The Interior Guard was established to preserve order, protect property and lives, and enforce regulations,
and derives its authority directly form the Commanding Officer.
Your watch duty may be called "Fire Watch"
Duties
of the guard
THE COMMANDING OFFICER (CO). The CO establishes the guard and sees that it functions properly.
The CO or his representative receives the daily report from, and relieves, the officer of the day, examines the guard book,
and issues any special instructions. The Commanding Officer total responsiblity for the guard.
THE OFFICER OF THE DAY (OD). The OD serves as the commander of the guard, executes all orders
of the guard and sees to it that the guard performs effectively. The OD will verify that sentries are on their posts, question
the sentries on their general orders, and keep the guard informed of the OD's whereabouts at all times.
THE SERGEANT OF THE GUARD. The sergeant of the guard assists the commander of the guard,
or if there is no commander of the guard performs the duties of one. The sergeant of the guard supervises Young Marine property
and supervises the enlisted members of the guard.
THE CORPORAL OF THE GUARD. The corporal of the guard supervises and posts and relieves sentries.
SENTINELS. The sentry is the workhorse of the guard. A sentry carries out the general orders
as well as any special orders. Sentinels walk their post and do not leave until properly relieved by the Cpl of the guard.
SUPERNUMERARY. The supernumerary is a standby relief in case any guard must be
relieved. The supernumerary is often used as a messenger. Usually chosen at the first inspection of the guard - as the outstanding
member of the guard in appearance, knowledge of duties and any other questions asked by the OD.
ELEVEN
GENERAL ORDERS
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To take charge of this post and all Young Marine property in view.
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To walk my post in a military manner keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place
within sight or hearing.
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To report all violations of orders I have been instructed to enforce.
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To repeat all calls from posts more distant form the "Guardhouse" than my own.
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To quit my post when only properly relieved.
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To receive, obey and pass on to the Young Marine who relieves of duty all orders from the Commanding Officer,
Field Officer of the Day, Officer of the Day, and Officers and NCO of the guard only.
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To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
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To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
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To call the Corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.
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To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
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To be especially watchful at night and to question all persons on or near my post and to report
all personnel without proper authority.
For over 221 years our Corps has done two things for this great Nation. We make Marines, and we
win battles.
Gen. Charles C. Krulak, USMC (CMC); 5 May 1997
