FAST conducts embassy reinforcement with 26 MEU

UNITED STATES

11.04.2019

Story by Staff Sgt. Patricia Morris 

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)     

When the world is on the verge of unrest, one constant remains. The ever-ready, first responders of the U.S. Marines from A5, Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST), Marine Security Forces, participated in a mission-rehearsal exercise with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). FAST platoons conduct rapid-response, expeditionary anti-terrorism and security operations in order to protect vital national and naval assets, but they are most commonly known for their ability to help fortify an embassy in time of crisis. During the training the Marines were evaluated on several events such as conducting a vehicle check point and setting up security around an embassy, which ensures they are ready when the call comes.

“FAST is basically an augmentation unit pushed to reinforce embassies,” Cpl. Julian A. Delgado, a machine gunner with FAST, said. “If an embassy is in threat, we are tasked with setting up post and conducting convoy operations in the area to ensure their safety.”

This mission-rehearsal exercise was unique because it was conducted with other units who were also being evaluated. The participants included Marines, Sailors and civilians with Marine Security Group (MSG), Department of State (DoS) and the 26th MEU. This created a very realistic training opportunity for the Marines, Sailors and civilians conducting the training. Each group had their own unique missions and worked together to successfully complete them. This is the first time the Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) created a scenario, which allowed this type of realistic training to take place.

“At an embassy you may have MSG, DoS, chief of mission, the ambassador, and other personnel,” said Delgado. “There are many things that FAST does. We can do interior tactics, close-quarter battle, be designated marksmen and observe the area of operation around the embassy. We can also build a perimeter around the compound to fortify the embassy.”

This is the first time since 2014 that a FAST platoon conducted a Relief in Place (RIP) with an outside unit.

“We have Marines off the coast ready to support,” Lt. Col. Christopher C. Neal, executive officer for the 26th MEU, said. “We are going to do a RIP with the FAST platoon that is already here. They have a lot of experience and unique training. We are bringing in Marines from Fox Battery. There is a lot they are going to learn from the FAST platoon, such as capabilities that are lacking here at the embassy.”

Allowing units to experience this type of turn over in a training environment helps teach the Marines what to do in a real-world situation. Upon a successful completion of the mission-rehearsal exercise, the 26th MEU and FAST platoon will then be ready to carry out their respective missions while forward deployed.

• Date Taken: 11.04.2019
• Date Posted: 12.02.2019 13:05
• Story ID: 354018
• Location: US