Across the world in nations as varied as their people, the image of a Marine, an "ambassador in blue," serves as the persistent image of American strength, resolve and good will.

This month marks the 55th anniversary of the Marine Security Guard Program that began with a signed memorandum of agreement Dec. 15, 1948, between the Department of State and the Secretary of the Navy.

The agreement provides for MSGs throughout Foreign Service posts around the world to maintain adequate security, and protection of life and government property.

The primary focus of MSGs is the interior security of diplomatic posts and buildings. In the case of an emergency, they can be authorized to provide exterior security and special protection of diplomatic personnel. Marine Security Guards also have a degree of diplomatic immunity in the performance of their duties, according to www.msgbn.usmc.mil.

Marine Security Guard training is conducted at Marine Corps Base Quantico where Marines from any military occupational specialty are selected, trained and screened for MSG duty. Training is eight weeks for all detachment commanders and six weeks for sergeants and below. Marine Security Guard training is considered to be intense and while the attrition rate is more than 30 percent, more than any Marine Corps school, the result is less than 2 to 3 percent attrition from MSG duty, leaving some of the finest Marines serving as MSGs throughout the world.

The earliest assignments were given to outstanding Marines ready to post at missions overseas, with Marines headed for Tangier, Morocco and Bangkok, Thailand in January 1949. Later in 1954 the MSG Program School began a formal training program.

But the Marine Corps has a long history of cooperation with the Department of State dating back to the earliest days of our nation. From raising the American flag in Derna, Tripoli, to the recent reopening of U.S. Embassies in Belgrade, Yugoslavia and Kabul, Afghanistan, Marines have served in a variety of roles as couriers and guards to protect U.S. diplomatic posts.

Today, more than 1,200 Marines serve at more than 120 posts in 115 countries across the globe. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and an ever-changing international political landscape, Marines can be found protecting American missions in an increasing number of regions.

Earning a distinguished reputation for performance of duty while accomplishing an important mission for their country, MSGs maintain the Marine Corps' international reputation of excellence in service through their working relationship with America's diplomatic community.