jump to navigation

“Semper Fi?” – Marines Convicted of Selling Weapons to Gangs & China May 15, 2012

Posted by Chris Mark in News, terrorism, weapons and tactics.
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
1 comment so far

As a former Marine, this is a difficult story for me to write. It does however highlight the importance of the concept of “trust but verify” within security.  As reported in the Jacksonville Daily News, a 2 year investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) has uncovered an operation where 49 Marines and 21 civilians stole and then sold almost $2 million worth of weapons and equipment.  Many of the Marines were stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC and much of the gear was sold on eBay, Craigslist or in face to face meetings.    One of the Marines was a member of the elite Marines Special Operations Command and served with the 3rd Special Operations Battalion.  As stated in the article: “Sgt. Daniel Adam Reich, a former member of 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, was convicted of selling and attempting to sell military property and conspiracy. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison and a dishonorable discharge, MarSOC spokesman Maj. Jeff Landis said.” The investigation has since extended into the Air Force and Army. 

The point of this blog post is to show that even our military folks who take an oath of honor and are subject to very stiff penalties for violation of that oath are vulnerable to the same temptations as everyone.  It is not enough to blindly trust people to do the right thing.  While 99% may be honest and have integrity, there is always a small percentage that will give in to temptation.  This is why it is so critical to “trust but verify” in security.

www.TheresaMark.com (Yes…it is my sister…and a former Marine ;) May 9, 2012

Posted by Chris Mark in News.
Tags: , , , , ,
add a comment

A bit off topic but relevant….My sister, Theresa Mark, has been leading our bumbling group of former Marines (Theresa is a former Marine, as well), and other folks at Warriors4Charity.  We all discovered very early that she is very effective, and capable at charity work and does it for no other reason then to help others. (she does not get paid).  If you get a chance, check out her website and if you are looking for a cause to support, consider one she is helping.  If you need help with fundraising, contact Theresa directly.  Before anyone asks….YES…she is my older sister and YES…she joined the Marines before me.  She was a Staff Sgt, when I was a lowly Lance Corporal.  I followed my sister into the Marines…I am very proud of her and her service.  You can read fun facts about Female Marines here.  The first being Lucy Brewer aboard the USS Constitution in 1812 (ship is still in Boston Harbor, by the way).   As a side note, my sister in law is also a Marine Corps Officer (Captain)…OohRahhh!

July 11th….US Marines and Pirates…a 200 year history! July 11, 2011

Posted by Chris Mark in Piracy & Maritime Security, Uncategorized.
Tags: , , , ,
1 comment so far

On November 10th, 1775 in Tun’s Tavern, Philadelphia, PA. The United States Marines were born as the Continental Marines.  With the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War on April 11th, 1783 Congress dissolved the Continental Marines and Continental Navy.  On July 11th, 1798 US President John Adams signed “An Act for Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps,” effectively creating a new branch of the military.  The US Marines were born again!  So what does this have to do with Pirates?? Read On!!

In 1794 the US (and European nations) was plagued by pirate attacks on merchant vessels traveling near what was then called the Pirate Coast.  The Pirate coast consisted of Tunis, Algiers, and Tripoli.  The pirates would hijack ships, take crews captive and then demand ransom.  Many nations payed a tributes to keep their ships safe.  As a new nation, the US was not in a position to pay tribute nor did they have an interest.

On October 3rd, 1803 the US Frigate Philadelphia and schooner Vixen (now that is a Ship’s name!) were ordered to Tripoli with whom the US had been at war over the piracy.  The Philadelphia was run aground and the the ship’s crew captured by the Basha of Tripoli.  The Philadelphia was captured and towed to the port of Tripoli.  So, what do the Marines have to do with this??  Read On!!

In response, the US sent a contingent of Marines (7 to be exact) led by Lt. Presley  O’bannon to overthrow the ruler of Tripoli and help re-establish the reign of Hamet Karamanli in what was to be known as the First Barbary War.  This war marked the first time the US was to plant the flag of the new nation on foreign soil and was when the US Marines were presented with the Mamaluke Sword which, since 1825 has been a part of the US Marine Corps officer Uniform.  The war also has been memorialized in the Marines hymn which starts: “From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli…”

While piracy off the African Coast has seen a resurgence in recent years, the US, and specifically the US Marines have a long and storied history with piracy….