Members of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's personal security detachment practice escorting a VIP during an ambush here May 11. The team will be responsible for guarding VIPs during their upcoming deployment with the unit.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter

Security detachment learns to protect 'principle'

11 May 2011 | Lance Cpl. Ryan Carpenter 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Eleventh Marine Expeditionary Unit members learned to protect VIPs during a course here May 2-13.

Twenty-two Marines and one sailor serving with the unit commander's personal security detachment attended the course taught by 1st Marine Division Schools.

They learned that safeguarding their commander or high-profile personnel, aka the "principle," and removing him from harm's way differs from combat.

Traditionally, Marines train to engage the enemy, but security members are taught to break from enemy contact when protecting a principle, said Sgt. Sonny M. Isaak, 26, security detachment member, and Whitewood, S.D., native.

Classes like close protection, walking formations, tactical driving and advanced site survey taught members to interact with and rely on one another.

Communicating a member's needs and actions to other team members may have been one of the most difficult tasks during the two-week course, said Lance Cpl. Brandon Andrews, 22, security detachment member and Redding, Calif., native.

The unit is preparing for an upcoming deployment later this year.

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