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.

All Entries

Marine Corps News

Colonel Thomas M. Siverts

Commanding Officer

Colonel Tom Siverts is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1989. He achieved a commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program following his graduation from the University of Virginia in May 1999. Colonel Siverts has deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM. His other operational deployments include serving with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU); BLT 3/8, 22d MEU; BLT 2/8, 26th MEU, and Task Force 61/2.

Read Biography

Lieutenant Col. Steven M. Sprigg

Executive Officer

LtCol Sprigg was born in Parkersburg, WV. LtCol Sprigg enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 2004 and recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. LtCol Sprigg was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in March 2008. He was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2011 and reported to HMLAT-303 for training as an AH-1W pilot. LtCol Sprigg is currently serving as the Executive Officer for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Camp Pendleton, California.

Read Biography

Sergeant Major Travis L. DeBarr

Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major DeBarr enlisted in the Marine Corps and reported to MCRD San Diego, CA, for recruit training in October 1994.Staff Sergeant DeBarr completed two combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from September 2005 to April 2006 and again form March 2007 to September 2007. While serving with 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, First Sergeant DeBarr completed one combat deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from October 2012 to May 2013. Sergeant Major DeBarr currently serves as the Sergeant Major for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Read Biography