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SMTC is and will continue to be the proud keeper of the highest standards of training, proficiency, and professionalism in the Tactical Law Enforcement operations community. Today, all DSF Tactical Operators find the way through “the schoolhouse”, whether it is through the Basic Tactical Operator course (BTOC), the PSU basic skills course, or the Tactical Coxswain course.

SMTC was commissioned as a Headquarters unit on 29 July 2003. In August 2002, the name of the command changed to Coast Guard Special Missions Training Center (SMTC) to better incorporate its multi-faceted capabilities. The unit grew and evolved to accommodate the broadened responsibilities and growing inter-agency and international training requests. After the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the PSU TRADET began training the newly created Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSSTs).

In November 1998 PSU TRADET relocated to Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and by the summer of 2001 its mission had expanded to include non-lethal weapons and the Fast Boat Center of Excellence, as well as conducting training for cutter small boats over-the-horizon tactics designed to enhance interdiction abilities in counter narcotics operations. Originally located in Port Clinton, Ohio (center of the Ninth Coast Guard District’s Reserve program), the PSU Training Detachment (PSU TRADET) was tasked with improving the mission effectiveness, unit readiness, and providing pre-deployment support for the Coast Guard’s Port Security Units (PSUs). The origins of the Special Missions Training Center lie in the Coast Guard Port Security Unit program. Eventually, the Coast Guard “settled out” with eight PSUs (nearly one for each District) and has distinguished themselves as a vital component of the Coast Guards wartime and security plans.

The blue prints for the original concept evolved out of the Ninth Coast Guard District’s Reserve program. (PSU 301), Cleveland (PSU 302) and Milwaukee (PSU 303). The first three test units were in Buffalo, N.Y. Prior to 1990, the organization of a PSU was notional. (OCONUS) port security in support of requesting regional combatant commanders. A PSU is a deployable unit organized for operations to provide waterside protection to key assets such as pier areas, high value assets and harbor entrances at the termination/ origination point of the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). Navy in wartime, the Coast Guard created an equally special entity known as Port Security Units (PSU). In the 1980s, the concept of a Rapid Deployment Force was developed to protect vital overseas ports and military equipment. US territorial port security became a vital role of the Coast Guard through the years, and especially during wartime operations.