were at stake and found among the Foreign Service Officers and staff a renewed appreciation for our presence. As the international scene around Cairo returned to normalcy, so did our routine. We continued to conduct inspections of all staff offices and buildings for security violations, received and greeted visitors, dispatched government vehicles, handled diplomatic and military telegrams, controlled keys to all offices, burned classified information and accepted mail pouches from diplomatic couriers. The people of Cairo had their streetlights turned back on, and Mercedes taxicabs again drove with their headlights on and uncovered toward nightclubs and parties. For us, it was dove and duck hunting at Lake Fayyun, skeet shooting at the Dokki Gun Club and gazelle hunting in the desert, a far cry from the firing line at Camp Pendleton. After the bomb craters were filled in at the elite Gazira Sports Club, golfing interest was renewed.

Egypt revealed a culture so different that boredom was never a thought. The Egyptian words and language, flowery and almost melodic, were incorporated into our everyday needs. Many of us were introduced to pita bread, cracked wheat, sesame paste and spit-roasted dove and lamb. Cairo’s a blend of wealthy Saudi Arabian princes, Sudanese domestics with tribal markings, German business remnants from a previous war, Americans from Aramco Oil, and the beguiling Egyptians whose humor and congeniality were in evidence to all-made for a true international experience.

Return to Cairo Time goes, you say? No. Time stays, we go. When I left Cairo in April 1959, there were 3.5 million people. When I returned on Nov. 3, 1998, there were 16 million! The American Embassy is located at the same site in what is referred to as Garden City. Gone, however, are the two architectural marvels, the Main Chancery of the Embassy and the United States Information Service Library. What remain are pairs of marble columns taken from the chancery and placed as an aside on the embassy grounds. A nearby plaque attests to its historical past. The present structure, devoid of personality, defines a new era of architectural design, one that emphasizes security.

Marine Security Guard Detachment Cairo, Egypt, celebrated the 223rd birthday of the Marine Corps at the Marriott Hotel, which contains, arguably, Cairo’s largest ballroom. Hours before the event, I was invited to observe a practice performance of the program. Cairo’s Detachment Commander, Master Gunnery Sergeant Leroy F. Gibson, has served in Lagos, Nigeria; Seoul, Korea; Paris; and Moscow. His skilled and explicit instruction gave the unit precision and attitude. Tying the loose ends of the rehearsal together with enthusiasm and energy was Assistant Detachment Commander, Staff Sergeant James E. Hardy, who will soon have his own detachment at Santo Domingo.

The hotel staff stood in silent awe as Marines in civvies went through their routine. After two more repetitions, Gibson was satisfied. Miniature flags-American, Marine Corps and Egyptian-were placed on each table while other MSGs worked on a master seating chart and coordinated the evening’s dance music. Egyptian security personnel with bomb-sniffing dogs conducted a search of the ballroom and area accesses, then cordoned off the entire floor. Formal invitations were checked upon entering, and no one was allowed to enter the stairwell leading to the ballroom until 1830. Each guest received a printed program written by the MSGs containing the names of each guard member and historical information on the Marine Corps.

Some 375 guests dressed in formal civilian or military attire arrived to help celebrate. Led by MGySgt Gibson and his wife Patricia, followed by SSgt Hardy and his wife Shandra, each guest was welcomed by the entire detachment of proud men and women in dress blue uniforms. After a hosted cocktail hour, the ceremony began. Sergeant Derrick Washington of Massillon, Ohio, provided professional skills as master of ceremonies. Marines entered the ballroom one at a time, coming to attention while Sgt Washington read a brief biography. In turn, all Marines were assembled by rank and presented to their guests; the thunderous applause that followed was the first of many rounds.

The honor guard was formed and presented Colors. Symbolic perhaps, but as MGySgt Gibson escorted guest of honor Ambassador Daniel C. Kurtzer into the ballroom, I again was struck by the trust the Department of State places in the hands of the MSG.

Following the reading of General Charles C. Krulak’s birthday message as Commandant of the Marine Corps, Ambassador Kurtzer said, “The Cairo detachment is serving at a difficult time and challenging time in the Middle East. The threat of terrorism remains very high.... The Marines have assured us of the highest standards of safety and security, and they have provided a professional welcome to the many visitors who pass through the Embassy compound.” Former Marine Joseph P. Sheridan, a native of Cairo and veteran of World War II, received the second piece of cake as oldest Marine present. Ironically, it was the same Joe Sheridan who received the same honor at the 181st birthday celebration when I wore the dress blues in Cairo. Lance Corporal Kevin L. Rich of Las Vegas, Nev., caused a ripple of “oohs, aahs” and “gosh” as the 20-year-old watchstander’s age was announced when he received the third piece of cake as youngest Marine present.

A four-course dinner with red and white wine enlivened the evening’s festivities. A guest seated at my table was a former refugee from Hungary who, as a child, emigrated to the United States in 1956 after the Soviet Union crushed that country’s attempt at independence. He is now assigned to the FBI office in Cairo. I thought again about the Marine Corps Birthday that I had helped celebrate that same year. I thought about the beer, sparkling wine and cheese balls we served our guests and about going back on duty before there was time to enjoy it.

Marshall Hall

Prior to my 1998 trip to Cairo, I visited Headquarters, Marine Security Guard Battalion, Quantico, Va., current training site for the Marine Security Guard program. The old wooden barracks at Henderson Hall, Washington, D.C., has been abandoned for the modern facilities of Marshall Hall, so named in honor of James C. Marshall who was killed at the American Embassy in Saigon in 1968.

Currently, 1,300 Marine Security Guards are stationed abroad. They will spend an average of 15 months at an embassy or consulate with an additional 15 months at a second post. It is estimated that 500 Marines per year graduate from the six-week program. Marines who serve as detachment commanders and assistant detachment commanders train an additional two weeks.

Classes at Marshall Hall still maintain both discipline and traditional Marine Corps values. Tact and courtesy remain an important part of today’s MSG training, as they were during my own training. The boot camp allusion is long gone. Henderson Hall served its purpose, and it served us well, but today’s MSG is required to spend more time studying and preparing for a different world.

While there was an assumption by the caretakers of Henderson Hall that Embassy Marines who looked good in uniform would also look good in civvies, they took their chances. Instructors watched us while we filled out clothing orders according to the climate of the country we were going to. Communism posed not only a physical threat to the security of the United States, but a psychological one as well. So, the instructors didn’t pay much attention to style as long as we didn’t buy anything, especially ties, which had red as a predominant color.

Today, MSG members are schooled in what proper civilian attire means and then given the money to purchase clothes. They must look good in civilian clothes and not draw undue attention to themselves.

Current Deployment Structure

Classes still are taught by a combination of Marine Corps and State Department personnel. Issues of security, including weapons, counterintelligence, capacitance and ultrasonic alarms, are again considered highly important. Gone are lectures on American history, but the proper use of the night stick, tear gas, hostage taking and foreign defection are subjects made necessary by today’s demanding times. The present structure of MSG deployment is defined in military terms, as opposed to “regions,” the specification used by the Department of State. This change in terminology typifies the main distinction between the Embassy Marines of my generation and the Marine Security Guards of today. At present, MSGs are armed with sidearms and shotguns along with other weapons should the need arise. On duty, they are uniformed in camouflaged utilities or blues. Off-duty Marines carry pagers and cell phones in case of emergency.

While Marines primarily are focused on issues of security, this translates into routine tasks of checking I.D. tags, inspecting offices for security violations and remaining alert while posted behind a bulletproof enclosure. It is no job for the easily excitable or immature. Maintaining weapons and responding to crisis situations at a moment’s notice are all part of the job. But beyond the day-to-day routine are responsibilities each Marine also must perform, such as weekly language classes, which go a long way toward maintaining positive relationships with embassy visitors. Sgt Shane Smoger, who, prior to MSG duty, was a crash crew fireman, and Sgt Joe Arnold, who was evacuated from Sierra Leone in 1997, keep records and account for food and beverage purchases made for the Marine House. Other Marines are charged with administrative work, maintaining training schedules, vehicle maintenance or REACT efficiency.

The detachment is a microcosm of the Corps. Self-contained in the performance of its unique mission, it remains part of a family dedicated to continuing the tradition of “esprit de corps.” The phrase is often used but seldom fully appreciated until there has been something tangible to compare it with, as I once did.

Civilian law enforcement agencies, one of which I retired from after 30 years service, dictate the concept that commanding officers are not responsible for the morale of the agency employees.

MGySgt Gibson expresses a different opinion. As detachment commander he is obliged by rank and personal conviction to maintain a standard of morale that contributes toward the well being of Marines in his unit. He recognizes that the success of his leadership depends upon his personal and professional interest in each detachment member. At the time of my visit, the detachment was understaffed. When new arrivals come, they will be on limited duty within four to five days. In less than three months, they’re capable of handling the job as efficiently as the next person. It will be up to Gibson and Hardy to make that possible.

The comforts of life and the amenities of an urban setting are not lost in this city balanced by modern hotels and 1,000-year-old antiquities. MSGs live in separate rooms and have access to computers and the Internet, a weight room which would be the envy of most Stateside Marines, a detachment car and driver for personal use and professional guidance on money management, stock portfolios and mutual funds. Casinos and nightclubs are located in all major hotels, and fast-food restaurants are in abundance. Social life has few if any restrictions. Sgt Linda McClure from Blairsville, Ga., is well aware of her role as a woman working and living in a Muslim society. Her identity is not lost because of her military bearing even as she boasts of receiving Egyptian cooking recipes from local friends.

The Marines of Cairo interface with various government agencies and others in private industry, thereby opening opportunities to see a broad perspective of activity. Indeed, many MSGs find employment with these groups upon discharge. Those who continue with military service find the importance of their assignment complementary toward career advancement. No matter which way the MSG decides, he or she still benefits from this unique assignment.

The importance of the MSG never was revealed in the early years, perhaps because the world-including many militaries-was slightly more conventional. Threats to our embassies are an important part of why Marines were assigned to the job. The first line of defense is the men and women of the Marine Security Guard Detachment. There is little doubt that the Marines of today are as able to meet the demands placed upon them, as the Embassy Marines of my generation met theirs.