Life in the fast lane ��

On-call 24 hours a day protecting high-level officials, nuclear assets, ships and embassies. A constant training cycle to achieve perfection on missions so vital that national security depends on you. All of these things describe the task of a United States Marine Corps Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team member.

Established in 1987, the Marine Corps FAST companies have become a force against terrorism, and home to a handful of highly trained and dedicated individuals.

A FAST company deploys like no other unit in the Marine Corps. Sgt. Tim L. Terrell, 3rd Platoon, 1st FAST squad leader, explains, We deploy as a platoon-size element of approximately 50 Marines. We've got each other to depend on out there and that's it. When you re catching the heat out there you've [only] got each other to rely on.

As exciting as it may sound, considering the rigors of the job, FAST isn't for everybody, noted the Bowling Green, Fla., native.

If you're not ready to train and put forth 100 percent effort, stay physically fit with a solid mind and a solid body, then FAST may not be the place for you, Terrell said, because that's what it takes.

For those who choose to dedicate themselves to such a demanding pace, the payoff is well worth it, says Terrell.

It is a very challenging job, he said. You will definitely be overwhelmed with the amount of action you'll see.

The places a Marine may see action are as endless as the training and preparedness he receives. The first and second FAST companies rotate between three separate forward-deployed positions in Japan, Spain and Bahrain to provide added security to Navy, Marine Corps and other national interests. There's no telling where you may find yourself, according to Terrell.

From these locations, Marines are called to move out by the Chief of Naval Operations at any time.

According to Lance Cpl. Todd A. Garcia, a 26-year-old sentry with 3rd Platoon, 1st FAST, the speed of a FAST Marine's lifestyle sometimes takes a while to sink in.

Garcia, who grew up in McCook, Neb., said the constant traveling involved with training and missions could play with the mind. It takes a while to kick in, but then you realize where you're at, Garcia said.

You're so focused on the mission, you don t realize you're halfway around the world. The teamwork and camaraderie that come with the job, however, are like no other, noted Garcia.

It's like 50 brothers going out to do a mission, Garcia said.

So how do 50 brothers get ready to go on a mission? The answer is simple: Never stop training.

They learn to fire a wide assortment of handguns, grenades and automatic weapons, how to operate in close-quarters battle, as well as train for cold weather and chemical environments. FAST Marines have to master it all.

It really doesn't get any better than this, says Lance Cpl. Latroy D. Butler, a sentry with the 3rd Platoon, 1st FAST. And that's not hard to believe when looking at the day-today life of a FAST Marine. They are trained to not only work flawlessly as a team, but individually as well. FAST Marines learn the ins and outs of a wide array of weapons, to the point where they can fire them with deadly accuracy, both strong and weak hands.

This job definitely instills discipline, Butler said. Being out there standing post alone takes a lot of guts all in itself. According to Butler, it takes a strong-minded individual to handle the job of a FAST Marine, with its more intense and realistic training.

To qualify for FAST companies, Marines undergo background screens at a number of levels. A recruiter screens those individuals wishing to be FAST Marines with the help of local law enforcement. After completion of Marine Corps Recruit Training and the School of Infantry, FAST prospects go to Security Force School, then on to actual FAST training, where they are again screened.

Candidates are eligible only when it is certain they are trustworthy enough to handle the high-security areas their job will take them.

For more information about the United States Marine Corps, contact 1-800-MARINES or visit www.marines.com

COPYRIGHT 2003 DOD High School News Service
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group