For the better part of the year, my "little" brother has been stationed in Algiers, Algeria. He tells me it's a lovely place. Okay, so that's a lie. He hates it there, but he's a Marine and he's doing a job that not many in the world would do or could do.
He is a Marine Security Guard, or "MSG." MSGs are an elite battalion of U.S. Marines that are posted at American Embassies and Consulates around the world. The MSGs work side-by-side with the Diplomatic Security Service and their main responsibilities include protecting classified information at Diplomatic posts, guarding U.S. government property, and ensuring the safety of all government employees and foreign dignitaries.
A Marine Security Guard usually serves three twelve-month tours of duty. MSGs are obligated to spend a total of 36 months in the program.
My brother, a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, is currently on his second tour of duty with the MSGs. He was first stationed in Manila, Philippines. He has been in Algiers for about 7 months, if I recall correctly, and has been mentioned (as well as photographed) in TWO Leatherneck Magazine issues.
Leatherneck Magazine is a magazine for Marines, by Marines. It has been published since 1917 and, up until 1972, was written, edited, and published by active-duty Marines. It's main audience is composed of active and former Marines, and the families of Marines. Leatherneck prides itself in being "the magazine of Marines—yesterday, today and tomorrow."
The first issue in which he was photographed was the May, 2008 issue and the article was regarding the lives of Marines who are either out in the fleet or deployed to different tours of duty around the world. In the photo below, he is part of a group of MSGs and, without knowing it, they are all demonstrating the camaraderie that is present between Marines who are far away from home and are reliant upon one another in nearly every situation.
The second issue in which "little" brother appeared in was the June, 2008 issue. This article was the article to top all pieces of literature with regards to the Algerian Embassy's MSG Detachment. The article featured a full history of the Marines' presence in Algeria and how they came to play such a vital role in the safety and security of the Embassy.
The write-up included interviews with the current Detachment of Marines as well as many photo-ops. The extra photos, which were not printed in the article, were sent to me and I was able to observe these veteran Leathernecks partaking in their day-to-day lives. I was also afforded the chance to see them goof off and have fun with some of the local Algerian kids.
My brother appeared to have a great deal of fun with the kids there. He has always been good with kids and I can only imagine that they had an interesting and unforgettable time with him.
To wrap things up, I just want to say that I was filled with pride and excitement for my little brother when he sent these articles to me. Several of our family members have ordered hard copies of the issues. I have yet to get my hands on any, but I hope to in the near future. Also, if you would like to see more pictures feel free to email me at chit2001-AT-gmail.com, I will be happy to send them out. The issues themselves can be picked up via Leatherneck's website.
God Bless America, and God Bless the United States Marines.
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