DSS Office of Overseas Protective Operations trains with FAST Marines in Jordan

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and the United States Marine Corps have shared a special relationship since World War II when a Marine detachment was assigned to guard the U.S. Embassy in war-torn London. As the need for greater overseas security developed in the ensuing decades, Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams (FAST) of specially-trained Marines were formed to serve as quick reaction forces to protect U.S. government installations – especially U.S. diplomatic posts – during unforeseen periods of crisis.

As part of this long-standing relationship, the DSS Overseas Protective Operations (OPO) office recently hosted 40 Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams (FAST) Marines for specialized training at the King Abdullah Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC) in Amman, Jordan.

The OPO office ordinarily uses this unique facility to provide tactical skills training to the Worldwide Protective Services (WPS) contractors it manages who deploy to high-risk locations. However, both OPO and the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Amman agreed it would make the perfect training venue for its FAST partners.

FAST Marines practiced tactical skills alongside Regional Security Office Amman, Jordanian security forces, and seasoned WPS instructors focused on joint live fire training, emergency medical, defensive tactics, and close quarters battle.

U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General Farrell J. Sullivan observed the training alongside DSS special agents from the Amman Regional Field Office. Following the training, OPO Office Director Darryl Waller met with KASOTC General Director General Ra’ad to express his appreciation for partnering with DSS to host the successful FAST training at the facility.

The DSS Office of Overseas Protective Operations (OPO) in the International Programs Directorate, leads, develops, and delivers programs, operational guidance, and resources to sustain security forces at U.S. diplomatic missions.