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Marines keep their bearing and composure as their family and friends give them a standing ovation during the Marine Security Guard School graduation ceremony on Aug. 14. More than 150 friends, family and fellow Marines came to support their Marine.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Antwaun L. Jefferson

Best of the best take the title of MSG

14 Sep 2012 | Lance Cpl. Antwaun L. Jefferson Marine Corps Base Quantico

Marines with Marine Security Guard School’s 5-12 class graduated at Little Hall on Sept. 14.

In the graduating class were nine detachment commanders and approximately 80 Marine security guards. The class, their family and friends heard from guest speaker Gen. Alfred M. Gray, Jr., 29th commandant of the Marine Corps.

“It’s a great privilege to come back and talk to you all today,” Gray said. “You are being given a golden opportunity as you travel to the corners of the world.  And whether you stay in for four years or 20, you are going to mold the future of the Corps.”

The MSG Program has been in place since 1948.  Specially screened Marines assigned to Marine Corps Embassy Security Group are trained at the MSG School and processed for duty overseas. The primary mission of the MSG is to provide internal security at designated U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities abroad to prevent the compromise of classified material vital to national security.

“There is a lot to be proud of because this is a very difficult school,” said Col. Michael Robinson, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group commanding officer. “We started with 113 MSGs and 20 detachment commanders and you are what we have now. That is a testament to your hard work and dedication. I feel comfortable that you all will be able to go out and continue your mission of protecting America’s embassies”
There were five different categories in the honor graduate divisions: Staff Noncommissioned Officer, Marine Security Guard, distinguished graduates, top gun award and SNCO leadership award.

To conclude the graduation, the Marines, sang the Marines’ Hymn.

“You want to remember now that you are very special,” Gray said.  “All Marines are special, but you all here are very special. You are now direct representatives, not only of the Marine Corps or the commandant but of the best country in the world.”


Marine Corps Base Quantico