Marines with the Special Reaction Team, Provost Marshal’s Office, Security and Emergency Services Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, performed weapon qualifications at Range 221 on Camp Pendleton, California, June 17.

The Marines conducted drills that tested their capabilities with the M4A1 carbine, the M9A1 9 mm service pistol, the M45A1 service pistol and M1014 semiautomatic shotgun. The Marines trained to conduct speed reloads, fire while moving and fire from the hip. SRT conducts this course of fire monthly to ensure readiness in situations like barricaded suspects or active shooters.

“We have to ensure proficiency in each weapon system,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Richard Kennedy, the team leader with SRT. “Everything critiqued is being held to the highest standard possible, that way when we have to enter a scenario that requires very accurate shooting we won't miss our shot or risking someone's life due to negligence.”

SRT responds to high-risk situations that may fall outside the normal responsibilities of military police officers who man the gates and patrol the roads. Marines interested in SRT typically start with PMO as a gate sentry or road officer, and then train with and shadow the team before joining.

“Joining the team is always something I wanted to do,” said Cpl. Junior Chavez, a marksman observer with SRT. “Not everyone gets to learn the tactics or gets to work with the equipment that we do.”

SRT is just one element of PMO and Security and Emergency Services Battalion, whose personnel are in charge of the safety of the Marines, sailors and civilians on Camp Pendleton.