JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE FT. STORY, Virginia Beach, Va. -- It was after 9:30 a.m. when Marines from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, grabbed their gear and loaded into a van. They were not headed to the office with padded chairs and heat like most typical work days. The small group of administrative clerks and internet technology specialists went to experience what Marines from a Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team do on a regular basis.
The mission was to simulate diplomatic security and embassy reinforcement for the U.S. Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine. MARFORCOM Marines joined a handful of FAST Marines from 4th platoon, Charlie Co., Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, U.S. Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment, to portray refugees who turned into an opposition force. Cpl. Raymond Cruz, service desk non-commissioned officer, G6, MARFORCOM, said he loves his desk but was looking forward to a new experience.
“It’s a little exciting, out of the ordinary,” Cruz said. “It is more of the Marine Corps I signed up for.”
It was around 50 degrees and rained consistently while the role players shouted at the guards, threw small objects, and attempted to cut through razor-sharp constantina wire.
They circled the perimeter of a condemned U.S. Army barracks converted to a mock embassy in drenched hoodies and jeans. They sloshed through muddy puddles filling their shoes with sweat and rain. All the while, Capt. Devon Austermann, platoon commander, 4th platoon, Charlie Co., FAST, MCSFR, looked out from his observation post.
“They are really vital to us getting realistic training,” Austermann said. “I would love to bring them out again.”
Lance Cpl. Sean Ahhee, administrative clerk, G1, MARFORCOM, said he was more than willing to participate.
“I heard about it and said, ‘sign me up for that,’” Ahhee exclaimed.
Ahhee also stated he would consider eventually attending the training required to be a Basic Security Guard Marine.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Johnston, platoon sergeant, 4th platoon, Charlie Co., FAST, MCSFR, said it was not common for Marines outside Charlie Company to participate in training.
It’s good for them, to participate in training outside their daily duties, Johnston said.
It was very eye-opening for MARFORCOM Marines to see what FAST Marines do week-in and week-out, Johnston added.
Charlie Company did not lighten up because they had MARFORCOM Marines in their midst.
“We definitely do not take our foot off the gas,” Johnston said. “Embassy security is our money-maker; it’s what we do.”
Johnston also stated it was his team’s last site exercise before a real-world mission.
The next morning, the exercise ended. Marines who spend most of their work day under a roof spent the night outside with the rain still falling on their tents. It was time for everyone to pack up and head back to Norfolk. The MARFORCOM Marines will return to their normal duties with a new experience. They now have a look into a day in the life of FAST Marines.