Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrived in Moscow this morning on Air Force Three. Russia Today showed a live shot of the arrival. Interestingly, we got a rare peek at the SecState’s security detail. Members of the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service provide security for our nation’s primary diplomat.
Do yourself a favor and skip to 26:30 to see the first passengers coming off the plane.
I counted nine DSS agents, including two each carrying a pair of rifle cases. Only a naive fool would think they have pool cues packed away in those cases. In fact, those rifle cases look a lot like mine when loaded with a Rock River M4gery, seven magazines at 28 rounds each and related gear.
Curiously (or not), one gent brought along a shiny new Halligan tool to the party as well.
The DSS uses GLOCK 19s as pretty much standard fare per the DSS husband of a friend of mine. [UPDATE: My bad. I mis-remembered an earlier conversation. Yes, they are Sigs now, as one of our POTG noted below. And are expected to get in on the G19 action in the coming months. Timeline confusion. My apologies.] The long guns? I just don’t know. By chance, do any of our Armed Intelligentsia have any idea the flavor of ARs they have tucked away in those rifle cases? Shannon’s hubby and I haven’t chatted long guns – yet.
In any event, the the DSS trains their security personnel extensively and well. Undoubtedly, these gents mean business in their job to keep our diplomats safe and secure.
Also, it’s a pretty safe bet they didn’t go through Russian customs with their gear.
I would expect either M4s (like the most LE) or P90s (al la USSS)
You’re only seeing the weapons they carried off the plane. If they are anything like they were back in the late 1970s, they have a standard issue system, plus added contingency weapons. On top of those are any personal preferences. As one agent I met put it, ‘whatever we feel is needed to protect our client is what we carry’. Probably during the Obama era they carried pellet guns and .22s, but now they have a real administration to protect.
Is that really your impression of how this administration is shaping up?
Yes.
Me too. Adults in charge again bitch
Yes. Without question.
Absolutely Libby lurker troll, if nothing more than not have to listen to Oblama whistle his goddamn S’s
There’s also an arsenal waiting for them long before they actually arrive on site.
Yeah, Putin’s 😉
Our embassies and other diplomatic outposts have an armory.
Who knows on the firearms. I’m just glad to see comoeyent adults in charge again.
Amen to THAT.
Are Russian (or any nation’s) politicians allowed to bring their armed security/arsenals/snipers to the US when they visit?
Yes.
Why would a protective detail need to carry around an H-bar?
For accuracy when you want to “Reach out, reach out and touch someone…”?
Diplomats have been targeted by mortar and rockets, IEDs and car bombs. If the ceiling falls on your charge, you need some proper tools to dig him out.
Plus it’ll open locked doors
In the event an RPG or the like is fired…Common sense…
Halligan Tool? Donno. Maybe zombies and not enough ammo. Or more likely for car wrecks and impromptu extrication. Or to gain quick access to a locked building to create a “safe house” of sorts.
it’s an awesome entry device.
Or maybe it’s for Tillerson to use as a “cane” when he meets with the Russians. Let them know they are dealing with someone serious.
A Halligan is a really useful tool to open doors that others have locked. Say someone rams your car to try and box you in. Or just a door that is locked on an escape route.
I Used one often in the fire service to get people out of cars and rooms where the doors were not opening well.
DS agents are issued P229s, although they will be jumping on the FBI’s Glock contract.
Long guns are just Mk18s or SR-25s.
This is per friends that are trainers at the DSS “finishing school” in WV.
It sure would be nice if I could carry stuff like that onto and off of airplanes.
What, no sniper fire? Oops, wrong Secretary of State. 8>)
Only on trips to the Balkans.
I guess they didn’t pack a reset button in those bags as hillary did.
They probably pack “ISIS” buttons for a little in-room entertainment during down time.
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2017/04/john-boch/new-easy-black-rifle-coffees-isis-button/
I carry a Halligan daily at work , as do most officers on Trucks, but it’s paired with a flat head to strike it with , it’s ok on its own but does not excell. On steel doors and jams as well as doors that open towards you you’re really going to want a striking tool if not a hydraulic tool .
DSS use P229 in 40s&w, nephew was SF in Afghan and worked with a few agents, as far as rifle cases more than likely M4
Trump lost my vote for next time. Neocon takeover took less than 100 days. Which also means neoconnish interestest will prevail in Congress. No interesting pro gun reforms will be had. F you, Mr Trump. Hang your generals and I’ll reconsider.
I have no doubt the neocons will takeover if Hillary wins in 2020.
Hang your generals? You mean like Gen. CHAOS Mattis?
You only carry 28 rounds in your mags? Did Jerry the gun shop FUDD hook you a couple of lines of bull recently?
“Curiously (or not), one gent brought along a shiny new Halligan tool to the party as well.” You never know when you might need to pry your way in to a hotel room where a prostitute has handcuffed one of your party to the bed and run off with his money and clothes.
Halligan tool is obviously for getting out of the plane in an emergency.
Why would they take it out of the plane then?