Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Established in 1801, Marine Barracks Washington, is the "Oldest Post of the Corps" and has been the residence of every commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806. The selection of the site for the Barracks was a matter of personal interest to President Thomas Jefferson, who rode through Washington with Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, the second commandant of the Marine Corps, in search of a suitable location. The site now occupied was approved due to its proximity to the Washington Navy Yard and because it was within easy marching distance of the Capitol.
8th and I
"The Oldest Post of the Corps"
Photo Information

Guard Marines from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., prepare to fire their weapons during a live fire range at Quantico, Va., Feb. 12, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christian J. Varney/Released)

Photo by Lance Corporal Christian Varney

Guard Company: Train Like You Fight

4 Mar 2015 | Lance Cpl. Christian Varney Marine Barracks

Marines are always ready for any challenges they may face. In order to be ready for those challenges, Marines must constantly train and stay thoroughly prepared.

Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., is no exception.

The mission of Guard Company is to guard and protect the Marines and Sailors of Marine Barracks Washington D.C.

To protect the Barracks, the Marines of Guard Company must always be confident in their shooting and weapon handling capabilities. They shoot on various military ranges at least once a month in live fire scenarios. These scenarios mimic situations that the Guards might encounter while standing post. The ranges they shoot vary from shooting M9 service pistols in their dress blues to ranges where there is a workout routine just before a shooter steps on the line.

In one instance the Marines must perform a dynamic workout consisting of burpies, box jumps and a short sprint. At the finish of the sprint, Marines immediately proceed through the course of fire.

“The ranges are real life scenarios,” says Sgt. Miguel Cisneros, a training NCO for Guard Company, “The ranges deal with Close Quarters Battle, room clearing and dealing with obstacles.”

Guard Company has four unique phases of fire which are geared towards the real life scenarios they could possibly encounter.

In another phase of fire, the shooters practice switching between their M4 Service rifles and their M9 service pistols. There are six targets that the two shooters must cover, when the shooter’s partner is reloading then that shooter must cover their partner’s targets as well. This drill focuses on adding teamwork and communication in what would be a chaotic situation.

“It is important that the Marines maintain marksmanship skills and remain proficient with their M4 and M9 for the safety of Marine Barracks Washington,” said Cisneros.

In any situation that would present a threat to Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Guard Company is adequately trained to handle the situation.