Marine Guards, Embassy

The U.S. Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG) deploys more than 1,300 Marine Security Guards (MSGs) to 148 diplomatic posts in 133 countries to provide security for U.S. diplomats and civilians abroad. Marine Corps embassy guards carry out a number of duties in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, including security for U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions, as well as protecting classified material and American civilians abroad. The MCESG headquarters is located in Quantico, Virginia, and provides leadership to nine regional commands throughout the world. The MCESG provides training, education, logistics, and assignments for MSGs abroad. This entry describes the history and functions of the MCESG.

The relationship between the U.S. Marine Corps and the State Department dates back to the earliest days of ...