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    Unit Feature; Special Reaction Team

    MCAS IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

    01.11.2021

    Story by Lance Cpl. Triton Lai 

    Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

    U.S. Marines with the Provost Marshal’s Office (PMO), Military Police and Special Reaction Team (SRT) conducted a training exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 18, 2020.

    The training provided the SRT an opportunity to sharpen their skills, preparing the team for any situation that is above the capabilities of normal law enforcement. This training focused on breaching doors and clearing rooms.

    The SRT is made up of military policemen specially trained to handle situations such as terrorist attacks, hostage situations, barricade incidents, and special guest protection. When a situation requires additional military police support, the role of the SRT is to respond.

    “The SRT contributes to MCAS Iwakuni through security and anti-terrorist measures,” said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Juntor S. Santiago Jr., assistant team leader of the SRT. “Our sole purpose is to plan for, rehearse, and conduct tactical operations aboard the installation to resolve all high-risk incidents using the minimum amount of force necessary.”

    Santiago said you have to volunteer for the SRT upon selection by your chain of command and there are different billets you can have such as his, the assistant team leader and also a marksmen observer.

    Special Reaction Teams are no smaller than nine personnel. A typical nine-man team is made up of: one team leader, one-point man, two defensemen, one rear security, two marksmen, and two observers. The team members cross-train to be able to adapt to any role in the team.

    “My Marines are the last line of defense when it comes to high-risk incidents on the installation,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. James A. McCoy, Special Reaction Team commander. “So I take a lot of pride knowing that a lot of people depend on us aboard this installation and it’s not ‘if’ an incident is going to happen it’s ‘when’ and I’d rather this base have us and not need us than need us and not have us.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.11.2021
    Date Posted: 01.12.2021 00:13
    Story ID: 386687
    Location: MCAS IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP

    Web Views: 172
    Downloads: 0

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