Can anyone tell me about Embassy Duty? Can you take your family?

2017-04-15T11:54:50-04:00

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Apr 15 at 2017 11:58 AM

2017-04-15T11:58:13-04:00

I had some Marine friends that were Embassy Guards.
They LOVED the experience.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Apr 15 at 2017 12:29 PM

2017-04-15T12:29:34-04:00

I know a few Embassy Marines that have their family with them, but from what they tell me it depends on where the Embassy is located determines if their families can be there with them. I am not sure how it works for Army. SFC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Apr 15 at 2017 3:39 PM

2017-04-15T15:39:29-04:00

My son (USMC Corporal) is in MSG training at Quantico right now. For SGT and below they must be single, no exceptions. Det CDR (SSG and up) can be married.
For those assigned to the Embassy DAO or JUSMAG accompanied/unaccompanied requirements will vary depending on Embassy location.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2017 9:33 PM

2017-04-15T21:33:53-04:00

Here is another thread you might check out for some info.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/is-embassy-duty-for-the-army-and-navy-the-same-as-in-the-marine-corps

Is Embassy duty for the Army and Navy the same as in the Marine Corps? | RallyPoint

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2017 1:29 PM

2017-04-16T13:29:40-04:00

Only the Marine Corps does Embassy Guard, as a member of the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group. The formal and permanent use of Marines as security guards began with the Foreign Service Act of 1946, which authorized the Secretary of Navy to, upon the request of the Secretary of State, assign Marines to serve as custodians under the supervision of the senior diplomatic officer at a diplomatic post.

I believe the Army serves at Embassies as part of the Army Defense Attache System.
The Defense Attaché System is an arm of the Defense Intelligence Agency tasked with representing the United States in defense and military related matters with foreign governments around the world. Defense Attache Offices (DAO) operate from U.S. Embassies in more than a hundred locations globally. DAOs are composed of both civilian and military employees, most of whom receive specialized training at Joint Military Attache School before their appointment.

Families are allowed to accompany on the assignment but that may depend on the location and threat levels.
http://www.dia.mil/Careers/Military/

Military

The Army Attaché Management Division represents the U.S. Army in selecting highly-qualified Regular Army personnel for assignment within the Defense Attaché System. Army Attaché personnel serve around the world in United States Embassies within a Defense Attaché Office (DAO). The DAO represents the Department of Defense to the host-nation government and military, assists and advises the U.S. Ambassador on military matters, and coordinates...

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 8:40 AM

2017-04-18T08:40:31-04:00

My last two years in the USMC were on Embassy duty (MSG) and it was one of the best experiences of my career. No family unless you are the Det Cdr. Travel all over the world. Boring at times (when standing at Post 1), but exciting at others (riots). Great opportunity to finish an on-line degree, travel to places you've never been, and operate at a high level. If he takes it, the best advice I could give would be to remember one thing: as an MSG, you are a direct representative of the USMC, the USGov, the Ambassador, and the President in that country... act like it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2017 10:17 PM

2017-04-18T22:17:24-04:00

Depends where you will be assigned. However, your Assignment Instructions (AI) and your Sponsor will give you most of the details.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Apr 20 at 2017 1:28 PM

2017-04-20T13:28:47-04:00

Embassy duty is great and for the most part you can take your family. There are restrictions mainly based on security of the Embassy. Hours usually aren't bad and you deal more with State than Defense. If you get the opportunity, jump on it!