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Abstract
Money, time, and productivity are lost when detachment commanders are relieved of duty and thus not capable of completing their tour of duty. The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges and experiences of detachment commanders and how those challenges lead to relief of duty for some Marines. The research questions used in this study assess the challenges faced by detachment commanders, the ways in which those challenges affect the behaviors of the detachment commanders, and how the screening and training performed by the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG) to select and prepare Marines for this duty. Situational leadership theory served as the theoretical framework of this study. A qualitative case study design was used, and purposive sampling was employed, resulting in participation by 35 detachment commanders and 2 Regional Commanding Officers associated with the case. Data analysis ocurred throughout the open ended interview process through recording, transcriping, and theme coding. Results suggest that the unique experiences in the Marine security guard program do not allow for full preparation and training prior to reporting for duty. Results also suggest the strain of performing duties independently and in isolation contributed to some of the failures. These results contribute to positive social change in that the study provides feedback to MCESG and helps the organization to improve the selction and training processes of detachment commanders. This study may lead to improved training, selection, and performance of detachment commanders. The success of MCESG and these Marines is important to society because they protect and defend classified information, American personnel, and property within the embassies, which promotes the safety and security of every US citizen in the long run.
