CT FEATURE
Corrections Marines during Special Operations
Response Team training
Photos by GySgt Carl Stone
U
Marines participate in a training exercise simulating the
restraint and transport of enemy detainees.
nited States Marine Corps Gen. Alfred M. Gray
stated, “Every Marine is, first and foremost, a
rifleman. All other conditions are secondary.”1
Gray’s comment echoes a concept held dear to
the Marine Corps for generations; however, in a literal
sense, some military occupational specialties (MOS) may
never perform as riflemen in combat. Still, even noncombat
arms MOSs must maintain basic combat-ready skills. And
regardless of MOS, assignments with operating forces are
both coveted and rewarded. Consider the Marine MOS of
5831- corrections specialist; 5831 is the numerical code
which identifies Marines as being formally trained as corrections specialists. These “corrections Marines” have a
very limited combat role.
The Marine correctional system is structured much like
state and federal agencies, although much smaller in scale.
Marine corrections includes brigs at the largest installations. These brigs are generally short-term facilities, which
hold pretrial prisoners until adjudication and post-trial
prisoners for short periods of confinement. The next tier of
correctional facilities that Marines assist in operating are
level II brigs, which hold prisoners for up to five years. The
Marine Corps assigns more than 200 Marine staff to Navy
level II brigs. There are also a number of Marines assigned
to operating forces for enemy detainee advisement
and training. Marines make up only a small part of the
military correctional system. However, the development
of Marine 5831 correctional officers is second to none;
part of the reason for this is that Marine Corps culture
embraces a myriad of traditions which foster success.
Camp Pendleton Brig — a 300-bed, short-term facility in Southern California
By Tom Dooley and Joseph J. Moschetto
A Marine Corps Brig located in Okinawa, Japan
Marine Corps culture is responsible for making the 5831
Marines among the most adept corrections professionals on
the planet. The culture combines a number of elements that
are especially effective in grooming correctional staff. This
article expounds on just a few elements that not only build a
strong Marine, but also a strong corrections specialist.
Every Marine is a Rifleman
All officers and enlisted Marines, regardless of MOS, are
initially trained in the skills of leadership, knowledge and
the physical competency required of a Marine rifleman.
Basic warrior skills are continually honed and developed
throughout a Marine’s service. “Every Marine is a rifleman”
is not just a concept, but a tangible skill that defines the
U.S. Marine Corps and each Marine.
Armed with the warrior mindset, Marines assigned to
corrections MOS often serve in a garrison environment,
supporting the confinement of military offenders. However,
a handful of 5831s will serve within operating forces as a
force multiplier by providing training, techniques and
advisement to Marine and joint units carrying out the
enemy detainee mission. Corrections Marines aggressively
seek assignment to enemy detainee missions for several
reasons, but the primary reason is to fulfill their warrior
purpose. Corrections Marines offer a specialized skill to
infantry commanders who may need to detain enemy
forces. Aside from basic physical security, nonlethal physical restraint and expedient restraint techniques, corrections Marines are programmed with a mindset to protect
and provide humane treatment to a hostile population.
Conversely, infantry Marines are programmed with the
mindset to rapidly and violently close with and destroy the
enemy — perhaps not so conducive to the detention mission. When an enemy surrenders or is captured alive, the
Geneva Convention requires humane and safe treatment. In
addition, captured enemies need to be safeguarded
because many hold valuable human intelligence. Lastly, in
this age of electronic media and instantaneous worldwide
communication, inhumane or unprofessional treatment can
play out as a brutal strategic defeat on the powerful political battlefield. Hence, a strong cadre of 5831s is a valuable
toolset to the infantry commander.
Corrections Marines first deployed in support of
detainee operations in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom and continued throughout its end. The Marine Corps
quickly identified a shortage of 5831s to both deploy in
combat and carry out the garrison corrections mission.2 To
accomplish both missions, corrections Marines were
deployed in small groups as advisors and trainers to larger
units. These corrections professionals became detainee
operations advisor teams, providing practical application
training, basic skills and conceptual ethos of detention. In
the combat environment, a corrections Marine’s duties
extend beyond enemy detainee operations. In fact, there
may be long stretches of time when no enemy is detained;
there are also many instances where detainees, or groups
of detainees, need to be transported across large areas of
hostile territory. In either case, a corrections Marine may
find himself or herself literally performing a role similar to
that of a rifleman.
Recently, corrections Marines’ assignments have
expanded to a more permanent role in the detainee operations arena. They are now assigned within the four Marine
Expeditionary Forces, alongside other specialized law
enforcement occupations, such as military police, military
working dog handlers and criminal investigators. Today, in
Operation Enduring Freedom, corrections Marines continue to deliver corrections-based training. Corrections
Marines are also found conducting inspections of host
nation detention facilities as subject matter experts and
transition teams for detention advisement on policy issues
as host nations transition their own justice systems.
How the traditional correctional mission is affected by
the Marine’s warrior experience and mindset is a doubleedged sword. On one hand, the two missions are similar in
their primary goal of safe and secure custody. On the
other, there is no “correctional” side to enemy detention, in
that rehabilitation is not a concern. Regardless, Marines
serving in the detainee operations realm bring some very
valuable skills to the brigs. A heightened sense of physical
security is often adopted by Marines charged with guarding the enemy. In addition, providing firm, fair and humane
treatment — while maintaining strong boundaries needed
when interacting with enemy forces — fosters and cements
the ability to do so with military offenders.
Value on Diverse Experience and Special
Duty Assignments
All career Marines are encouraged to step outside of
their primary occupation specialty by volunteering for special duty assignments. Special duty assignments are sought
after by career-minded Marines for the professional structure it builds and the increased opportunities necessary for
promotion within their peer group. Special duty assignments give a Marine the opportunity to learn new skills,
gain new experience and, most important, assist in professional development.
Marines selected for special duty assignments experience a screening process to ensure minimum qualifications
are met and that their commander agrees to the program
selected. Traditional Marine special duty assignments
include:
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Drill instructor;
Recruiter;
Marine combat instructor;
Security forces; and
Marine security guard.
Special duty assignments and the corrections MOS have
a mutually beneficial relationship. Many traits that are
important for success on a special duty assignment are
remarkably similar to those traits developed by Marine corrections specialists. Having the corrections background
makes the transition into these assignments rather easy
due to similarities such as command presence, organizational skills, flexibility, maturity and attention to detail.
Corrections Marines have an exceptional success rate in
special duty assignments due to their ability to communicate interpersonally, publicly and in writing. Marines
assigned as drill instructors in boot camp train and lead
recruits with the “entrusted to my care” mentality, which is
nurtured and developed in the correctional environment.
Recruiting duty provides another example of a mutually
beneficial relationship in that communication is a key element for the recruiter’s success. Communication is a skill
which aids correctional officers in successfully managing,
leading and mentoring the incarcerated.
Marines on special duty assignments often interact with
civilian communities and have the enormous responsibility
of representing the Marine Corps as an institution. Assignments filled by these Marines are often referred to as “independent duties” because there is little direct supervision,
and the responsibilities are enormous. They are responsible for demonstrating the superior example of a U.S.
Marine as a representative of the Marine Corps, and personal conduct is on public display. The Marine corrections
specialist is charged with these same character demands in
their profession and the correctional environment. A
Marine with a corrections background is a prime candidate
for special duty assignments. In turn, the qualities tempered while on special duty assignments help build the
5831 MOS.
Leadership Development
Leadership training and development is an integral element of Marine Corps culture. In boot camp, Marines are
introduced to the 11 leadership principles and 14 leadership traits, which many commit to memorization. Following
boot camp, all Marines receive required annual training on
leadership. In addition, there are a number of required
leadership academies Marines must successfully complete
in order to rise through the ranks.
Figure 1. Marine Corps — 11 Leadership Principles
1. Know yourself and seek improvement.
2. Be technically and tactically proficient.
3. Know your Marines and look out for their
welfare.
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4. Keep your Marines informed.
5. Set the example.
6. Ensure a task is understood, supervised and
accomplished.
7. Train your Marines as a team.
8. Make sound and timely decisions.
9. Develop a sense of responsibility among your
subordinates.
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10. Employ your command in accordance with its
capabilities.
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11. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for
your actions.
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Figure 2. Marine Corps — 14 Leadership Traits
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Justice
Judgement
Dependability
Integrity
Decisiveness
Tact
Initiative
Enthusiasm
Bearing
Unselfishness
Courage
Knowledge
Loyalty
Endurance
The first level of leadership to which a Marine will ascnd
is that of the noncommissioned officer (NCO). NCOs
encompass the ranks of corporal and sergeant. There are
two leadership academies associated with NCO development. Typically, a Marine will attend the Corporal’s Course
during the first two to four years of service. The Corporal’s
Course is a three-week resident course which concentrates
on broad leadership skills. For instance, recommending
performance evaluations (proficiency and conduct marks),
counseling subordinates, leadership styles, Marine Corps
history, mentoring subordinates, public speaking, and
small-unit tactics are a few topics. If a Marine is selected for
the rank of sergeant, he or she can expect to attend an
eight-week intense leadership academy (the Sergeant’s
Course) — an advanced leadership course to ready
sergeants for the challenges of greater responsibility and
leadership. The Sergeant’s Course also teaches concepts of
personnel administration, as well as verbal and written
communication skills. The curriculums of both courses
focus purely on universal leadership and wartime fighting
skills.
Staff noncommissioned officers (SNCO) represent the
senior enlisted leadership in the Marine Corps. SNCOs
encompass the ranks from staff sergeant to master gunnery
sergeant. Marines can expect to reach the rank of staff
sergeant at the six- to 10-year mark. SNCOs are generally
career-committed Marines who serve in billets of supervision and leadership throughout the Marine Corps. There
are several leadership academies for SNCOs. The SNCO
Career Course is a seven-week resident course for staff
sergeants. The advanced course for gunnery sergeants is
an additional seven-week resident leadership academy.
Enlisted Marines who remain in corrections MOS beyond
gunnery sergeant may be selected as master sergeant, and
beyond that, a select few will attain the rank of master
gunnery sergeant. Master sergeants and master gunnery
sergeants are encouraged to attend the First Sergeant/
Master Sergeant Regional Seminar and the Sergeant
Table 1. Marine Corps Ranks MOS: 5831 Corresponding Duties and Professional Military Education (PME)
Rank (Abbreviation/Pay grade)
Private (PVT/E-1)
Private first class (PFC/E-2)
Lance corporal (LCpl/E-3)
Corporal (Cpl/E-4)
Sergeant (Sgt/E-5)
Staff sergeant (SSgt/E-6)
Gunnery sergeant (GySgt/E-7)
Master sergeant (MSgt/E-8)
Master gunnery sergeant
(MGySgt/E-9)
Warrant officer (WO/W1)
Chief warrant officer 2
(CWO2/W2)
Chief warrant officer 3
(CWO3/W3)
Chief warrant officer 4
(CWO4/W4)
Chief warrant officer 5
(CWO5/W5)
Examples of Billets Assigned
Mail clerk, alternate funds custodian, tool room, escort,
dorm supervisor, special quarters supervisor, tower
sentry, gate sentry, duty driver
PME
Boot camp; Corrections Academy
Marine Corps Institute distance learning:
x
x
Corrections; and
Corrections supervisor
Training clerk, mail clerk, alternate funds custodian,
receiving and release supervisor, counselor (Sgt),
indoctrination NCO, facilities maintenance NCO,
control center supervisor, deck control supervisor, dorm
supervisor, special quarters supervisor, security clerk,
and control center supervisor
Counselor, mail chief, training chief, custodian,
counselor, substance abuse counselor, special services
supervisor, prisoner education supervisor,
environmental supervisor, watch supervisor, key control
noncommissioned officer-in-charge (NCOIC) and
special quarters chief
Duty brig supervisor, counselor, mail chief, training
chief, custodian, counselor, substance abuse counselor,
special services supervisor, environmental supervisor,
watch supervisor, key control NCOIC and special
quarters chief and programs chief
Corporal’s Course (Corporals); Sergeants’
Distance Education Program (Corporals); and
Resident Sergeants’ Course
Training chief, duty brig supervisor, prisoner services
chief, programs chief, security chief, chief counselor,
minimum security annex supervisor and work
supervisor
Technical advisor, brig supervisor, enlisted advisor to
the Officer Candidate Course field sponsor
Collection unit OIC, programs OIC, det ops OIC
Collection unit OIC, programs OIC, security OIC, det
ops OIC
Commanders and OICs PCF – Level I facilities
Resident Senior Enlisted PME and Seminars;
Senior Enlisted Joint PME Distance Education;
and Advance Corrections Academy
Detachment commanders, industries OICs, department
heads
Senior ranking corrections advisor, Marine Corps
corrections head, occupation field sponsor
Command and Staff School Seminars
Major/Master Gunnery Sergeant Symposium, respectively.
The Senior Enlisted Primary Military Education (PME)
courses are focused on developing leadership and orienting Marines to their role in war fighting as they progress in
rank and responsibility.
The wardens, assistant wardens and senior administrators in Marine brigs are chief warrant officers (CWO).
CWOs are competitively selected among senior enlisted
corrections Marines with many years of enlisted corrections experience. Marines selected to be warrant officers
attend a three-month training known as The Basic School.
This leadership and military training program is akin to boot
camp for officers. As with the other leadership academies
discussed, the basic school is not unique to corrections
Marines. It presents advanced concepts in military tactics
and leadership.
The culture of excellence in Marine leadership benefits
the corrections field in many ways. Marine saturation of
leadership principles and traits lend themselves to success
regardless of enterprise; most Marines can recite these
qualities verbatim and have explored the concepts of each
many times. A common question asked by meritorious
SNCO Career Distance Education Program;
Senior Enlisted Joint PME Distance Education;
and Advance Corrections Academy
SNCO Advance Career Distance Education
Program; Senior Enlisted Joint PME Distance
Education; and Advance Corrections Academy
Resident Senior Enlisted Seminars
Expeditionary Warfare School Seminars
Expeditionary Warfare School Seminars
Command and Staff School Seminars
promotion boards is, “What is the most important leadership trait and why do you think it is the most important?”
The training in combat leadership skills are manifested by
confidence and the ability to employ teamwork. Another
example garnered from the leadership training is the fiveparagraph order template for issuing orders in combat.
The common acronym used for a five-paragraph order is
SMEAC: situation, mission, execution, administration, logistics, and command and signal. Use of SMEAC produces
orders that provide information and vision to subordinates. When executed properly, SMEAC improves communication and empowers subordinates not only in combat,
but also in running a brig. Likewise, positive prisoner
morale is likely to be fostered in such an environment.
Fitness and Appearance
While it is true that all correctional agencies and military services value fitness and appearance, the Marines
emphasize and apply such standards to an unparalleled
level. Marines gauge level of fitness using two different
tests — the physical fitness test (PFT) and the combat
Having effective,
well-developed leaders
results in good staff morale
and proficiency.
There are many reasons Marines make excellent correctional officers. In addition to the elements of Marine culture
discussed in this article, they also have a tradition of excellence; they have a comprehensive and fair evaluation system;
their board process for promotion ensures that only the
most qualified advance; and they have a tremendous
work ethic. Marine Corps culture breeds elite corrections
professionals
ENDNOTES
1
Keane, B.M. 2012. ‘Every Marine is a rifleman’ begins at recruit
training. Retrieved from http://www.tecom.marines.mil/News/
NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/5055/Article/92579/every-marine-arifleman-begins-at-recruit-training.aspx.
2
fitness test (CFT). Marines conduct physical training (PT)
at least three times per week per requirements, although
most Marines train every day. PFT and CFT scores are
reported on performance evaluations (fitness reports). In
turn, performance evaluations have a profound impact on
promotion. Leaders reward Marines who earn high fitness
scores and maintain excellent grooming and appearance.
Often, these Marines become a target for accelerated or
meritorious promotion.
Poor fitness and substandard appearance are not tolerated. The Marine Corps strictly enforces height and weight
standards. Failure to meet height and weight standards will
have serious career consequences. If Marines do not meet
these standards, they are assigned to the body composition program (BCP) or military appearance program (MAP).
Assignment to either of these programs is a promotion-killer.
Failure to make satisfactory progress in either will end a
Marine’s career. At best, Marines assigned to BCP or MAP
will find it very hard to earn promotions or to reenlist; at
worst, the Marine Corps will administratively separate
those who fail to make progress. If a Marine is not physically
fit and does not maintain a high standard of grooming and
appearance, that Marine will not progress professionally.
All Marines are taught to keep their uniforms squared
away. Corrections Marines especially take pride in their
uniform appearance and grooming standards. A few company commanders (wardens) have been known to personally step in front of every Marine at guard mount to inspect
shave and uniform — even checking fingernails for proper
trimming. Having a high PFT score and an immaculate
appearance are held in high regard.
Setting the example is an often underrated aspect of the
correctional program. By definition, the term “corrections”
implies a righting or improving of an existing condition.
Hence, corrections professionals represent a profession dedicated to the “correcting” of others. Like it or not, physical
appearance and condition make a statement to peers, leaders, the public and offenders. Being unfit, unkempt and overweight are not crimes. However, correctional staff who set a
poor example risk looking hypocritical and can undermine an
environment in which positive change is possible. On the
other hand, credibility is enhanced when staff project a positive message through appearance and fitness. When staff
members are fit, sharp and professional in appearance, they
help foster an environment where positive change is congruent with the example being set by staff — an invaluable element, and perhaps the foundation, to correctional programs.
Gauthier, R.R. 2007. Expeditionary corrections Marines, Marine
Corps Gazette, 91(7):25-30.
Tom Dooley is the corrections branch head for the navy
Office of Corrections and Programs and a retired U.S.
Marine Corps chief warrant officer-4. Joseph J. Moschetto is
a chief warrant officer-4 in the U.S. Marine Corps and commanding officer for the Marine Corps Base Brig at Camp
Pendleton, Calif.