Why do marines guard the White House?

Why do marines guard the White House?

The secondary mission of Marine Security Guards is to provide protection for U.S. citizens and U.S. Government property located within designated U.S. Diplomatic and Consular premises during exigent circumstances, which require immediate aid or action.

Do Marines stand guard the White House?

Two Marine Corps Sentries guard the entrance to the West Wing of the White House. The President and First Lady often host formal events at the White House for invited guests. And when serving the Commander in Chief, the Military Aides spend a lot of time either on the road or preparing to travel.

Where do the Marines who guard the White House live?

Col. William Ward Burrows, the second commandant of the Marine Corps, in 1801. Located on the corners of 8th & I Streets in southeast Washington, D.C., the Barracks supports both ceremonial and security missions in the nation’s capital.

What do the Marine sentries do at the White House?

Operations. The White House Military Office is an amalgamation of several previously independent offices and agencies. White House sentries, four Marine Corps non-commissioned officers who act as a ceremonial guard outside the West Wing of the White House.

What does a Marine at the door mean?

If you’re ever at the White House and want to know if President Obama is at work, there’s an easy way to tell. If a Marine sentry is at the door of the West Wing, the president is inside. Besides opening the door for visitors, the Marines are admonished to “stay still,” with “no twitching.” They succeed admirably.

Can the president use the Marines without Congress approval?

The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30-day withdrawal period, without congressional authorization for use of military force (AUMF) or a declaration …

How do Marines get chosen to guard the White House?

“Most Marines who serve at the White House are assigned to that position based on the needs of the Marine Corps, after a lengthy and detailed screening process,” he said, “not – except in rare cases – because they volunteered.” He said the number of volunteers would be about a dozen, not tens of thousands.

What are Marine sentries?

According to a video published by the White House in December 2009, there are four Marine noncommissioned officers assigned to the White House as sentries at any given time. They work in 30-minute shifts and take their posts outside the West Wing whenever the president is inside.

Who guards the doors of the White House?

The White House Police Force was placed under the administration of the Secret Service. Congress passed Public Law 82-79, which permanently authorized Secret Service protection of the president, his immediate family, the president-elect, and the vice president.

How much does a Marine sentry make?

How much does a Security Guard make at U.S. Marine Corps in the United States? Average U.S. Marine Corps Security Guard yearly pay in the United States is approximately $31,807, which is 6\% above the national average.

How do Marines get stationed at the White House?

How do you tell if the president is at the White House?

If you’re ever at the White House and want to know if President Obama is at work, there’s an easy way to tell. If a Marine sentry is at the door of the West Wing, the president is inside. The White House has produced a video on the sentries who stand post rain or shine, hot or cold.

Is it an honor to be a White House Sentry?

Reportedly, thousands of Marines apply to be White House sentries, but only four stand guard at one time. This working detail is considered an honor as the sentries represent themselves, their country, and their president.

Does a marine have to be inside the Oval Office?

Psaki and other aides later clarified. Bottom line: The White House says it’s a “misnomer” a Marine must be present when the president is inside the Oval. The sentries may leave their post for a variety of reasons, including an event elsewhere on White House grounds or to support other world leaders or VIP guests.

What is it like to be a marine in the White House?

The White House is consistently being filmed and/or photographed by various people. Marines are required to stand as still as possible, maintaining their discipline while in the public eye. There’s no laughing, smiling, or talking while manning the distinguish post.

What is it like to be a Marine sentry?

While manning their post, Marine sentries take the age-old adage that “duty has no friends” to an extreme. Not only do they have no friends while on duty, there is also no laughing, no talking, no scratching, and generally no movement of any kind, aside from opening and closing the door. That’s no idle claim, either.