“Starting today, the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines will take on the crucial responsibility of safeguarding federal property and personnel,” announced Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, commander of Task Force-51, during a recent media roundtable. This shift marks a significant transition, as the California National Guard soldiers, previously stationed at the Wilshire Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles, will hand over their duties to a contingent of 200 Marines. This transition allows the Guard to extend their protective services to federal law enforcement officers as they carry out their essential functions in other areas of the city.
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It’s fascinating to consider the complexities of such a responsibility. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Los Angeles, the dynamics can shift quickly. When asked whether the remaining 500 Marines might soon be deployed to different parts of LA, Sherman chose not to speculate, demonstrating the thoughtful caution that accompanies military operations.
The transition to a mission that could involve countering protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies brings challenges of a different sort. It requires not just physical preparedness but also an understanding of the political context. Sherman acknowledged that the Soldiers had undergone only a few days of non-lethal crowd control training, a point that raises important questions about the appropriateness of their deployment in this politically charged environment. How do we ensure that those tasked with maintaining order are adequately prepared to do so?
Sherman defended the Marines’ readiness for this new mission by highlighting their role in guarding embassies abroad. “They are certainly trained to defend a federal building, and that’s what we are focusing on,” he said, emphasizing their ongoing operations at the Wilshire building. It’s comforting to think about the rigor associated with such protective duties, but one must ponder: does this training sufficiently equip them for the unique challenges posed by civilian interactions?
Delving deeper into this question reveals a fascinating contrast. While Marines gain a specialized set of skills for embassy protection, not every member of the Corps is prepared for the complexities of managing unrest. Joe Plenzer, a retired Marine infantry officer and veteran of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, pointed out that such assignments often require extensive specialized training. This isn’t something you just pick up along the way; it’s a rigorous, three-year special duty that follows a significant amount of educational investment.
It’s crucial to recognize that the primary mission of an infantry unit like the 2/7 is fundamentally about engaging and defeating enemy forces. As Plenzer described, the training focuses on “locating, closing with, and destroying the enemy by fire and maneuver.” This leaves one wondering how such a mission aligns with the nuanced approaches essential in law enforcement, where de-escalation and minimal force are emphasized.
Marine Expeditionary Units, which often include specialized units like 2/7, typically operate as a crisis response force, ready to deploy in response to international conflict or humanitarian crises. These units undergo months of rigorous predeployment training, shaping them into highly skilled professionals. Plenzer referred to the Seventh Marines as the Corps’ “break-glass-in-case-of-war unit.” It’s a poignant reminder of their purpose and effectiveness.
Yet, there’s a solemn reality to contemplate: While the Marines train in the desert terrain of Twentynine Palms, California, perfecting their abilities with firearms and tactics, there is little focus on crowd control. “We never got crowd control training,” Plenzer recalled with a hint of disbelief. “Our time was spent on the range, calling in artillery, and navigating the challenging landscapes.” In that sense, what is the role of a Marine when faced with the complexities of civil unrest?
This very dilemma encapsulates the challenges facing our forces today. As society evolves and the nature of conflict transforms, we must ask ourselves: Are we adequately preparing our military not just for traditional combat, but also for the subtleties of modern societal interactions? What does it truly mean to serve and protect in an era defined by rapid change and tumultuous emotions?
The Marines may be forged in fire, adept at combat and strategic maneuvers, but their mission in Los Angeles sheds light on the vital need for a comprehensive approach to training. If we wish for them to succeed in every setting, isn’t it time we broaden the scope of their education to include the very essence of civil rights and societal dynamics?
In conclusion, the responsibilities of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines in Los Angeles reflect a convergence of military skill and public service that could redefine the role of forces in our communities. The success of this initiative may well depend on how we train them to navigate this uncharted terrain, fostering an ethos of respect, understanding, and security.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
