In this second half of our two-part conversation, retired Colonel Steven Hasty reflects on his time as Commanding Officer of the Marine Security Guard Battalion — a role he took on just weeks before 9/11. Overnight, the program’s priorities shifted as the world changed, and Hasty had to steer the battalion through uncertainty, manpower shortages, and new demands on security worldwide.

He addresses the persistent rumors that MSG might one day be turned over to another service, and why, in his view, that’s never going to happen. He shares his feelings about the loss of the Marine Bars that once anchored the social life of isolated posts, and weighs in on the debate over putting PFCs directly onto the program.