FAST Patch

[LOBO]

Is this a legitimate Fleet Antiterrorism
Security Team patch?
----------------------------------------- http://members.theglobe.com/skir/fast.jpg

[unlikly hero]

can somebody e-mail me a list of equipment that FAST carries? i'd like to make a figure but i need a list of equipment

[josepy]

M-16
Beretta
Kevlar
Vest
Cammies
Socks, Wool
Boots
Skivvy Draws

Team Gear
Radio
Shotgun
Signaling devices
Map
Protractor
Compass

Individual Gear(optional)
Walkman
Copenhagen
SnivelGear

[SSD]

You forgot boot polish.

[wanna_be_a_marine]

You also forgot FAST members carry anything from M-16's to MP5's . and barretts to Colts....

[Rope]

barretts? Like M82A1 SASR? Are ya sure?

[josepy]

I doubt it. Too big and no tactical application.

[YTDEVIL]

I hope what he meant to say was Barrettas.

[RAT]

When did FAST go to the MEU SOC 45's? I thought they only used 9mm. RAT NEEDS INPUT.
Out!!!!

[PathfinderJr3325]

ick, Beretta. SnivelGear?

[josepy]

My gear list was a joke and so is FAST.

[Koehn]

Why so bitter towards FAST?

[josepy]

FAST is not a special operating force. Although not unlike ANGLICO, they like to think they are.

[JSOCMarine]

Josepy,
I have a different opinion of FAST. I do not know what years you worked with them, or even if you worked with them but from what I observed they were good at what they do. The fact is that they have done a pretty fair job in Panama, Somalia and other lesser known ops where they have been flown in to perform their stated mission.

They get exposed to a lot of training that fleet grunts do not get. Their knowledge of CQB and their proficiency at it is pretty impressive. Are they as good as SOF forces who are focused on such things? Obviously not. For what they do, they get the job done, and I would welcome them in my AO any day.

As far as them not being SOF, this is true. I know that you know that the Corps has no SOF units from a purely technical standpoint. Do some of those young FAST Marines often start thinking they are something they are not? Absolutely, but substitute "FAST Marines" in the previous sentence with Recon or Force Recon or STA Platoon and think about it. Get my point?

The same goes for ANGLICO. I have seen some awesome guys in that unit, and some not so awesome ones. Just wanted to weigh in with my perspective. Semper Fi.

[Mike]

A good article about FAST is "Antiterrorism mission: Manama, Bahrain." by Captain Jason Q. Bohm in Marine Corps Gazette, vol. 82, no. 7, (Jul 1998) http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/tongue.gifp 58-67.
Their actions in Panama is described in:
"Baptism of fire--new US units see action in Panama." by Ramon Lopez in Jane's International Defense Review, vol. 23, no. 7, (Jul 1990) http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/tongue.gifp 749-751.

5th Plt, 1st FAST Co is in Bahrain assigned to COMUSNAVCENT.
6th Plt, 1st FAST Co., in Naples assigned to COMUSNAVEUR
1st Plt, 2d FAST Co., in Yokosuka, assigned to COMUSNAVPAC.

BTW, Josepy, why is FAST a joke? They worked as hard as any Marine units.

[josepy]

JSOC - You are way too PC my friend. I worked with FAST during TRUE and TRUE II. The attitude was the basis for my opinion(Isn't it always). Too many kids who are given a little better training and think there shit does not stink.


Mike - When you have earned the title then I will answer your Marine questions otherwise go to SEALNet

[JSOCMarine]

Josepy,
I have to admit, this is the first time in my life that anyone has called me PC! Suffice it to say that there are many folks who would argue with you on that one! I was not a FAST Marine. But I do not agree that they are a joke. My experience with them and that of other I know tell me that this may not be a fair assessment of the entire unit.

I have no doubt that you saw a cocky platoon during a TRUE. However, everything you said about them can be said about Recon,etc, during various exercises around the world. It has been my experience that many Recon Marines (I was one, O and E) assume a level of arrogance and sense of worth far above what they have personally achieved. Why would FAST Marines or any other person be immune to this syndrome? It always boils down to the leadership of any unit.

I remember a time when an entire Recon platoon disobeyed orders not to eat local food during an overseas operation and every single one of them contracted amoebic dysentery and has to be medevaced within two days before they shit themselves to death. The Lt. and SSGT were rightfully sent away forever. The Corps was looking very poorly in front of some of our Allies right then. I would not want them to tell anyone they met from that point on that all Marine Recon is a joke or undisciplined.

My main reason for sounding off is so some young wannabe out there does not reject the Corps or FAST based on your opinion. Older folks (I believe you actually called me an old man!) know that the truth is usually in the middle of two opposing views or opinions.

So, one thing we can show the young pups is that professionals can agree to disagree without ripping each other's throat out! Semper Fi!

[josepy]

I see your point boss and I agree.

I will not disagree but will bring up a point that you are missing. These kids come here to get the real deal not a recruiter salesman.

My job here is to share experience with the old and new. That is MY experience only. If a poolee or some wannabe thinks FAST sucks because of what only I said, then that is his ignorance.


You are a PC "Zero" JSOC.

[This message has been edited by josepy (edited 05-08-2000).]

[Poolee]

I have searched around for info on FAST and come up decently empty, what exactly DO they DO. I've heard of the Panama missions, but weren't there a whole bunch of Marines there?
Are they considered as specialized as the FBI's HRT?

[unlikly hero]

o.k. Some people helped me before so I have another question that I hope you guys can help with. What are the requirements\Qualifications (physical standards,test scores,etc.) to be in Force Recon and FAST? I have found these for most other units and would appreciate some help.thanks

[raydog]

LOBO
I served from 90-94 mainly as a 0311 in the MCSF Bn LANT FAST CO 3rd plt(3rd herd!)
That is an oficial logo on the patch you got listed up there LOBO but I don't remeber seeing any patches at the time when I served,but maybe there available now.

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Semper Fidelis

[jcollettusa]

raydog,

Did you know Cpl. Davis (I think his first name is Tommy), or Cpl Barnes? I know they were with LANT FAST, but I am not for sure which Co. they were with.

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Semper Fi

[raydog]

I remeber a Cpl. Davis from 3rd plt and definately remeber there being a Cpl. Barnes but he wasn't in 3rd plt. My Plt commander was Capt. Odonnel "Chuck!" hehe.

[jcollettusa]

There were four of them transfered to my Btln. There was also two others, Cpl Kirby and lcpl (it start with a "W" I think), I forget, but Barnes picked up Sgt and reenlisted, and as far as I know is still in. Barnes became our Plt. Sgt for a while.

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Semper Fi

[raydog]

As I remeber now I think Cpl. Barnes at the time served in 5th Plt. Thanks for the news. I hope him and those guys are doing well now. I realize that the LANT part of the name is kind of confusing its stands for Atlantic,sorry for the old habit of writting it down. Its MCSF FAST CO. FAST is or was a CO. not a Bn things do change in the Corps so I don't even know if that designation still exhists.

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Semper Fidelis