Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

2016 Brig Chaser/Escort Class Schedule and Requirements

Ref:   (a) SECNAVINST 1640.9C of 03 Jan 06

          (b) BUPERSINST 1640.22 of 29 Mar 11

1.  POC: Training Staff, Camp Pendleton Base Brig, Camp Pendleton, Ca 92055 TEL: 760-725-3168 or 725-8567/8144, email: PNDL_BRIG_COMPANY_TRAINING@usmc.mil

2.  Commands must have qualified escorts to move both pre-trial and post-trial prisoners to and from the Brig.  To be qualified, personnel must meet screening criteria, attend a one-day Brig Escort Chaser Class and pass a written proficiency test.  Successful completion will result in the issuance of an Escort Identification Card (NAVPERS 1640/18).  The certification is good for one year.

3.  Exemptions: The Brig Commanding Officer will make the determination on a case by case basis: Army/Marine Corps Military Police, Air Force Security Forces, Navy Master-At-Arms and formal NEC/MOS school-trained corrections personnel may be exempt from attending the class, but must meet the screening criteria listed in paragraph (6) below.

4.  Brig Escort Chaser Classes are normally scheduled on two Tuesdays of each month.  In order to attend the chaser class, units are required to send a signed copy of the pre-screening letter via e-mail or fax to the Brig Training Staff.  There is a maximum of 10 attendees per unit but this can be waived depending on the projected attendance.  There is a maximum of 70 seats per course.  Units from MCAGCC 29 Palms will no longer have to reserve class seats.  They too will bring a signed copy of the aforementioned paperwork.  Chaser courses at 29 Palms will go once a quarter through a designated unit.  The class begins promptly at 0730 until 1600. Attendees who show up after 0700 will be turned away.  The scheduled class dates in 2016 include the following:

*ADDITIONAL CHASER DATES CAN BE REQUESTED FOR 29 PALMS IF UNIT CAN PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF 60 MARINES*

 5.  Per references (a) and (b):

    a.  Escorts shall be carefully selected for maturity and the ability to handle emergencies.

    b.  Requesting activities shall provide their own escorts for trial, administrative, legal, and any other appointments for pre-trial prisoners.

    c.  Commands with frequent prisoner movements shall provide a pool of escorts and each trip shall include at least one escort who has traversed the same route in similar transportation.

    d.  In all cases, at least one escort will be of the same gender as the prisoner.

    e.  When transporting an officer prisoner, at least one escort will be an officer of equal or higher rank than the officer prisoner.

    f.  Escorts will not be required or authorized to carry nightsticks or other weapons.

    g.  Maximum (Max) and Medium-In (MDI) prisoners must be escorted by at least two escorts.  Maximum (Max)  and Medium-In (MDI) prisoners shall wear restraints at all times while outside the security perimeter of the Brig.

    h.  A military judge (but never a lawyer) may direct that restraints be removed from a prisoner in a courtroom if, in the judge’s opinion, such restraint is not necessary.

6.  The following are eligibility requirements for personnel attending Camp Pendleton Base Brig Escort Chaser Class:

    a.  Must be 19 years of age or older.

    b.  Must have completed 15 months of active service (after completion of recruit training), regardless of service branch.

    c.  Chasers identified as a witness in a prisoner/detainees trial are not authorized to escort that individual.

    d.  Have no neuropsychiatric disorders, recorded history of alcohol abuse or in-service drug use.

    e.  Have no record of conviction by Courts-Martial or Non-Judicial Punishment in the past 36 months.

    f.  Have no record of civil court conviction, (except misdemeanor traffic violations).

    g.  Must have no disfigurement or physical impediment that could cause the service member to be ridiculed or otherwise undermine the chasers control of a prisoner.

    h.  Be within service branch body composition standards and passed most recent service PRT/PFT.

    I.   Marines are subject to test and must score a 80% to pass.

    j.  No prior removal/revocation of escort status.

    k.  Not have failed the last two attempts to pass the escort written proficiency test.

    l. Must have a score on the standard classification test (GT) of 90 or above.

    m.  Screened for eligibility by a command representative of grade E-7 or above.

7.  Approved personnel must bring a signed copy of the nomination letter to the class.  The required form is available via the link titled “Nomination Letter” on the brig’s website:

Click here to download the Nomination Letter Template.

Click here to view Unit Chaser Criteria.

8.  All commands are invited to send personnel to the training.  The class begins promptly at 0730 at the Camp Pendleton Base Brig Bldg. 24100. If a significant number of personnel need to be trained, an extra class may be arranged depending on brig instructor availability.

9.  All Chaser/Escort students must park in the parking lot to the North of the building and all motorcyclists must park in a motorcycle parking spot.

10.  Re-certification may be provided without re-attending the standardized course if all of the following conditions are met:

    a.  The service member has previously attended the standardized course.

    b.  Certification is still current (not expired)

    c.  Standards of conduct and use of force are reviewed and acknowledged. 

    d.  The service member successfully completes the written proficiency test again.

11.  All escorts supervising confinees who are assigned outside work details will receive meals prepared by a military messhall for the detail. At no time will a confinee be offered a meal not prepared by a military dining facility, i.e., McDonalds, Burger King etc..