Northwest Security Force Participates in Basic Security Guard Training

Sailors assigned to Marine Corps Security Forces Company (MCSFCo.), Bangor, received combat training during a Basic Security Guard class held at Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, June 28. “Instructors from the Mobile Training Team are out here from Chesapeake, Va., to train our Sailors' basic security skills,” said Marine Lt. Col. James Dillon, commanding officer of MCSFCo. “This is the first time our Sailors have gone through the class and our goal is to have each member of our unit undergo the training.”

The Basic Security Guard class entails classroom and “hands-on” training during the four-day training session. Service members learn the basics from rules of engagement, self-defense and basic urban skill tactics. “I enjoy being able to pass on our knowledge and our skills to the students,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Gilliand, instructor assigned to Mobile Training Team of Marine Force Corps Training Command. “This is the first time we’ve worked with Sailors and it is great to incorporate training with other branches.” For most Sailors, training was a way to improve at their profession. “Security is part of our job and this course helps us gain a better understanding of how important we are to the safekeeping of our community,” said Master-at-Arms Seaman Brian Kern. “The best part of training was establishing teamwork and gaining knowledge we can apply to our job."

For other Sailors, the hands-on training gave them a sense of realism. “The best part of training was the different scenarios during field training,” said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jeff Gagin. “Being out on the training field gave us a perspective on how to handle breach situations and how to maneuver with our weapons.” “Training was a lot of fun and the hands-on experience kept training exciting,” said Master-at-Arms Seaman Armando Rivero. “Going through the course prepared us for real-life scenarios and taught us to be ready for anything.” Approximately 350 Sailors compliment 430 Marines for MCSFCo, who provide security throughout the region. “I hope that the Navy and Marines continue to combine training because it is valuable to our job,” said Master-at-Arms Seaman Joshua Desalla. “The instructors were awesome and everything we’ve learned will be applied to what we do to improve our security forces.”

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Maebel Tinoko, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Northwest