The Master-at-Arms assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 2’s Echo Company pinned eight Sailors as Navy Security Force (NSF) specialists, senior specialists and master specialists.
These Sailors are among the first wave of Master-at-Arms (MA) to earn the newly established breast insignia.
“This qualification and authorized insignia have been approved by United States Fleet Forces Command and will only be as good as we make it,” said Lt. Mitchell Allen, Echo Company officer-in-charge, “The program is in its infancy and will continue to evolve and grow as the Navy evolves and grows, it is a work in progress to professionalize our force.”
The NSF Qualification Program design follows proven existing models, which builds on technical and tactical professional knowledge required to succeed in the MA rating. It was put into the works in 2013 and has undergone meticulous curating in order to best benefit the MAs qualifying and surpassing training goals.
“It was a challenge and really pushed me to be a better Master-at-Arms,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Samual Pierce, referring to program difficulty. “I learned more about the other facets of my rate and feel overall more competent as a MA.”
MAs have limited opportunities to gain warfare devices due to their assignments, and this breast insignia gives MAs an opportunity to gain advanced knowledge in their rating and in 10 different mission areas. The program is composed of four different levels designated by rank and knowledge--NSF Specialist for E4 and below; senior specialists for E5 and E6; and master specialist for Chief Petty Officers and above as well as NSF-O for Officers.
“I encourage this pin for all MAs,” said Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Mario Gonzalez, NSF program manager for MSRON 2. “Not only does it benefit them in becoming subject matter experts in their field, but it will eventually be a requirement for their rating.”
MSRON 2 was established in the wake of the bombing of the USS Cole (DDG-67) and the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with the primary goal of providing anti-terrorism defense for American assets around the globe using well-trained and highly mobile security forces.