Kicked Out: An MSG Regional Commander on Being Declared Persona Non Grata

In this episode of the Post One podcast, Dr. J. Scott Frampton, a former MSG regional commander who oversaw Marine Security Guard detachments across Central America, the Caribbean, and Canada. Fresh out of Iraq and newly in command, Frampton found himself on the wrong side of a politically appointed ambassador — and was declared persona non grata, kicked out of the country, and barred from visiting his own Marines for two months.

Frampton explains what a regional commander actually does, and breaks down the weighty process behind relieving an MSG or detachment commander from post. He also gets candid about his leadership philosophy — why a lieutenant colonel needs to drop the formality with the Marines standing post, what kept him up at night as a commander, and the lessons he learned the hard way about trust.

Finally, we dig into the long shadow of Clayton Lonetree, plus Frampton's advice for captains and lieutenant colonels considering MSG duty, and his closing message for the Marines standing post tonight.