--- title: "Marines send rapid reaction FAST security team to Haiti Embassy" description: "A Marine FAST unit, trained to respond to rowdy crowds, direct attacks and bomb threats, deployed to Port-a-Prince as security deteriorates." date: "2024-03-13" modified: "2024-03-13" authors: - name: "Matt White" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://taskandpurpose.com/authors/matt-white.md" url: "https://taskandpurpose.com/news/marines-send-fast-team-haiti/" categories: - "Marine Corps" - "Military Branches" - "News" tags: - "Haiti" - "war" --- # Marines send rapid reaction FAST security team to Haiti Embassy ![]() *Two Marines with the Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Norman.* A special reaction team of Marines were sent to secure the U.S. Embassy in Haiti as security conditions continued to deteriorate under gang warfare in the nation's capital. The country's government has effectively surrendered control of Port-au-Prince to armed militias as the arrival of a [U.N.-sponsored force led by the Kenyan military ]()was called off in the face of widespread violence. The Marine unit is a Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team or FAST teams, a company-sized rapid reaction force that can deploy quickly to provide security to important installations like Embassies, Naval bases and other U.S. outposts. A FAST platoon is roughly 50 Marines. FAST teams train in a wide range of skills surrounding the security of a building or location. "At the request of the Department of State, the U.S. Southern Command deployed a U.S. Marine Fleet-Anti-terrorism Security Team to maintain strong security capabilities at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and conduct relief in place for our current Marines," a release from Southern Command said. "The U.S. Embassy remains open, and limited operations continue, focused on assistance to US citizens and supporting Haitian-led efforts to secure a peaceful transition of power." FAST teams train to augment Marine Security Guard units that normally man embassies with a wide range of security skills, equipment and specialties. FAST teams are trained in basic security measures like personnel and car searches, but also train to respond to and repel active attacks, from rowdy, unplanned mob scenes to deliberate so-called "complex" attacks. FAST teams also have snipers trained in counter-sniper tactics and explosive ordinance disposal experts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8p7Rr_Kzgg Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned over the weekend as private militias have attacked police stations, prisons and other government and infrastructure. - **Can a** [**veteran**]() **go to any emergency room?** - **Retired Army officer may have leaked secrets to** [**honeypot spy**]() - **Snowmobiler who** [**ran into Army helicopter**]() **sues for $9.5 million** - **Soldier charged with** [**selling secrets**]() **on HIMARS, F-22s, rescue helicopters and nuclear missiles** - **What’s the difference between field stripping and** [**rat f–king an MRE**]()**?** ## Author Matt White is the former senior editor of Task & Purpose*.* He writes on news, people and events that affect the lives of those in the Army, Air Force and Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. He also helps direct and edit coverage across Task & Purpose’s newsroom. He has written widely on military aviation and mishaps, service members with unique stories, and special operations, including [combat search and rescue](). ### Author social links [Facebook]() ## More - [Additional Marine Security Guards Arrive In Haiti To Protect Embassy]() - [Marines had multiple firefights while defending US embassy in Haiti, commander says]() - [Marines got into a shootout with suspected gang members in Haiti]() - [This US Marine quick reaction force has deployed twice in the last 30 days to protect American embassies]() - [Ex-Marine sergeant found guilty of smuggling guns to Haiti]() - [Group of American vets detained in Haiti on weapons charges brought back to US, arrested upon landing]() - [Feds say former sergeant posed as a Marine officer to help a friend bring guns into Haiti]() - [At least 4 American veterans among group arrested in Haiti with weapons and tactical gear]()