Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion Bangor

History

MCSFBn Bangor traces its lineage back to the establishment of the former Marine Barracks, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on Sept. 16, 1896. The Barracks has since grown steadily in size and responsibility. On July 2, 2008, the unit was re-designated as Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor.

Lineage

1896-1960

1964–Present

Unit awards

The following unit and campaign awards have been awarded to MCSFBn Bangor:

Navy/Marine Corps Navy Unit Citation (NUC) Streamer

Navy/Marine Corps Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) Streamer with 4 Bronze Stars

World War I Victory Streamer

American Defense Service Streamer

American Campaign Service Streamer

World War II Victory Streamer

National Defense Service Streamer with 3 Bronze Stars

Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer

Personnel

The majority of the Navy personnel assigned are Masters-At-Arms specialist, while the majority of the Marines are Infantrymen.

Marines assigned to the battalion are assigned a secondary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 8152 (Marine Corps Security Force Guard).

Junior Marines come direct to the unit after receiving their basic training at one of the Marine Corps Recruit Depots, followed by the School of Infantry (to become infantrymen) and Marine Corps Security Forces Training Company (for security forces specific training). Junior Marines on their first enlistment typically serve two years with the unit before receiving orders to a standard Marine Infantry battalion for the rest of their enlistment.

NCO's, SNCO's, and Officers may come from virtually any MOS in the Marine Corps, and are typically have at least four years in the Marine Corps. NCO's and above are considered to be on a career enhancing "B-billet", or Special Duty Assignment, and typically serve three years with the battalion.

Personnel Reliability Program (PRP)

All personnel assigned to the unit must meet the vigorous standards of the Navy's Personnel Reliability Program (PRP). Failure to meet and maintain these standards results in reassignment to a conventional unit in the Fleet. Losing one's clearance can also be punished under the UCMJ.

Training

All junior Marines assigned to MCSFBn Bangor must have completed the following training:

NCO's typical attend the same training as the junior Marines, while SNCOs and Officers attend a shortened supervisors course.

Organization

The Battalion is organized into several Marine Guard Platoons and Navy Master-At-Arms Divisions. There is also a Recapture Tactics Team (RTT) organic to the battalion. Details regarding the exact organization, operations, and facilities is confidential information, covered by federal non-disclosure agreements.

Externally, MCSFBn operationally reports to SWFPAC, while administratively answering to Marine Corps Security Force Regiment. MCSFBn also interacts with the U.S. Department of Energy, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and the U.S. Strategic Command.

Ceremonial Drill Team and Summer Parades

In addition to its guard mission, the MCSFBn maintains a Ceremonial Drill Team which is the only one of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The unit is active at a number of regional civic and sporting events and unit sponsored summer parades. All of these functions are in addition to each Marine being a member of the guard force. The annual Summer Parade has been hosted by the battalion every summer since 1977.

Recapture Tactics Team (RTT)

The Recapture Tactics Team (RTT) specializes in SWAT procedures. Marines and Sailors are given an opportunity, if the Command allows them, to try out for RTT. Typically, only a small fraction of the Marines and Sailors who are permitted to try out for CQB Platoon are actually selected from the grueling 2 week selection process. Those who are selected then have a tactical spin-up (a period of intensive preparatory training,) before reporting to USMC CQB School where they undergo an intensive 7 week advanced combat marksmanship and dynamic assault course. The Marines and Sailors learn to violently recapture, and take back by force, United States personnel and property that has been stolen or otherwise compromised.

All RTT Marines attend the Close Quarter Battle School, which is 7 weeks long (not including platoon tryouts, spin-ups and the post-Schoolhouse breaking in period.) Afterwards they are eligible to attend the following courses, pending their command's approval:

1989 Marine Suicide

On 14 January 1989, an 18- year-old Marine shot himself in the head with his M-16 rifle while stationed in a guard tower. A Navy investigation revealed discrepancies with his behavior that were not reported as required under the PRP program. A Stanford University report below in the external links portion provides additional details.

2001 Vehicle Accident

In July 2001, a V-150 armored vehicle rolled over. Two 20 year old Marines died of injuries and three other Marines were injured. A 2001 Kitsap Sun article below in the external links portion provides additional details.

2009 Security breach

In November 2009, 5 senior citizens were arrested after breaching the base perimeter security and attempting to gain access to one of the restricted areas of the base. A 2009 Kitsap Sun article below in the external links section provides additional details.

In Popular Books

The 2006 book "Blood Stripes: The Grunt's View of the War in Iraq" was written by a former Marine officer who had served at Bangor and follows several junior Marines from their time at Bangor through the war in Iraq and onwards to their civilian life.

Notable Marines

Former Marine Sgt Jarrett Kraft was stationed with (then) MCSFCo Bangor's 1st Platoon before serving in Iraq where he earned the Navy Cross in Dec. 2004. One of the Marines he was attempting to aid was Lance Corporal Eric Hillenburg, who had also served with Kraft at Bangor. LCPL Hillenburg died of wounds received during the battle. Details on both are provided below in the external links section.