Can I be a married E-5 and below with dependents and come on the program?
The Marine Security Guard Program is unable to accept watchstander applications for E-5 and below with dependents. If you are a single E5 and below with dependents (parents or children) you can only come on the program if you have a Parental Agreement Plan that is notarized by a civilian court identifying alternate primary and secondary caregivers, with signatures from all parties, stating that the dependent will not accompany you on your MSG tour. Sample Parental Agreement Plans can be provided. Military court signed agreements will not be accepted. This must be completed before submitting your MSG application. It is important to note that the MSG will not be able to return home to care for the dependent if the need should arise.
Can my GT Score be waived?
The GT scores for Watchstanders (90) and Detachment Commanders (100) cannot be waived. Marines with scores lower than 90 or 100, respectively, are required to retake the ASVAB and attain the required GT score.
How do I start the application process?
The first step towards MSG School is through your unit’s Career Planner/Career Retention Specialist (CRS). Inform your CRS that you would like to start your package for MSG School.
When can I put in a package?
You can submit your application at any time and you will receive orders for after your required time on station (TOS). Sergeants and below are required to have 18 months TOS, and SNCOs are required to have 24 months TOS before reporting to MSG School. However, your primary MOS monitor may waive the TOS requirement.
Can I come if I have a family member on EFMP?
SNCOs may not bring dependents (children or spouses) if they are enrolled in EFMP.
What is the tattoo regulation?
Having a tattoo, or several, does not immediately disqualify one for MSG duty. However, they must be within Marine Corps regulations, or if grandfathered in you must be eligible for retention. The MSG Screening Team will screen every tattoo for content. Some tattoos may not be deemed offensive in nature per Marine Corps regulations but could be interpreted as offensive in a foreign diplomatic setting. All tattoos will be approved on a case-by-case basis by the MSG School.
I am divorced, and I have joint custody of the kids, can I still come?
Yes, but there are stipulations. If you are a single E5 and below with dependents (parents or children) you can only come on the program if you have a Parental Agreement Plan that is notarized by a civilian court identifying alternate primary and secondary caregivers, with signatures from all parties, stating that the dependent will not accompany you on your MSG tour. Sample Parental Agreement Plans can be provided. Military court signed agreements will not be accepted. This must be completed before submitting your MSG application. This must be completed before submitting your MSG application. Please contact the MSG Screening Team for the format or with any questions or concerns.
SNCOs may have dependents, but dependents may not be enrolled in EFMP or be parents. If the SNCO has children out of wedlock, they must prepare a Parental Agreement Plan in the same manner as above.
My wife has a green card, can I still come on the program?
To put in a package, all spouses must be a U.S. Citizens prior to submitting a package. Additionally, all dependents must be U.S. Citizens prior to submitting a package.
Do SNCOs arrive earlier than the Watchstanders?
NCOs and SNCOs arrive at school at the same time as Watchstanders.
Can my family be seen by a doctor out in town or does it have to be the Medical Officer?
All dependents must be medically screened for overseas duty by a Military Medical Officer and the results of those screenings should be brought to School when the Marine initially checks into the schoolhouse.
Can I bring pets?
Detachment Commanders are allowed pets on a Post specific basis. Watchstanders are not allowed to bring pets with them. Marines have an opportunity, after being assigned to a Post, to ask questions and get answers prior to arranging with the Distribution Management Office (DMO). Pet restrictions are imposed by some countries, so preparing for alternate housing is encouraged. The Detachment Commander will have to pay for that pet to travel to Post.
Will my house come furnished?
Housing available to Watchstanders and Detachment Commanders include furniture. This furniture will not include pots and pans, tvs, stereos, plates, blankets, sheets, pillows, gaming systems and personal items (e.g. towels). Each Post is different and should be contacted prior to arrival. Detachment Commanders will receive a welcome aboard kit (pots, pans, silverware, glasses, plates, etc.), but this kit is only temporary and will be removed from the home once your HHG has arrived. The mattress sets that come with the post furniture are pretty stiff, so if you want a softer mattress you’ll need to bring your own. While you can ship most items to Post, it is important to remember that the housing available at Post may not have room for both provided furniture and every piece of your own personal inventory. Any items shipped to Post are the responsibility of the Marine who owns them, and if storage is required, it will be at the Marine's expense. Think in terms of what will make your new home feel like your own and remember that items like electrical appliances will either need to accommodate the unique electrical offerings of power in that country or use a transformer/adaptor of some sort. You are discouraged from taking items that cannot be replaced. Remember that your weight allowance will not be as much as a CONUS PCS.
Will my spouse be able to get a job?
Your spouse may be able to get a job while out at Post. He or she can meet with the HR officer at the specific Post and get more information. It is important to note that employment at the Post is not guaranteed and your spouse will not have a work visa in the host country to work outside of the Post.
My child is getting braces, can I still come on the program?
Dental treatment that requires continuous further care (i.e. braces) is disqualifying. If there are any mitigating factors such as the dependent’s braces will be removed prior to the Marine reporting to school (treatment completed) or the dependent has invisible braces that do not require dental visits, then they are encouraged to contact us for further clarification and recommendations from our medical section.
I got NJPed last weekend, can I still come on the program?
12 months must pass from when the NJP is adjudicated before you are eligible to reapply to the program and submit a new packet to the MSG screening team. If the NJP is alcohol related, then 24 months must pass.
Can I do an unaccompanied tour?
Unaccompanied tours are not allowed. Your family must be willing to deploy with you for three years.
When do I start the process for the TS Clearance?
Please refer to the welcome aboard email for guidance. This process can be started once you receive a notification that you are 90 days out from arriving at School
Where will my kids be going to school?
Generally, child dependents go to an international school. Most will have a US based curriculum, although some will not. Most Posts have many schools to choose from, however, this is entirely dependent on the Post and host country. Lists of these schools can be obtained by contacting the Community Liaison Office (CLO) at Post.