First ME “A” School Starts

Well, ME school is officially underway. I think this year there will only be 3 classes available, and if I’m not mistaken I think that the school list is already closed. The one thing that surprises me is that there are only 9 active duty students. From the USCG’s press release:

The Maritime Enforcement (ME) “A” school started yesterday with an inaugural class of 24 students comprised of nine Active Duty Members and 15 Reservists at the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy. ME is the Coast Guard’s newest job rating which performs maritime law enforcement, anti-terrorism, force protection and physical security.

The nine-and-a-half week course will challenge students through an intense performance based training program designed to provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform as 3rd class Petty Officer in the Maritime Enforcement Specialist rate. The core of the program focuses on Law Enforcement, Security, Physical Fitness, Firearms, and Leadership fundamentals.

Additionally the ME “A” school is breaking new ground within the Coast Guard Training System by partnering with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) to leverage their expertise in firearms training. Instructors from FLETC will provide all weapons training for ME-A school. Each ME “A” school graduate will arrive at their new units fully qualified on all three weapons.

MLEA was established in November, 2004 at the FLETC in Charleston, SC to prepare Coast Guard personnel to perform as Maritime Law Enforcement Officers. In addition, it enhances the Maritime Law Enforcement skills of students from our fellow federal, state and local agencies, as well as the international community.

(h/t to Ryan Erickson)