Guantanamo, Cuba as a re-enlistment option, should I take it?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 10:22:23 -0500

I've been just offered Guantanamo, Cuba as an option for re-enlistment. Now, I have to make a quick decision on this since it won't be available for long. Any information would be really appreciated.

Is family allowed? How long would be the assignment? How is it to work in a Joint Task Force?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 10:23 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 10:23:56 -0500

"They want you on that wall. They NEED you on that wall!"...
- Colonel Jessup

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Feb 19 at 2016 10:44 AM

PO1 Brian Austin — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 10:44:33 -0500

Here's the Navy's website for it, if you haven't seen it already. Give you some info on family support services there. I had a choice of Gitmo or Diego Garcia back in the day, 1981. Kinda wish i had took Gitmo, but I chose Gilligan's Island (Diego Garcia).
http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/ns_guantanamo_bay/ffr/support_services.html

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 10:51 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 10:51:43 -0500

Honestly, if offered a spot there, I would take it.....even if it were a hardship tour.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 10:53 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 10:53:26 -0500

Take it - there's potential that you'll be there long enough for them to open up travel outside of Gitmo to the rest of Cuba...which would be interesting to see imo.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 11:17 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 11:17:24 -0500

A tour in the caribbean where you can dive, fish and eat all the lobster you want? If you don't want it, I'll take your slot!

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 11:25 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 11:25:02 -0500

Family would most likely not be allowed

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 19 at 2016 11:36 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 11:36:56 -0500

Have to say it was a once in a lifetime opportunity; even without knowing what you'll be doing as people have said it is like a resort in the Caribbean sea. Everything alluded to in this thread was true from my humble experience. Check on if yours is an accompanied or unaccompanied tour to be very sure. Unless you end up working with a bunch of jerks, it will be like an endless liberty call.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 19 at 2016 2:13 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:13:14 -0500

If it was me, I'd take it. Who wouldn't want to be stationed in a tropical paradise? And with warming relations with Cuba, we may one day be actually allowed to step out side the gates and enjoy the rest of Cuba.

That being said, I believe Cuba right now is considered a hardship tour, like Korea used to be. not sure if there are provisions for families there.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 2:25 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:25:05 -0500

I would say yes. I have been then before on a JTF and it was hard work but loved it. We have personnel that take orders there all the time as they work wit PW to help maintain the base. You can take your family but I believe it is a 24 or more month assignment. They have every thing you and your family will need. Medical is of but just a MED facility any major stuff you will be flown to NAS Jacksonville because they are assigned as the MAJOR treatment facility for that AOR.

As for the JTF have worked with 3 and have been stationed on two NATO bases close to the same thing because you work with all branches. This will be grate for you and help you grow as a leader understanding how other branches operate. I see nothing but personal growth for you and your family.

One note they do have recreational flights in and out so that will help the family.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Feb 19 at 2016 2:50 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:50:05 -0500

No lo pienses 2 veces y toma la opción. You never know if something this attractive will ever come again!

Response by SGT James Sims made Feb 19 at 2016 2:54 PM

SGT James Sims — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:54:21 -0500

It is an amazing assignment, I was there last year.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 19 at 2016 3:42 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:42:03 -0500

I would not if you are assigned to the prison.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2016 8:49 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 20:49:47 -0500

If you like to dive, sail, fish or do things outdoors, it is a great place. My family could not accompany me but you can sponsor them for a visit. Lastly, I have seen people become alcoholics out of boredom & lack of things to do in your off time & that is something that people have to be aware before getting there.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Feb 20 at 2016 8:01 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 20:01:39 -0500

I've never been stationed anywhere that I couldn't find something to like about it. Some folks weren't as happy about being there. It's literally like being stuck on an island because you're surrounded by minefields. They didn't like the inconvenience of having the PX run out of stuff, the commissary running out of milk, and having to wait on the Barge to bring food and supplies to the base. Some might also find it inconveniencing if you are on Leeward and have to wait on the ferry to get from Leeward to Windward and vice-versa.

As for myself, I tend to roll with things. Never got bored there, and never tired of finding things to do. Got into competing in sporting events, volunteered at the Sailing Facility, used to paddle around Guantanamo Bay on the kayaks we could check out from Special Services. Also SCUBA dived and spear fished. Much can change in 20 years, but it was a good tour from my perspective. I guess it all depends on how you look at things.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Feb 21 at 2016 1:03 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 01:03:02 -0500

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member Antonio, take whatever the best offer you have and what you and your wife agree on.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 11:45 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 11:45:20 -0400

I have some Marine buddies that really liked it. Apparently hunting tree rats with spear guns was a popular time waster.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 26 at 2017 10:03 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 10:03:09 -0500

Would probably look good in your 201 file for duty stations.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 26 at 2017 10:05 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 10:05:12 -0500

Would look good in your 201 file.