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KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait (January 19, 2009) - A
bilateral training exercise was recently conducted at the U.S.
Embassy in Kuwait.
The purpose of this phase of the exercise was to test Embassy
internal defense standard operating procedures as well as the host
nation reaction forces, said Brig. Gen. Charles Hudson, USMC, Chief
Office of Military Cooperation - Kuwait.
"This was the largest training event that I know of, to take
place at any U.S. Embassy," said Hudson. "The participation with
the host nation's military is a unique opportunity."
Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team is a special unit of the Fleet
Marine Corps Force, stationed in Norfolk, Va. The unit has several
platoons deployed in various locations around the world. Their
primary responsibility is to reinforce U.S. Embassies in a time of
crisis.
According to Hudson, they are strategically placed so they can
be anywhere in their area of responsibility within hours.
"FAST is usually called upon to protect embassies," said FAST
Platoon Commander, Capt. Bobby Lee, USMC.
In addition to reinforcing embassies, FAST units are utilized to
protect a variety of vital U.S. assets. They provide protection for
nuclear submarines during refueling, cargo ships against pirates
and perform guard duty at missile silos.
"We are prepared for most situations. However, the sight of
Marines in and around an Embassy acts more as a visual deterrent to
the enemy," added Lee.
"The KNG came in very professional and knowledgeable in their
tactics," said Lee, a Corpus Christy, Texas., native.
"It was fun," said Lance Cpl. Zane A. Woodard, infantryman,
FAST, and Ringgold, Ga., native. "It was interesting to see how the
military of another country operates."
The embassy assault lasted about two hours and ended with a
large fire fight between the opposition force and friendly forces
utilizing blank ammunition.
FAST participation in the exercise was coordinated by Embassy
Kuwait's Regional Security Office, which is made up of federal
agents from the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security
Service, the security and law enforcement arm of the State
Department. In addition to the mock attack on the Embassy, FAST
Marines will be conducting an extensive week long bilateral
training with Kuwaiti National Guard.
"Both FAST and the Kuwaiti National Guard did a fantastic job
today and, although not as flashy, the bilateral training following
today's assault on the Embassy is the heart of this entire exercise
and will go a long way toward solidifying and building upon the
already strong and strategic relationship that the U.S. Government
enjoys with Kuwait," said Diplomatic Security Special Agent Mark
Sullo, the overall exercise coordinator.
"The training exercise was extremely beneficial to us and the
Embassy," said Lee.
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