Port Security Units (PSU)

Port Security Unit 307 in Operation Iraqi Freedom

The Port Security program of the Coast Guard can be traced back all the way back to 1917 with the passage of the Espionage Act and due to the Black Tom explosion.^[6] Port Security Units are deployable expeditionary security and anti-terrorism units similar to Marine Corps Security Force Regiment. Unlike any other Coast Guard Units, Port Security Units are the only sustained forward deployable unit, with the ability to deploy within 96 hours of a crisis and establish operations within 24 hours of arrival. PSU's are the only Coast Guard unit that uniquely train and provide ground combat security capability for the Coast Guard if needed. Other units that PSUs train and integrate with are United States Marine Corps Special Operations Capable Forces and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command or abroad in support of various Department of Defense operations. PSU's receive their initial training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune's Special Missions Training Center.^[7]

Coast Guard RAID team PSU reservist in Afghanistan

Port Security units are trained and equipped to provide:

• Physical Security
• Ground Combat
• Counter-Piracy
• Maritime Interdiction
• Military Combat Operations
• Humanitarian Response
• Inspections
• Amphibious operations
• Point defense of strategic shipping, designated critical infrastructure, and high value assets.^[8]

Tactical Law Enforcement Teams (TACLET)

A boarding team from USS Gettysburg and Law Enforcement Detachment 409 capture suspected pirates off Somalia.

Tactical Law Enforcement Teams provide specialized Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDET) to conduct counter-narcotics law enforcement and Maritime Interdiction Operations from U.S. and allied naval vessels. There are currently two units, Tactical Law Enforcement Team South based in Opa-locka, Florida and the Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team (PACTACLET) based in San Diego, California. The Coast Guard formally established the Law Enforcement Detachment program in 1982. Originally, LEDETs operated directly under Coast Guard "groups," local commands that operated under Coast Guard districts. Other federal agencies that TACLETs train with are the DEA Special Response Teams, ATF Special Response Teams, and various local SWAT Teams^[9]

Tactical Law Enforcement Badge worn by qualified TACLET members.

TACLET groups duties include:

• maritime interdiction missions
• counter-piracy
• military combat operations
• alien migration interdiction
• military force protection
• counter terrorism
• homeland security
• humanitarian response

Maritime Safety & Security Teams (MSST)

MSST conduct counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and Gulf of Aden

Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSSTs) are counter-terrorism (Force-Presence) units created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The eleven MSSTs provide both waterborne and shore-side counter-terrorism and force protection for strategic shipping, high interest vessels, and critical infrastructure. MSSTs are a quick response force capable of rapid worldwide deployment via air, ground or sea transportation in response to changing threat conditions and evolving Maritime Homeland Security (MHS) mission requirements. Multi-mission capability facilitates augmentation for other selected Coast Guard missions. Other units and federal agencies that MSSTs train with are the Navy's Special Boat Teams, Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR), CBP Air and Marine Operations, FBI, and other various SWAT Teams.

MSST crewman, and his K9 being lowered down

MSST special capabilities include:

• Maritime interdiction and law enforcement
• Counter-terrorism/Force Protection
• Security detail
• CBRN-E Detection
• Search and Rescue (limited)
• Port Protection/Anti-sabotage
• Dive Lockers
• K9 Handling Teams (Explosive detection)
• Tactical Boat Operations
• Non-compliant boarding operations^[10]

United States Coast Guard patch in multicam pattern wear by MSRT^[11]

Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT)

A member of Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team West trains for a simulated terrorist threat aboard the motor vessel

Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT) has existed in different incarnations, but was formally established in 2006.^[12] It is one of two units within the Coast Guard that has counter-terrorism capabilities to conduct action against hostile targets. The first is based in Chesapeake, Virginia, the second is based in San Diego, California. The MSRT is trained to be the first response unit to potential terrorist threats, deny preemptive terrorist actions, execute security actions against armed hostiles and/or non-compliant threats, participate in port level counter-terrorism exercises, execute tactical facility entry, and educate other forces on Coast Guard's counter-terrorism procedures. Although the MSRT's focus is primarily on the safety and security of homeland defense, it is capable of rapidly deploying worldwide in response to incidents.^[13] Other specialized units and federal agencies that MSRTs routinely train with are the SEAL teams Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons, Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) of the Navy, Maritime Raid Force, Force Recon of the Marine Corps, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) of the Army, Air Force 24th Special Operations Wing, Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ATF, the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) & (BORSTAR), the Customs and Border Protection Special Response Teams (SRT), and other various SWAT/Special Mission Units. Their motto, as seen on their unit patch, is "Nox Noctis est Nostri", which translates from Latin to English is "The Night is Ours".

Maritime Security Response Team members fast-roping out of helicopter

MSRT Special Capabilities include:

• Counter-terrorism (CT)
• Direct Action (DA)
• Advanced Interdiction (AI)
• Hostage Rescue/Personnel Recovery
• Small Unit Tactics
• Counter Assault
• Tactical Maritime Law Enforcement
• Medium to High risk boarding (Level III & IV) "VBSS"
• Airborne Use of Force (AUF)
• K9 explosive detection teams
• CBRNE
• Underwater Port Security (only MSRT West)

MSRT K-9 Sweep

MSRT Precision Marksmen Observer Team

MSRT members are selected through experienced maritime law enforcement members, often selected from MSST and TACLET teams. Many of these members are already highly trained and qualified when selected. Elements of the MSRT's primary assault force are known as a Direct Action Section (DAS). Members of a DAS may include a Team Leader, Comms, Breachers, Medics, Precision Marksmen, Observation members (snipers/observers), and team members trained to identify Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radiological (CBRN) threats. These assault force teams train extensively in advanced close quarters combat and advanced combat marksmanship. They are well-trained to quickly and surreptitiously board suspicious vessels, secure gas and oil platforms or secure land-based targets by fast-roping from helicopters or using other undisclosed methods to neutralize enemy personnel. The Tactical Delivery Team (TDT) and the boat assault force are trained in advanced vessel delivery tactics and stealthy delivery of the main assault force (DAS) as well as follow on forces.^[14]

National Strike Force (NSF)

Coast Guardsman, both with the Strike Team, perform decontamination procedures on an FBI SWAT member with artificial wounds during a joint agency exercise

The National Strike Force (NSF) was established in 1973 as a direct result of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972.^[15] The NSF provides highly trained, experienced personnel and specialized equipment to Coast Guard and other federal agencies to facilitate preparedness for and response to oil discharges, hazardous materials releases, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents.

The National Strike Force (NSF) includes five units with over 200 active duty, civilian, reserve, and auxiliary personnel. It is commanded by a captain.

• The National Strike Force Coordination Center (NSFCC) provides support and standardization guidance to the three strike teams.
• Each Strike Team is a highly trained cadre of Coast Guardsmen who maintain and rapidly deploy with specialized equipment and incident management skills wherever needed. The strike teams are recognized worldwide as expert authorities in the preparation for and response to the effects resulting from oil discharges, hazardous substance releases, weapons of mass destruction events, and other emergencies on behalf of the American public. There are three strike teams within the NSF. The Atlantic Strike Team is based at Fort Dix, New Jersey, the Gulf Strike Team is based at the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama, and the Pacific Strike Team is based at Novato, California.
• The Public Information Assistance Team (PIAT) provides emergency public information services to Federal On-Scene Coordinators primarily during oil spills and hazardous material releases. It is located at the National Strike Force Coordination Center.^[16]

Regional Dive Lockers

Coast Guard diver, moves underwater equipment in preparation for lifting operations. Coast Guard Regional Dive Locker West deployed with Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia to work on aids to navigation

The DSF has two Regional Dive Lockers that provide full-time diving capability for three primary missions: Ports and Waterways Coastal Security (PWCS); Aids to Navigation (ATON); and ship husbandry and repair in remote polar regions. The Dive Lockers, which became fully operational on October 1, 2008, following a cold water familiarization diving accident in the Arctic aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy.^[17] Regional Dive Locker East (RDLE) is located at Portsmouth, Virginia, Regional Dive Locker West (RDLW) is located at San Diego, California or Regional Dive locker Pacific (RDLP) which is located in Honolulu, Hawaii.^[18]

Naval Coastal Warfare

USCG Maritime engagement and protective teams conducts training in Middle East

Naval Coastal Warfare (NCW) These Coast Guard units are part of an interoperable force and are part of the Department of Defense international and domestic security. Similar to PSU's they provide anti-terrorism / force protection for forward deployed base camps and ports around the world where needed. Coast Guard billets assigned to NCW Groups support NECC expeditionary ops.

Physical Fitness

Coast Guard MSST 91110 members perform water survival training.

The standard unit testing falls into three levels of physical fitness. This test was very similar to the FBI test or applying to a local or state police agencies SWAT team. The units have a indoctrination phase sometimes referred to as "Green Team". Each unit member will go through water survival training.^[19]

The Tier One Fitness test is:

The Tier Two fitness is: