How to join the USMC Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team?

The Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) is an elite United States Marine Corps (USMC) force protection unit that provides “backup” to US interests on foreign soil. This unit specializes in rapid-response security missions, high-risk asset defense, and counter-terrorism operations. 

Unlike standard infantry, FAST Marines operate in small, highly mobile teams, often present in politically volatile regions where terrorist groups, hostile actors, or civil unrest pose a direct threat to U.S. interests.

To say FAST Marines primarily handle high-profile missions would be an understatement. There are three FAST Companies – all stationed in Virginia with 6 platoons of 50 men each per Company.

To become a FAST Marine, you must first complete basic training, qualify in infantry or Security Forces (MOS 0311 or 8152), and pass additional screening before being selected for FAST Company. The intense training pipeline requires advanced weapons training, high-risk entry techniques, and rapid deployment readiness.

Eligibility Requirements

To say that FAST selection is hard would be an understatement. Similar to any elite Marine Corps unit, FAST does not demand hard work for a few months but an entire lifestyle instead.

Obviously, you can’t volunteer to become a FAST Marine straight out of the bootcamp. Let’s start with the basic / minimum requirements to make sure you’ll be considered for the pipeline.

1. Basic Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Must be enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps
• MOS Requirement – You must hold one of two MOS designations:
  • 0311 – Infantry Rifleman
  • 8152 – Marine Corps Security Forces (MCSF)
• Rank should typically be above Privates First Class (PFC)
• Agreement to a minimum active-duty commitment upon selection

2. Physical & Medical Standards

FAST Marines are expected to be stronger and faster than standard infantry Marines, as they deploy with full combat loads and must react immediately in crisis situations.

3. Security & Psychological Screening

Because FAST Marines protect high-value U.S. assets and personnel, you must undergo extensive background and security clearance screenings.

• Must obtain a Secret Security Clearance, which requires thorough background investigation and clearance from the Department of Defense (DoD).
• No history of serious disciplinary infractions (any history of Article 15s, drug use, or criminal activity will immediately disqualify you)
• You’ll be evaluated for mental stability, stress tolerance, and decision-making under pressure.

4. Preferred Background & Experience

While not mandatory, candidates with certain skills and experience will have a significant advantage when applying for FAST.

• Infantry or Combat Training: Prior experience in small-unit tactics, close-quarters battle (CQB), or counter-terrorism training is highly valuable.
• Advanced Marksmanship Skills – FAST Marines undergo intensive weapons training, so prior rifle/pistol expertise is a plus.
• Defensive Tactics & Hand-to-Hand Combat – Experience in MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program), wrestling, or combat sports will be helpful.
• Foreign Deployment or High-Threat Environment Experience – Having served in security operations in politically volatile regions increases selection chances.

FAST Selection Pipeline

So, you meet the eligibility requirements, are in top physical shape, let’s take the next step now.

Unlike standard Marine infantry assignments, you don’t just request orders to a FAST unit. You have to earn it, proving that you’re not just another rifleman but a combat-ready security specialist.

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of how to get selected for Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) Company.

Step 1: Enlist in the Marine Corps & Qualify for Security Forces

First, you’ll have to complete Marine Corps Boot Camp, which is a grueling 13 weeks at MCRD Parris Island (East Coast) or MCRD San Diego (West Coast).

After doing so AND graduating from the School of Infantry (SOI), you’ll have to achieve 0311 (Rifleman) by going through Infantry Training Battalion (ITB).

Finally, work hard and get Selected for Security Forces (MOS 8152). It’s crucial for you to receive orders for Marine Corps Security Forces (MCSF) before applying for FAST. If you don’t get into Security Forces (MOS 8152), you won’t get into FAST. This is non-negotiable-FAST is a specialized unit within MCSF.

Step 2: Complete Marine Corps Security Forces Training

Before prematurely applying for FAST, you have to prove yourself in MCSF. Once you get orders to the Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment (MCSFR), you will complete the Security Forces Training Course at Naval Weapons Station Chesapeake, Virginia.

This training includes:

• Small-unit tactics & high-risk security operations
• Close-quarters battle (CQB) and room-clearing techniques
• Advanced marksmanship & weapons training
• Tactical response to terrorist threats and force protection scenarios

Reality Check: Not every Marine who joins Security Forces gets selected for FAST Company. You need to outperform your peers not just physically but mentally as well.

Step 3: Apply for FAST Company Selection

Once you are assigned to MCSFR, you can apply for FAST Company if there is an open billet. Selection is highly competitive-you must prove that you are among your unit’s top-performing Security Forces Marines.

To be eligible for the actual screening:

• Your platoon sergeant and company commander must recommend you and sign off on your application.
• Your PFT, CFT, and combat readiness scores must be well above average.
• You must pass a psychological screening to prove you possess unshakable mental resilience.

Step 4: FAST Company Screening & Evaluation

Once your application is accepted, you will undergo an intense screening process designed to weed out anyone who isn’t combat-ready.

FAST Screening Includes:

• Physical Fitness Test (PFT) – You must exceed standard Marine Corps fitness minimums.
• Combat Fitness Test (CFT) – Expect to run, carry, and fight under combat load conditions.
• Live-Fire Weapons Qualification – Prove your accuracy and combat marksmanship under stress.
• Ruck March (6+ miles, 45+ lbs pack) – Timed endurance ruck under full combat gear.
• Hand-to-Hand Combat Test – Evaluated on Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) techniques.
• High-Intensity Stress Drills – Simulated FAST mission scenarios to assess decision-making under pressure.

Once you pass screening, you will receive orders from one of three FAST Companies, all stationed in Virginia:

• 1st FAST Company – Camp Allen, Norfolk, VA
• 2nd FAST Company – Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, VA
• 3rd FAST Company – Camp Allen, Norfolk, VA

From there, you may be deployed under one of three global FAST Commands:

• FAST Company Europe – Rota, Spain
• FAST Company Pacific – Yokosuka, Japan
• FAST Company Central – Manama, Bahrain

FAST Training Pipeline

Location: Chesapeake, Virginia (Marine Corps Security Forces Training Company)
Duration: 9+ Weeks (Following Infantry and Security Forces Training)

1. Basic Security Guard (BSG) Course – 6 Weeks

The Basic Security Guard (BSG) course is the first phase of FAST-specific training. It provides you with the foundational security and force protection skills needed for their role.

Key Training Areas in BSG:

• Combat Marksmanship: FAST Marines must qualify on shotguns, pistols, and automatic weapons.
• Close-Quarters Battle (CQB) Basics: You’ll be taught room clearing, high-risk entry, and small-unit movement techniques.
• Machine Gun Employment: FAST units operate M240B and M249 SAW machine guns during this training.
• Non-Lethal Weapons Training: You’ll train with riot shields, batons, and tear gas deployment for crowd control and embassy defense missions.

2. Advanced Urban Tactics (AUT) Course – 3 Weeks

After completing BSG, FAST Marines move into Advanced Urban Tactics (AUT), which focuses on complex CQB engagements, riot control, and high-threat force protection operations.

Key Training Areas in AUT:

• Advanced Close-Quarters Battle (CQB) Training: You’ll continue learning the CQB techniques on a more advanced level now.
• Urban Warfare Operations: FAST teams train in multi-room, multi-building combat, focusing on defending embassies, naval installations, and airfields.
• Riot Control & Crowd Management: You’ll learn to contain and neutralize large hostile crowds using riot shields, batons, and tear gas deployment.

Preparation Tips for Aspiring MSD Agents

The selection and training process demands unparalleled physical fitness, technical expertise, and mental resilience. Here’s how to maximize your readiness.

1. Physical Fitness Preparation

Endurance Training

• Running: Incorporate long-distance runs (6-10 miles) and interval sprints to improve cardiovascular fitness. Aim for a 2-mile time under 13 minutes, with a competitive goal of under 12 minutes.
• Ruck Marching: Train with a weighted rucksack (start with 30 lbs and gradually increase to 50-65 lbs). Target 6-12 miles on varied terrains, including hills and uneven surfaces. Aim for a 12-mile ruck march in under 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Strength and Functional Fitness

• Upper Body: Perform push-ups, pull-ups, and bench presses to develop core and upper-body strength. Competitive benchmarks include:
  • Push-Ups: 80+ in 2 minutes.
  • Pull-Ups: 15+ unassisted.
• Core Training: Focus on planks, sit-ups, and Russian twists to improve stability and endurance. Sit-Ups: Target 85+ in 2 minutes.
• Functional Movements: Include exercises like sandbag carry, rope climbs, and obstacle course training to simulate operational tasks.

Flexibility and Recovery

• Incorporate yoga or dynamic stretching into your routine to prevent injuries.
• Schedule active recovery days with light swimming or cycling.

2. Mental Resilience Training

Mental toughness is often deciding whether candidates succeed in MSD. Build resilience by training your mind as rigorously as your body.

Stress Inoculation: Simulate fatigue by combining physical exhaustion with problem-solving tasks (e.g., running followed by navigation drills). Practice decision-making under time constraints to prepare for high-pressure scenarios.

Mindset and Visualization: Develop a growth mindset to view setbacks as opportunities to improve.

Adaptability and Focus: Train in dynamic environments where mission parameters can change abruptly. Practice staying calm and effective during unexpected challenges.

3. Timeline for Preparation

My advice? At some point it may make sense to find a coach to get your physical fitness to the next level. But getting a coach doesn’t always make sense.

Check out my article here to learn whether finding a coach is right for you r Do You Need a Coach for Selection?

Career Progression for FAST Marines

1. Cross-Training & Advanced Specialties

Many FAST Marines develop advanced skills that lead to specialized assignments:

• Marine Security Guard (MSG) – Embassy Security Detail
• Protective Services Detail (PSD) – VIP & Diplomatic Security
• Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) Instructor Roles

2. Transition to Special Operations & Reconnaissance

Some FAST Marines use their experience as a stepping stone into Marine Corps Special Operations (MARSOC) or Reconnaissance Battalions.

While FAST is not a direct pipeline to MARSOC, the experience gained in CQB, counter-terrorism, and force protection operations makes it a solid foundation for moving into higher-tier units. Do remember that FAST is not a direct action combat force like MARSOC or Force Recon.

If you’re looking to run raids and offensive missions, you will need to reenlist and transfer into a Special Operations role.

Sources:

• Marine Corps Security Force Regiment – Wikipedia
• Southcom.mil