volume 3, issue 16 friday, march 21, 2003 the integrated defense...

Published in the interest of personnel assigned to JTF-Guantanamo and COMNAV Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

“ Honor Bound to Defend Freedom ”Volume 3, Issue 16 Friday, March 21, 2003

Inside the Wire...

Page 7Page 7Page 5Page 5Page 3Page 3

Story & photos by Spc. Lisa Gordon

Just as the assortment of instruments inan orchestra are synchronized to form aperfect melody, the various services ofJoint Task Force Guantanamo worktogether to contribute to the IntegratedDefense Plan.

Although instruments such as the celloand saxophone may be pleasing whenplayed individually, many people wouldsay the sound of the individual instrumentis by no means even comparable to the ebband flow of the entire orchestra performingas one.

Similarly, the Army, Navy, Air Force,Marine Corps, and Coast Guard all havetheir own individual roles to play in meet-ing the needs of the JTF Guantanamodetainment and interrogation mission.Although the individual responsibilitiesmay be unique to each service, they are allof critical importance to the mission andare by no means mutually exclusive of oneanother.

“The IDP is a plan in which we com-

bine all of our assets into a single coordi-nated effort to defend the JTF Guantanamoarea of operations,” said Army Lt. Col.Phillip Churn, the chief of current opera-tions for the J3. Due to the sensitive natureof the IDP, details regarding the structure

of the plan and exactly what would happenif Guantanamo Bay came under attack arenot available. However, the plan takes intoaccount the possibility of enemy attack byway of sea, air, or land and devises strate-gies for the ways in which the combinationof JTF troops, be they airmen, soldiers,Marines, Coast Guardsmen, or sailors,would react to enemy threat in order todefend and protect the joint operationalarea.

Just as an orchestra does not have all ofthe instruments randomly playing at once,the IDP strikes a balance among the troopsthat requires timing and a precisionresponse to enemy threat. In other words,the troops of the various services must beable to coordinate with each other to knowwhen and how to respond to threat in orderto successfully defend the island. “Part ofthe IDP is knowing or cueing the rightassets at the right time to defend the jointoperations area … If we had a seabornethreat, an airborne threat, or even if we hada land threat here somewhere, we could

The Integrated Defense Plan; to defend and protect

See DEFENSE PLAN, page 5

Pfc. Abe McBride of 2-116th Infantry Regiment pre-pares to drop a live round into an 81-millimeter mortarduring the live fire at Hicacal Range last week.

Irish eyes are smilingShot, over! Seaward surveillance

The JTF has planned,worked and trained hard todevelop an Integrated DefensePlan to ensure the safety of allwho reside at Naval StationGuantanamo Bay. The defenseplan incorporates the technicaland tactical capabilities of allbranches of service in the JTF,as well as the NAVBASE.

The purpose of defenseoperations is to cause an enemyattack to fail, by creating a wallof fires they cannot penetrate,which creates conditions favor-able for the JTF to assume theoffensive. To accomplish thistask, the JTF has shifted from astatic defense to a mobiledefense. The mobile defense isa type of defensive operationthat concentrates on thedestruction or defeat of theenemy through a decisive

attack by a striking force. Amobile defense requiresdefenders to have greatermobility than the enemy, andthe ability to occupy properlyprepared survivability posi-tions. The bottom line is, theJTF will take the fight to theenemy rather than wait for theenemy to come to us. By con-ducting mounted and dis-mounted patrols, maritimeoperations and constant sur-veillance, this JTF is preparedto defeat any enemy thatapproaches its borders.

The JTF has an enormousarsenal to bring fires to bear onthe enemy. During our last livefire exercise the infantryemployed 81mm mortars, anindirect firing weapons system,for the first time with great suc-cess. The mortars are a great

addition to an already robustarsenal consisting of the 50 cal,240B, and M60 machine guns,the 249 SAW and the M16A2rifle.

The tremendous knowledge,gained through training, andthe professionalism displayedby the troopers of the JTF is thekey to our success. Throughtimely and accurate reportingof the enemy by our troopers,the commander can “see thebattlefield” which gives himthe flexibility necessary to syn-chronize his forces. A lot ofhard work and sweat hasbrought the JTF to where it istoday. “A ready and capableforce.” Troopers of the JTF,continue to get better every dayand never let your guard down.

Joint Task Force Guantanamo is a vital mission for America,our values, and our military. Service members participating inthis mission have an inherent duty and responsibility to safeguardits operational details to ensure that we remain focused and mis -

sion ready during this historical military period. Although Guan-tanamo Bay, Cuba is essentially isolated, we are not immune fromexterior threats. Our home away from home here is an invitingtarget, one that must be defended with precision, dedication, andprofessionalism. As a member of JTF Guantanamo, you can beassured that we are continually protecting our service members

and the mission. This protection is calledthe IDP, or Integrated Defense Plan. TheIDP is a joint defensive scheme of maneu-ver designed to defeat any threat to ourvital mission. The IDP is continuallyrehearsed, updated, and upgraded toensure that we are providing the bestdefense possible and guarding againstknown and all potential threats. Know thatyour part of our mission remains vital andthat everyone has a piece of the IntegratedDefense Plan. Protect your unit's criticalinformation, safeguard the vital particularsof your individual mission(s), and strive toimprove the defensive posture of JTFGuantanamo.”

Think OPSEC

Friday, March 21, 2003

Message from CSM George L. Nieves

OPSEC Corner

JTF-GTMO CommandCommander:MG Geoffrey D. MillerJoint Task Force CSM:CSM George L. NievesPublic Affairs Officer:Lt. Col. Barry JohnsonDeputy PAO / 362nd MPAD CommanderMaj. Paul J. CarusoCommand Information Officer / Editor:Capt. Linda K. SpillaneCirculation:2,100 copies

The Wire StaffThe Wire NCOIC & Layout Editor:Staff Sgt. Stephen E. LewaldStaff writers and design team:Sgt. Erin P. ViolaSpc. Delaney T. JacksonSpc. Lisa L. GordonSpc. Alan L. KnesekSpc. George L. AllenContact us:5239/5241 (Local phone) 5426 (Local fax)Joint Information Bureau/Pink Palace

The Wire is produced by the 362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment assigned to the Joint Information Bureau at JointTask Force Guantanamo. This publication is printed under the provisions provided in Army Regulation 360-1 and does notreflect the views of the Department of Defense or the personnel within.

Submissions to: [email protected]

JTF-GuantanamoJoint Task Force CSMCSMGeorge L. Nieves

Remain focused, mission ready

Taking the fight to the enemy


Story & photos by Spc. Lisa Gordon

He is there in the dead of night when noone else is awake, in tropical heat or anarctic freeze, whether it’s dry and humid orin torrential downpours. No matter whatthe case, he is ever vigilant, standing hispost and fulfilling his duties long aftermost people would no longer find thestrength or the stamina. He is the UnitedStates Army infantry soldier.

Infantry soldiers have always been anintegral part of protecting not only Amer-ica’s people, but also its precious assets.Here, the importance of the infantry pro-tecting and defending our area of opera-tions is invaluable.

The JTF Integrated Defense Plan incor-porates all services of Joint Task ForceGuantanamo into the defense of Guan-tanamo Bay against enemy attack. Sincethe nature of being an infantry soldier is tosuccessfully engage and destroy theenemy, the infantry soldiers stationed here,2-116th Infantry Regiment, play a largerole in the IDP. Although the particulars ofthe plan remain confidential, just abouteverything the 2-116th does is gearedtoward improving their role in the IDP.

Army Lt. Col. Thomas Wilkinson, bat-talion commander for 2-116th, said, “Forus it involves the mobile defense of theCamp Delta area to deny the enemy uncon-tested maneuver into our sector … TheIDP is the ‘real world’ reason we are here.

Everything wedo in training,mission, andlive fires,brings us thatmuch betterprepared toa c c o m p l i s hour mission …We are contin-uing toi m p r o v et h r o u g hr e h e a r s a l s ,training, andlive fires tomake us thatmuch better ifand when thetime comes to

defend the camp (Delta).”Between Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie

Companies, the 2-116th has one companyeach week in the “red” or training cycle.This means that not a day goes by whenthere aren’t soldiers from the 2-116th outthere in the field improving their abilitiesto protect and defend, as well as their bat-tle readiness.

Last week, soldiers from BravoCompany, 2-116th Infantry Regi-ment conducted a live fire exerciseusing 81-millimeter mortars atHicacal Range. The soldiers havebeen gearing up for the live fire forweeks; practicing the set up and fir-ing of the weapons, and taking theirgunner’s exam in preparation.Before being permitted to fire liverounds, the soldiers had to take afive-task gunner’s exam, the passingof which demonstrated the soldier’sproficiency in his knowledge anduse of the weapon.

In addition to those who fire themortars, known as the gun team,there are soldiers who function asforward observers and fire directioncontrol. According to Sgt. 1st ClassTerry Thompson, noncommissionedofficer-in-charge of mortar training,the gun team, FO, and FDC makethe fire support triangle. Since thegun team is usually firing the mor-tar from behind a hill or a ridge,they cannot see what they are firing

at. It is the FO that acts as the eyes for thegun team. The FO then coordinates withthe FDC, who calls the gun team and tellsthem exactly where to fire.

Thompson explained, “Say the FO spot-ted a target and he knows the grid coordi-nates; he calls that in to our FDC. Theycompute the data and that gives a deflec-tion (direction either left or right) or eleva-tion (up or down) for the gun. It’s calledthe fire support triangle: FO to FDC to gunin order to get the round down range … thepurpose is to deliver effective and timelyindirect fire.”

Army Lt. Col. Phillip Churn, chief ofcurrent operations for the J3, said the addi-tion of the 81mm mortars is a new asset tothe IDP. “We have just incorporated themortars into the IDP. The mortars give usthe ability to attack a target at a greater dis-tance than what we can do with our con-ventional land forces. That’s anotherdimension that we have just added toour IDP and it gives us more stand offdistance between the enemy approach-ing us and our joint operations area.”

Thompson said that mortars can beused not only for firing on an enemy inthe distance, but for influencing the

2-116th: The JTF mobile defense

See INFANTRY, Page 7

(From left to right) Sgt. 1st Class Terry Thompson, noncommissioned officer-in-charge ofmortar training for the 2-116th Infantry Regiment and Staff Sgt. Kevin Hunt functioned asthe fire direction control team during the 81-millimeter mortar live fire at Hicacal Range lastweek.

Spc. Grady Hyatt, of Bravo Co. 2-116th Infantry Regimentchecks the sight on an 81-millimeter mortar before preparing tofire during last week's live fire exercise at Hicacal Range.


Story & photoby Sgt. Erin Viola

A special group of troopers hascome into town recently. It’s a newlyformed anti-terrorism and force pro-tection team hailing from the CoastGuard that was formed as a directresult of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.They are the Maritime Safety andSecurity Team 91102, here to provideharbor defense for Joint Task ForceGuantanamo.

“Our unit was commissioned justunder a year ago, August 16th. Theidea of a MSST has been somethingthe Coast Guard has been looking intofor a number of years. After Septem -ber 11, 2001, the idea came back to theforefront and the Coast Guard decidedto commission some teams,” saidCoast Guard Lt. Paul Gill, officer incharge of MSST 91102.

“Right now there are four MSSTteams in the United States and fourmore will be commissioned in the nextsix or seven months,” said Gill.

Some compare the MSST to aSWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics)team. The MSST is a bit differentfrom the average Coast Guard unit inthat they have received very special-ized training in weaponry, warfare tac-tics, and some common task trainingsimilar to what the Army receives atbasic training. In addition, the MSSTteams will eventually have underwatercapabilities, and trained dogs that candetect explosives on sea vessels.

“My coxswains have been trained inspecial types of techniques that theaverage Coast Guard coxswain doesn’tuse from day to day,” said Gill. Theteam received training in advancedboat tactics and maneuvers, use oflethal and non-lethal weapons andadvanced law enforcement tactics.These are just a few of the ways inwhich this team is more specializedthan the average Coast Guard unit.Additionally, MSST 91102 has thecapability to deploy within 12 hoursanywhere along the eastern seaboardof the United States.

The unit number designation ofMSST 91102 originated from the date

of the terrorist attacks on America, andthe 02 signifies that they are the sec -ond team to be commissioned.

The team is an active duty compo-nent of the Coast Guard, and is respon-sible for protecting the harbors andassets of the entire East Coast of theUnited States.

MSST 91102 is part of the Guan-tanamo Integrated Defense Plan. Theycoordinate high-level defense initia -tives with the Navy’s Mobile InshoreUndersea Warfare Unit 212 and theArmy’s 2-116th Infantry Regiment, toultimately protect JTF Guantanamoand the Navy Base.

According to Gill, MIUWU 212looks out over the horizon while theCoast Guard carries out waterbornesecurity, and the infantry takes care ofshoreline defenses. The three serviceswork together via battle handoverlines, to guard against any possiblehostile activity in or around the bor-ders of the JTF joint operational area.

“I feel very confident that my unit

can perform this mission. Our role isto protect the base, to make sure thebase is secure and the detainees aresecure,” said Gill.

The motivation is high among theMSST 91102 troopers, not onlybecause they are excited to be a part ofsomething new, but because they werecreated as a direct result of the eventsof September 11, 2001 and they nowhave a chance to perform a uniquemission, as a result of that.

“Our unit has good leadership and Ithink it is all about being a team andcoming together,” said Petty Officer2nd Class Gloria O’Lake. “This is agreat learning experience for us.Working with the other services isextremely important. Everybodylearns from each other. We get goodtips from the other services and theyget some from us.”

Being prepared at all times is aninherent part of being a member of theCoast Guard, and that is why we canfeel safe having MSST 91102 protect-ing Guantanamo Bay and JTF Guan-tanamo. “Every day, Coasties go outand save lives. Every day, Coastiesinterdict illegal aliens trying to enterthe United States. Every day, coastiesbust people for smuggling drugs. Sowe do the King’s (God’s) businessevery day,” said Gill.

Who’s protecting the bay? It’s a MSSTery!

Failure is not an option for this specialized force. The Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team 91102is a key element of our layered defense posture here. From left to right MK3 Justin Chusta, MK3 JonathanChapin, GM3 Alex Rubio, MST2 Jeff Lovett, Chief Scott Pugh, and MK3 Steve Rens.

“Our unit has good lead-ership and I think it is allabout being a team and com-ing together”

Petty Officer 2nd Class Gloria O’Lake


Story & photos by Spc. Alan L. Knesek

Everyone was Irish Friday night, whenthe Windjammer opened its doors to DougAllen and the Chicago Mob during their St.Patrick’s Day Party.

It was a night of music, dancing, a fewSt. Patrick’s Day trivia questions, and per-formances featuring Joint Task ForceGuantanamo’s very own troops.

Doug Allen and the Chicago Mob got

the party started with covers of “SweetHome Alabama,” “Superstition,” “LadyMarmalade,” and many more. With fouryears experience playing for service mem-bers around the world, Doug Allen and theChicago Mob knew how to put on a goodshow.

“We have been to places like the Sinai,Turkey, Greenland, some really remotesites over the years and spent a lot of timein Asia. We are very proud to be Ameri-cans. Our message we want to bring hereis that we support you and we thank youfor our freedom,” said Allen.

The party was well underway when JTFGuantanamo MWR’svery own Capt. JuanGonzalez, stepped onstage and got behindthe bongos.

Doug Allen and theChicago Mob took abreak to bring upanother local per-former for a special St.Patrick’s Day debut atthe Windjammer. Spc.Greg Shpunder of the2-116th Infantry Regi-ment took center stageand entertained thetroops with his bag-pipes. Renditions of“Amazing Grace” and“Rowan Tree,” eveninspired a few people

to do Irish jigs on the dance floor. Onemight have mistaken the Windjammer fora small-town pub in Dublin, Ireland withthe bagpipes in the background, the Irishdancers entertaining the audience and thecrowd clapping to the music.

Doug Allen and the Chicago Mob con-tinued the show after Shpunder’s perform-ance. Gonzalez set aside the bongos andentertained the crowd by playing a flute asif he were the pied piper himself.

The St. Patrick’s Day celebration cameto a close when the band and Gonzalezplayed “Brick House.”

Spc. Greg Shpunder, 2-116th Infantry Regiment,takes center stage at the Windjammer during the St.Patrick’s Day celebration and performs a few songson his bagpipes as the crowd cheers and claps along.

Doug Allen and the Chicago Mob stirs up the crowd and gets them on the dancefloor with their cover of “Brick House” at the Windjammer’s St. Patrick’s DayParty.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Mob style

execute the IDP to isolate and destroy that threat,” said Churn. The IDP plays a vital part in the presence of the United States

military in Cuba and it is because of the plan’s importance that JTFGuantanamo service members are constantly preparing themselvesto defend and to fight. Churn said that training JTF troopers is animportant part of ensuring that they are able to execute the planshould they be called upon to do so. Churn said, “The training, thelive fire exercises … everything we do is geared toward the IDP …We learn as we train and we learn as we go, and it’s especially goodfor all the troopers out there that are executing this. It allows themto see firsthand things that they need to do differently to make theIDP better … the troopers are ready to go and they’ll continue tostay that way.”

The IDP functions to help JTF troops know when and how torespond, and that extends to all troops, whether they are at the bot-tom or the top of the rank structure. Churn said, “These assets

(JTF services) have to be integrated in command and controlbecause it gives the JTF commander situational awareness so hecan decide when and where he wants to engage the threat, withwhat forces, and the lethality of our weapons systems to engage theenemy forces and destroy them.”

Working in a joint environment may not be anything new forthe United States military, but it is the dedication and unremittinghard work of JTF troopers which enables continuous improvementin the JTF IDP. “We have the ability to look out at sea to see what’sout there. We have the ability to look in the air to see what’s over-head. By bringing all these assets and all these capabilities of theunits we have here, we have a very good picture of what’s out thereand what’s coming our way, if there is anything coming our way.That gives us the ability to make the decisions we need to defendthe JOA … Our troopers are great here … They know what they’redoing, they’re ready to go, and we’re bet ter for it,” Churn stated.

DEFENSE PLAN, from page 1


Worship ServicesCatholic

Main ChapelDaily 6:30 a.m. Mass

Cobre Chapel Wed. 5 p.m. R.C.I.A.

Cobre ChapelFri. 5 p.m. RosarySat. 4:30 p.m. Confession

5:30 p.m. MassSun. 9 a.m. Mass

Camp AmericaSun. 10:45 a.m. Mass

Wooden Chapel5 p.m. Mass

Wooden Chapel

Protestant

Main ChapelWed. 7 p.m. Men’s Bible

Study*Thurs. 7:30 p.m. Youth

Fellowship*Sun. 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible

Study5 p.m. Bible Study*6:30 a.m. Praise and

Worship Servce* Fellowship Hall located in Chapel Complex

Camp AmericaWed. 7 p.m. ServiceSun. 9 a.m. Service

White Tent7 p.m. Service

Wooden Chapel

Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter Day Saints

Sun. 9 a.m. Sanctuary A

IslamicFri. 1 p.m. Classroom 12

ChapelComplex

JewishFri. 8 p.m. Fellowship

Hall

Camp America Church Bus schedule:Sun. 8 a.m. Windward Loop

8:15 a.m. Tierra KayThe bus will return immediately followingworship.

Chaplain’s Corner

By CH (LTC) Herbert HeavnerCommand ChaplainJoint Task Force Guantanamo

Joint Task Force Guantanamo has anactive religious support program. CH (Lt.Col.) Herbert Heavner, CH (Lt. Col.) RayBucon, CH (Maj.) John Terrell, and CH(Capt.) Y. Yee are the chaplains in the JTFGuantanamo religious support team. StaffSgt. Michael Montgomery, noncommis-sioned officer-in-charge, Sgt. B.J. Hender-son, and Spc. Abby Keeley assist thechaplains.

“Our team has done a great job ofadvancing the religious climate on theisland. We provide counseling daily formany soldiers, and we try to assist thelarge number of soldiers who receiveemergency Red Cross messages,” saidChaplain Heavner, command chaplain,and the leader of the protestant servicesfor Camp America.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hoye, a memberof the protestant congregation said, “Thechapel services here have helped me to be

much more spiritually grounded. Theyhave helped me to make a better adjust-ment to the distance from my family cre-ated by the deployment.”

Another member of the congregation,Sgt. Emanuel Mahand, a supply sergeantassigned to the 785th MP Battalion says,“Chapel service allows me to worship andfellowship with other believers. The choiris truly a blessing to our service because itushers people into the presence of God.”

Chaplain Bucon conducts RomanCatholic services for JTF Guantanamotroops. There are more masses now thanthere were in November. “Over the pastthree months I have seen a more focusedspirituality develop in many of our servicemembers. With familiar routines and familymembers far removed, a growing relation-ship with God and a reprioritizing of personalvalues is taking place. New questions arebeing asked by troops such as: Where is Godin my life? How can my faith in God supportme? Does God understand my fears, my

By CH (LTC) Herbert Heavner,Command Chaplain, Joint TaskForce Guantanamo

The Integrated Defense Plan is an impor-tant military concept because we always needto be aware of who the enemy is and wherethe enemy might attack. We have to be con-stantly diligent so the enemy can’t breakthrough our defenses with a successfulattack. This is of no less concern on the spir-itual plane. It is important for all of us to real-ize that our spiritual enemy is out to get us.From the very beginning of humanity theenemy has plotted against us. In the Gardenof Eden he appeared in the form of a serpentto tempt Adam and Eve. He was successful inconvincing them that they did not need thedefense of God in their life, but rather thatthey could go it alone. Throughout historythat same spiritual enemy has used a varietyof ploys to convince us that we don’t need thepresence of God in our lives.

In a military confrontation the enemy willtry to exploit our defense by attacking ourweaknesses, not our strengths. So it is with

our spiritual enemy. He will try to convinceus that we don’t need God’s presence in ourlives to give us strength. He will try to usedoubt and uncertainty in order to get us toabandon our faith.

He will attempt to make us believe badthings are going on at home in our absence.He even uses our loved ones to add to oursense of defeat. When they are feeling weakand defeated, so are we.

May I suggest to you that the best counter-attack for this plan of the enemy is to developa positive, integrated spiritual defense plan ofour own? We know who our spiritual enemyis. We know he will try to break through ourdefenses at any time. Bolster your defense byreading more of the Scripture and find timefor prayer. Improve your defenses by learn-ing to rely more on the positive power of theAlmighty in your life. You will discover thatyour integrated spiritual defense plan willbecome the greatest force for good in yourlife—whether in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, orat your home station. It will help you todefeat the enemy and come out a victor!

Growing congregations and counseling services

See SERVICES, page 11

Story by Spc. Alan L. Knesek

The Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 212 providesJoint Task Force Guantanamo and the Naval Station withseaward surveillance. Their constant surveillance makesthem the eyes and ears of the early warning system for thewaters in the area.

Their mission here is another piece of the puzzle thatmakes up the Integrated Defense System for JTF Guan -tanamo and the NAVSTA.

“We are a mobile unit which can be put into an areawhere we are needed to detect intruders. With our sensors

and lookouts, we keep a watch on traffic in the seawardareas and report that activity to our chain of command,” saidNavy Lt. Cmdr. David W. Harrod, operations officer withthe MIUWU 212.

The MIUWU 212 sets up surveillance in a designatedarea and alerts the other Armed Forces of intruders.

“Part of our equipment that enables us (to perform ourmission) is radar and lookouts,” Harrod said.

These sensors aid the MIUWU 212 in the early detectionand constant surveillance of traffic in the seas that theymonitor.

According to Harrod, the Integrated Defense System is“the plan by which all the components of JTF Guantanamocome together to coordinate and work with each other indefending the high value asset of Guantanamo Bay. There’sNavy, Marines, Coast Guard, Army components and differ-ent components of each branch and service and we worktogether to protect the detainee operations and providedefense to ensure that those operations are not compro-mised.”

Continuous communication and coordination with theCoast Guard and the Infantry helps the MIUWU 212 main-tain a close working relationship and enables them tobecome fully involved with the JTF Guantanamo IntegratedDefense Plan.

With the Army and Marine Corps providing the groundforce defense, the Coast Guard securing the waters aroundGuantanamo Bay and MIUWU 212 acting as one of the firstlines of warning, the services come together to create theIntegrated Defense Plan and ensure the safety of those sta-tioned here.

Photo by Spc. Delaney Jackson

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Downing performs a commo check while PettyOfficer 1st Class Kim Miller keeps a vigilant watch.


Close working relationship ensures safety

direction of the enemy’s direction ofmovement. “You can do a lot with mor-tars. You can fool the enemy by actu-ally driving them into your direct fireweapons. We can push the enemy if wejust start chasing them, because if around hits in front of you, which wayare you going to run? It’s all tacticsdepending on if we’re in the offense orthe defense,” said Thompson.

Although the mortars may be one ofthe newest additions to JTF Guan-tanamo’s IDP, they are by no means theonly way in which the infantry soldierscontribute to the plan. The infantrymenof the 2-116th continue not only tomaintain, but to improve their infantryskills. Soldiers conduct both mountedand dismounted patrols in order to mon-

itor the island and report any unusualactivity they may find. In addition, theystand guard at various locations aroundGuantanamo Bay, checking to makesure that only authorized personnel arepermitted access into certain areas.

The activities of JTF Guantanamo’sinfantry soldiers are geared towardensuring the success of the IDP, shouldit ever need to be carried out in case ofenemy attack. A combination of bothtraining exercises and everyday dutiesprovide the current level of readiness.

Army Capt. Chris Duesing, com-mander of Charlie Co., 2-116th said,“Patrols enable the infantry to locateany enemy activity in our sector. Wewill be able to maneuver on and destroyany enemy forces. Live fire exercisesenable us to practice the initial phasesof the mobile defense and work directly

with Navy and Coast Guard forces aswell as our own indirect fire weapons(mortars). The soldiers of my companyare ready to execute the defense. Wepractice the execution by walk-throughsand by war-gaming possible scenarios.Soldiers of my company and the battal-ion are capable to perform any missiongiven to us, at any time.”

Due to the consistency with whichthe soldiers practice their infantryskills, they have been able to refinetheir role in the JTF IDP. Hopefullythey will never need to put their pieceof the IDP into action, but if they do,they’re always willing, always able, andalways ready.

INFANTRY, from page 6


Compiled by Army Spc. Delaney Jackson

Man on the StreetThis week’s question:

What does it take to be a Joint Task Force Warrior?

Army Sgt. Sam Sanderfer,96th Transportation

"Self-discipline, motiva -tion, and the will to go theextra mile ."

Spc. Lolita Roberts, 132ndMP Co.

"Knowing your job anddoing it to the best of yourability."

Spc. Andrew Rios, 806thPostal Detachment

"Hard work, determina-tion, being focused andbeing flexible to changes."

Navy Petty Officer 2nd ClassDarrell Adams, MIUWU 212,

"A 'JTF Warrior' is alwaysvigilant, alert, and ready toserve and protect. Alwaysconducts himself in a mili-tary manner; plays hardand trains harder."

Spc. James Dones, HHC 2-116th Inf. Regiment

"Good leadership, a personwho can keep morale up, aperson that can make a split-second decision."

By Petty Officer 2nd Class FelipeRodriguez

Blood is the most important fluid in thehuman body. Blood carries oxygen andnutrients throughout the body, making lifepossible. However, blood can sometimestransmit diseases.

Because of the serious nature of blood-borne pathogens, it's important that all mil-itary personnel understand what they are,how they are transmitted, and how theycan protect themselves.

We should be concerned with diseasessuch as Hepatitis B and HIV, the virus thatcarries AIDS. The most serious is Hepati-tis B, an inflammation of the liver, ofwhich 30 percent of people who areexposed will contract the disease com-pared to only 0.5 percent who will contractHIV. Hepatitis B can live outside the bodyfor a few days!

These diseases are caused by blood-borne pathogens — disease-causing

microorganisms that are transmittedthrough blood and other bodily fluids.They are primarily transmitted from bloodto blood contact but can also be transmit-ted through other bodily fluids such assaliva and semen. Don’t forget, cuts inyour skin or in your mouth are a rapidroute of transmission. Prevention is thebest method for avoiding a possible expo-sure. A well-designed and practiced pro-tection plan should be in place.

Protection begins with having the cor-rect attitude toward possible exposure.This is called using universal precautions,which means you should assume that allblood or body fluids are contaminated untilproven otherwise. Next, personal protec-tive equipment (PPE) should be availableand used whenever there is a possibility foran exposure.

The beginning stages of a hostile envi-ronment such as a riot or a fight should bea sign for on-duty members to don theirPPE. Glasses or goggles should be carried

in all members’ pockets for rapid donningif needed. Gloves can be doubled up, incase the first pair gets contaminated orrips. If there is a possibility of an aggres-sive person purposely spreading body flu-ids - shield your eyes and nose, and closeyour mouth.

Make sure you bag contaminated arti-cles, such as PPE or clothing in a red bio-hazard bag and dispose properly.Document all cases of exposures even ifyou think they are minimal. And, seekmedical attention if you are exposed so theappropriate tests can be administered.

Charlie Papa!

Personal defense against blood-borne pathogensJTF Heath Source


Story by Spc. Alan L. Knesek

Over the years he has touredthe United Kingdom, Belgiumand France. He’s been on twosubmarine deployments and isnow here at Joint Task ForceGuantanamo as a member of theJoint Interrogation Group.

He will be referred to as “G”and specific details on exactlywhat he does here at JTF Guan-tanamo cannot be revealed inorder to protect his identity.

“G” is an active duty sailorand his permanent duty station isthe Command Naval SubmarineForces in Norfolk, Va. Here atJTF Guantanamo, he works in theadministrative and personnel sec -tion of the JIG.

“It (his job) plays an importantpart here, administration and per-sonnel operations are daily … it

is important to make sure sol -diers, sailors, airmen and Marinesleave with their awards and theirevaluation reports. It plays anenormous part in the daily mis -sions of the JTF,” said G.

His experience with joint mis -sions did not start here. His firstduty station in the United King-dom was also with a joint com-mand.

“The drive to want to do betterkeeps me motivated to do my job… for the most part (everyday)I’m up and about and doing myassignment to the best of my abil -ity … striving to be better everytime,” “G” said.

For “G” this is one more firsthand opportunity to see and workalong side different services andlearn how their missions play arole in today’s military.

From Subs to Guantanamo

Camp Bulkeley

Fri., Mar. 218 p.m. Star Trek: Nemesis

R-116 min. 10 p.m. 8 Mile

R- 111 min

Sat., Mar. 228 p.m. Analyze That

R-100 min.10 p.m. Red Dragon

R-125 min.

Sun., Mar. 238 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Harry Potter: Chamberof Secrets

PG-138 min.

Mon., Mar. 248 p.m. SolarisPG13-99 min.

Tues., Mar. 258 p.m. Antwone Fisher

PG13-113 min.

Wed., Mar. 268 p.m. Empire

R-100 min.

Thurs., Mar. 278 p.m. and 10 p.m. Maid in Manhattan

PG 13-106 min.

Downtown Lyceum

Fri., Mar.217 p.m. Just Married

PG 13-95 min.9 p.m. Bringing Down

The HousePG13-105 min.

Sat., Mar. 227 p.m. Kangaroo Jack

PG-89 min.9 p.m. National Security

PG 13-90 min.

Sun., Mar. 237 p.m. Final Destination 2

R-90 min.

Mon., Mar. 247 p.m. Bringing Down

The HousePG13-105 min.

Tues., Mar. 257 p.m. Final Destination

2R-90 min.

Wed., Mar. 267 p.m. A Guy Thing

PG13-101 min.

9 p.m. National SecurityPG 13- 90 min

Thurs., Mar. 277 p.m. Cradle 2 The

GraveR-100 min.

Submitted by Army Maj. Jo Irby

Joint Task Force Guantanamo

Chief Legal Assistance Officer

By authority of Public Law 100-9, we celebrate March as Women's History Month.This year's theme "Women Pioneering the Future," incorporates both women who havemade history and who are pioneering our future.

The purpose of Women's History Month is to increase consciousness and knowledgeof women's history: to take one month of the year to remember the contributions ofnotable and ordinary women, in hopes that the day will soon come when it's impossi-ble to teach or learn history without remembering these contributions.

Army Reserve's First African-American Woman General: On May 26, May 2002,Brig. Gen. Carrie Nero has become the first black woman to become a brigadier gen-eral in the Army Reserve. Nero, who was promoted to her current rank on May 5, 2002,is Chief Nurse of the Army Reserve's 3rd Medical Command. In her civilian occupa-tion, she is the Director of Minority Health at the Pinellas County (Florida) HealthDepartment. This is also a first; Pinellas County has the first Minority Health Depart-ment in the state of Florida. Nero joined the Army Reserve in 1975 while a surgicalnurse at the Bayfront Medical Center, after a recruiting visit there by Army Reservenurses. Nero holds a bachelor's degree, three master's degrees and a doctorate. She isone of eight women general officers in the Army Reserve. In addition to Nero, two oth-ers are also Army Nurse Corps officers, Maj. Gen. Donna Barbisch and Brig. Gen. Kris-tine Campbell.

The Equal Opportunity managers and the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay commu-nity will celebrate National Women's History Month during the annual Women's His-tory Dinner Program Mar. 28 at the Windjammer from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ticketscost $12. The guest speaker will be Navy Capt. Ginny Beeson who is the Chief ofNursing Services at Bethesda Naval Hospital. For more information, please call NavyLt. Bautista at 5829.

Take a trip to the beachAn on-call beach service is available to take groups to thebeach on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inter-ested groups should call the transportation dispatch office at3353 or 3136 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundaysand a bus will pick them up and drop them off at the requestedbeach.

National Women’s History Month


NATIONAL SPORTS

Written by Spc. Mark Leone

As the United States is on the brink of war with Iraq,people are beginning to become very cautious. The NCAAtournament will go on as planned, but Major LeagueBaseball has canceled its season opening series betweenSeattle and Oakland, scheduled for March 25-26 at theTokyo Dome. The games were rescheduled for April 3 andJune 30 in Oakland.

In the National Football League the Carolina Pan-thers have reached an agreement with unrestricted freeagent Kevin Dyson and slot receiver Ricky Proehl. Termsare not yet available. The New York Jets also have saidthat they will not match the Redskins $35 million offersheet to restricted free agent wide receiver LaveranuesColes. The Jets will receive Washington’s first round pickin the draft as compensation. Keyshawn Johnson is thelatest Tampa Bay Buccaneer to help save the team some

money in hopes of repeating next year as champion. John-son has agreed to restructure his eight year $56 millioncontract.

The Basketball Hall of Fame has asked LeBronJames, a senior at Akron’s St. Vincent-St. Mary, to donatea game worn jersey to put on display. James will donate auniform and a pair of basketball sneakers.

In a surprise move, the San Jose Sharks fired gen-eral manager Dean Lombardi Tuesday after a disappoint-ing season thus far. The Sharks have improved on theirpoint total every year since coming into the league. I guesswhen you’re hot, you’re hot, and when you’re not, you’redropped.

Roy Jones Jr. is looking for his next heavy weightfight and Evander Holyfield is in the mix. That’s not theonly option Jones is looking into. For all you Mike Tysonfans, that fight is still a possibility. Jones will look at bothfighters, but to fight Tyson, Jones wants big money, $100million.

In the headlines ...

- www.espn.com

Story & photos by Spc. Delaney T. Jackson

Half of the teams in the Captain’s Cupbasketball league found themselves on thebrink of elimination Monday night afterthe first round of the double elimination

playoff tournament. The ‘Get Moers’ found them-

selves on the losing end of a match-up with the ‘96th’ Trans’ team by ascore of 34-26.

The second game of the night pit-ted ‘JTF GTMO HQ’ against‘NavSta’ and although it seemed‘JTF HQ’ had the game wrapped upearly, ‘NavSta’ put on the pressure tocome back and tie up late in the sec-ond half. In the final minute, it allcame down to one missed free throw.‘Navsta’ went on to win this one 58-55.

The ‘BR Bulldogs’ closed out theregular season with an undefeatedrecord and don’t seem likely to giveup their death-grip on the league inthe playoffs either, as they went on tobeat the ‘785th MP Co.’ by a dime,final 50-40.

In the final game of the night, thetwo teams that fought for secondplace during the regular season metup. ‘Hospital’ went head to head withteam ‘Security.’ and took a loss in thebiggest spread of the night, droppingthis game by 20. Final score ‘Secu-rity’ 61, ‘Hospital’ 41.


JTF SPORTS

Captain’s Cup playoffs underway

Spc. Yarnell Rickett,'JTF GTMO HQ' soars towards the net inMonday's game against 'NavSta'. 'NavSta' went on to win58-55.

Players from both the '96 Trans' and the 'Get Moers'battle for the rebound in Monday night’s match up.'96th Trans' went on to win 34-26.

Come one come all;Softball season steps

up to the plate

Softball Season is quicklyapproaching and if you would liketo sign up, send the name of yourunit, the coach, and the team ros-ter to Capt. Juan Gonzalez, the JTFMWR Officer in Charge.

All teams must present their ros-ters no later than March 21, 2003.

-for more info call 3045

TriathalonMarch 29, 2003

5:30 a.m. at the FerryLanding

3/4 mile swim25 mile Bike

10K run

Three person team relayand individuals

-for more info call 2193

loneliness, my frustrations?” said Bucon. Chaplain Yee meets with members of the

Muslim community weekly on Friday after-noons. He provides counsel to the Joint Deten-tion Operations Group and JTF Guantanamoleadership. The information that he has pro-vided has led to many improvements for Mus-lims troops of JTF Guantanamo, as well as anincreased awareness of detainees’ religiousneeds. This information led to the establish-ment of the first daily celebration of Ramadanby Muslims in our community.

SERVICES, page 6


15 Minutes of Fame...with Spc. Melissa Velazquez

785th Military Police BattalionThe bargain shopper for JTF Guantanamo!

Interview and photoby Spc. Lisa Gordon

Q: What is your job here?A: I’m a 92Y - Supply Special-ist.

Q: What do you do in yourcivilian job?A: I write training manuals andconduct new equipment train-ing for the tank and automotivecommand of the U.S. Army.

Q: How did you get that job?A: I got hired off of active dutystraight out of Fort Hood.

Q: What kind of new equip-ment are you teaching peopleabout?A: I’ve trained people on thenew fire fighting vehicle, andon the water distributor, whichis attached to the fire fightingvehicle. I’ve also written man-uals for the heavy expandedmobility tactical truck.

Q: How long have you beendoing this civilian job?A: Three years.

Q: How long were you activeduy?A: I was active duty for threeyears and I’ve been in the ArmyReserve for three years now.

Q: You have an interestingcivilian job, how did youbecome interested in doing it?A: It just came to me easily,since I had been working withthese vehicles. I had driven alot of these vehicles. I’d seen alot of them operate. One thingkind of flowed into the other

and it made it an easy choice forme.

Q: What do you like best aboutthat job?A: I get to travel and go to dif-ferent military posts. I enjoybeing around military people.

Q: Is this your first deploy-ment?A: No. I was in Bosnia in 1999for seven and a half months.

Q: How does that deploymentcompare to this one? A: Oh, this is the easiest oneI’ve ever been on because wehave houses, floors, showers,kitchens. However, this is thefirst time that I’ve worked atthis level.

Q: What is the hardest part

about being deployed here? A: Being away from family, butthat is how it is with anydeployment.

Q: What do you actually do foryour job here?A: Basically, I do a lot ofresearch trying to find differentvendors and find the lowestprice for whatever is beingrequested. I use the regularArmy supply channel a lotbecause that saves a lot ofmoney.

Q: Who are you ordering thesupplies for?A: The entire Joint Task Force.

Q: What kinds of things haveyou ordered so far?A: We order anything fromoffice supplies to vehicles.

Q: What is the hardest partabout your job here?A: Meeting deadlines for highpriority items. We live on anisland so it takes a bit longer toget things sometimes. So thatmakes it challenging to meetdeadlines.

Q: What do you like best aboutyour job here?A: I enjoy helping people andgetting them what they need.

Q: Why the switch from activeduty to Reserve?A: I did my active duty time toget money for school. I startedgoing to school right after I fin-ished my active duty.

Q: What are you going toschool for?A: Business Management.

Q: What’s your dream job?A: I would say being the man-ager of my own small company.Probably something along thelines of what I’m doing now;contracting for the government.

Q: Has your experience in themilitary benefited you as acivilian?A: Oh, definitely. It gave me aworking knowlege of all theequipment I work with in mycivilian job. It gave me a goodperspective on how a soldiermight be thinking when theyread the manuals I write. I’vebeen on both sides so I canwrite a little bit better and helpthe soldiers out.

Spc. Melissa Velazquez of the 785th Military Police Battalion says this is one of thebest deployments she’s ever been on. Having spent seven and a half months in atent in Bosnia in 1999, she says she feels lucky to have a house to live in, that hasa floor, a kitchen and a shower.

volume 3, issue 16 friday, march 21, 2003 the integrated defense...

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