Marine Corps Security Forces are crucial to domestic and international security.
The military branch organizes, trains, and equips anti-terrorism security forces to protect high-value naval installations across the globe.
Marines provide expeditionary security operations for strategic weapons and vital national assets.
Learn what it takes to join the Marine Corps Security Force (MOS 8152) as a secondary Military Occupational Specialty.
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Education, Qualifications, and Training
What does a Marine Corps Security Force Do?
What does a Marine Corps Security Force make?
Job Reviews
Civilian Job Opportunities
Summary
Education, Qualifications, and Training
The United States Marine Corps refers to its careers as Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
Every Marine Corps MOS has different education requirements and qualifications.
It’s important to make yourself aware of the expectations to make sure you qualify.
Serving the country by doing a MOS you’ll enjoy goes a long way in making your military experience more rewarding and enjoyable.
Marine Corps Security Force (MOS 8152) is a secondary Military Occupational Specialty.
It means that Marines add the specialty to complement their primary military job while serving their country.
Related Article – Marine Corps Basic Training: 11 Things You Need To Know
Education
The Marine Corps requires that you are a citizen of the United States or a Resident Alien.
Additionally, it only accepts recruits between the ages of 17-28.
New recruits need to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
It is rare that the U.S. Marine Corps grants a waiver if you lack a high school diploma as the military branch is competitive to join.
Secondly, new recruits need to complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The ASVAB is a series of tests that determine your strengths and weaknesses.
Every Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in the Marine Corps has a minimum ASVAB score required to qualify.
Those that are interested in Marine Corps Security Force (MOS 8152) need to score a minimum of 31 on the ASVAB for high school graduates.
Those that have a GED need to reach a score of at least 50.
To qualify on the career path to MOS 8152, you’ll need an ASVAB GT score of 90.
Related Article – Can You Join The Military With A GED?
Qualifications
There are not a ton of qualifications needed for the Marine Corps Security Forces (MOS 8152).
Recruits are expected to meet physical, mental, and moral standards appropriate for the Marine Corps.
For example, all 8152s need to take and successfully pass the Marine Initial Strength test, or IST.
Additionally, new recruits must pass a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) exam.
The exam looks into your medical history as well as your mental competence and well-being.
Contact a local Marine recruiter to receive more information about requirements prior to enlistment.
Training
The Marine Corps considers every member a rifleman, regardless of Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Therefore, recruits begin their journey at Marine Corps Recruit Training (or boot camp).
The Marine Corps houses two locations for boot camp:
- Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (South Carolina)
- Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (California)
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USMC Recruit Training lasts 13 weeks and is one of the most demanding versions of boot camp in the Armed Forces.
After that, Marines receive specialized training based on their primary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
MOS Prerequisites
Before even considering training for Security Forces, Marines need to become qualified in their primary MOS.
According to the Marine Corps MOS Manual, to qualify for Security Forces, you’ll first need to train in one of the following MOS positions.
- 0311 Infantryman rifleman
- 0331 Machine gunner
- 0341 Mortarman
- 0352 Antitank missile gunner
- 0369 Infantry unit leader
- 5811 military police
Marines that are interested in Security Forces need to take the Basic Security Guard Course.
The individualized training is available through the Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment in Chesapeake, Virginia.
The training course lasts a little over a month and trains Marines for the secondary MOS 8152.
According to the official website, you can expect the following schedule for the Basic Security Guard Course:
- Weapons Phase (Day 1-12)
- Riot Formations & Non-Lethal Munitions (Day 13-14)
- Expeditionary Security & Specialized Training (Day 15-28)
- Testing & Graduation (Day 29-33)
What Do Marine Corps Security Forces Do?
Marine Corps Security Force (MOS 8152) protects national assets.
They are security guards that receive assignments to watch after important naval installations across the globe.
According to the official job description:
Marine Corps Security Force organize, train, equip, and provide anti-terrorism security forces in support of combatant commanders and Naval commanders in order to conduct expeditionary security operations and provide security for strategic weapons and vital national assets.
As a result, the Security Force MOS (8152) has two essential tasks:
- Provide security forces for strategic installations.
- Guarantee rapid response and forward-deployed expeditionary anti-terrorism security forces.
The reaction force is responsible for conducting offensive infantry tactics.
Security guards may work in hazardous environments such as confined spaces, ashore, or afloat.
Regardless, the responsibilities are needed to restore breached security and provide the final barrier/element of an integrated security plan for the asset that needs protection.
Security Force (MOS 8152) acts as the primary security and anti-terrorism unit of the Marine Corps.
Additionally, the Marine Corps ranks corporal (E-4) through gunnery sergeant (E-7) may become a security supervisor.
Marine Security Supervisors plan, evaluate, and supervise the implementation of site-specific security plans to protect assets designated as vital to national security.
Related Article – Navy Master At Arms (MA): Career Details
Marine Corps Security Force Regiment
The Marine Corps Security Force Regiment is dedicated to security and anti-terrorism.
The force provides security personnel to guard high-value naval installations.
These types of installations include weapons as well as nuclear vessels.
The Marine Corps Security Force Regiment is expanded from MOS 8152 to provide Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Teams (FAST) and Recapture Tactics Teams (RTT).
Consequently, Security Force MOS 8152 may become specialized in other areas of the secondary MOS.
Those that seek to join the Marine Corps Security Force first enlist as infantrymen.
After the completion of Infantry Training Battalion, the Marine needs to attend Naval Security Group Activity in Chesapeake, Virginia.
Marines are introduced there to the principles and training of the Security Force.
Marines have the option of assignment to a Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) or Recapture Tactics Team (RTT).
Related Article: List Of Marine Corps Bases In The US
Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST)
The FAST team is committed to anti-terrorism and security under the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment.
FAST Marines are known for excelling in the following areas:
- Martial Arts
- Close Quarter Combat
- Counter Surveillance
- Physical Security
- Urban Combat Techniques
FAST Marines frequently protect nuclear weapons and other places in need of naval security.
What does a Marine Corps Security Force make?
The Marine Corps pays its service members based on rank and years of service:
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | 2023 Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | Pvt | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Lance Corporal | LCpl | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | Cpl | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | Sgt | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSgt | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Gunnery Sergeant | GySgt | $3,3445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSgt | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1stSgt | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Master Gunnery Sergeant | MGySgt | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SgtMaj | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps | SgtMaj | $6,055.50 |
Job Reviews
Indeed.com posts a variety of job reviews from former Marines.
They have an entire section dedicated to reviews of working in the Security Force:
Infantry is a challenging fragment of the Marine Corps yet provides an opportunity to see the world:
One former Marine put it best to research all the available Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) and work toward that goal.
There are many different opportunities available for recruits, especially if you study hard and perform well on the ASVAB.
Related Article – Marine Corps Military Police (MOS 5811): Career Details
Civilian Job Opportunities
There are civilian job opportunities for Marine Corps Security Force (MOS 8152).
Since most of the work revolves around security, many finish their time in the military and become security guards.
Additionally, others consider a path in law enforcement.
Another option is to do private military contract work in maritime law.
Summary
Marine Corps Security Force (MOS 8152) offers a rewarding career in the military branch.
The Marine Corps Security Force Regiment protects important assets of the U.S. Navy.
You may work in a variety of settings protecting some of the most valuable weapons and installations in the world.
Marines that enter Security Force have the option of becoming FAST team members or joining RTT teams.
Resources:
- https://www.mcsfr.marines.mil/
- https://www.indeed.com/cmp/U.S.-Marine-Corps/reviews?fjobtitle=Security+Forces
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General FAQ
Are Marine Security Forces infantry?
Technically speaking, yes. Nearly all Marines are trained as infantry first, but Marine Security Forces have the added responsibility of being trained to handle security. As a result, they often use standard infantry tactics to achieve their overall objective.
Do Marine Security Forces see combat?
Depending on the current wartime status of the US, yes. For example, Marine FAST teams may be involved in ship-boarding exercises in the Persian Gulf. As a result, they will be directly involved in combat.
How long is USMC security forces school?
Conducted in Chesapeake, Virginia, the Basic Security Guard course is 4 weeks in duration. Throughout the course, you'll be instructed on the use of various forms of weapons, riot control, non lethal munitions employment, and expeditionary security and specialized training.
What ASVAB score do I need for MOS 8152?
In order to be considered for MOS 8152, you need to score a minimum of 32 on the ASVAB.
What is USMC FAST Company?
The FAST team is committed to anti-terrorism and security under the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment. FAST Teams specialize in close quarter combat, counter surveillance, physical security, urban combat techniques, and even martial arts.
