MSD is composed of specially trained special agents that typically operate in high-threat environments with little outside support. Their assignment is the protection of members of the
U.S. federal government overseas, particularly at U.S. embassies and consulates. Fighting
kidnapping and
terrorism are part of their duties, as well as protection and
evacuation of
U.S. citizens out of crisis areas and training of personnel in foreign countries. MSD also augments other DSS agents in high-threat or high-profile protection missions. MSD is based in
Dunn Loring, Virginia and consists of a headquarters element, tactical medical staff, training cadre, logistic staff, and thirteen operational teams with six agents each. The team's three primary missions are: •
Mobile Training Teams (
MTT), hold classes for local law enforcement at embassies and consulates,
U.S. Marine Corps Security Guards (MSG) and select foreign personnel. •
Security Support Teams (
SST) are trained for counterattacks on U.S. embassies or threats against diplomatic personnel. SSTs react to international crises or threats on short notice in order to enhance and ensure security of U.S. Department of State personnel and facilities, and assist in evacuations if necessary. •
Tactical Support Teams (
TST) were established in the 1990s and are typically assigned as a heavily armed reaction force in support of the protective service details assigned to high-profile protectees, such as the
secretary of state. TSTs typically shadow such protective details. MSD cooperates closely with other
federal agencies, such as the
Secret Service, the
Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams of the
United States Marine Corps, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation and local
law enforcement agencies, both domestic and foreign. ==Selection and training==