Posted on Feb 19, 2016
Guantanamo, Cuba as a re-enlistment option, should I take it?
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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?
Is family allowed? How long would be the assignment? How is it to work in a Joint Task Force?
Re-enlistment
Guantanamo Bay
Advice
PCS
92Y: Unit Supply Specialist
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 17
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"They want you on that wall. They NEED you on that wall!"...
- Colonel Jessup
- Colonel Jessup
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) I am REALLY interested on going there, but they didn't give me enough time to think about it.
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1SG (Join to see)
SGT(P) (Join to see) - It would be a pretty good posting, but if your concern is whether or not the tour is accompanied, you'd better ask pointed questions. I know that back in the day, dependents were not allowed; not sure about today, but I don't think that has changed.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
1SG (Join to see) I just called them and he told me "there's many many people that brings their family". That gives me some peace.
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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.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see) as a Puerto Rican, being able to walk Cuba streets is a dream, and if the Army would pay me to do it, even better!
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LTC (Join to see)
SGT(P) (Join to see) - Plus if they do lift the travel restrictions and you're able to visit Havana...that's classic car heaven.
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PO1 (Join to see)
For what it's worth, you can take $75 flight to Jamaica from GTMO...or at least it was that price 2 years ago.
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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!
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SSgt (Join to see)
Just add in the charter fishing boat! Here's a good information packet do yourself a favor, read over the welcome aboard http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/ns_guantanamo_bay.html
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Capt Terry Fillmore
Blue Beach, Cable Beach, Windmill Beach, good weather all year around. Low temperatures in the 60's during the winter. I was stationed there for 2 years in the 70's. Family was allowed back then.
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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.
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.
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SGM Steve Wettstein
Capt Jeff S. It's all about keeping an open mind when you go. I tried telling my son that when he went to Korea. Told him to learn about his heritage since he is half Korean. What did he do? Bitch about everything and drink to excess. At least he saw some the country with; my wife, her sister (who is also a US Citizen), and his uncle who lives there, when they went over for their annual visit to Korea.
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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.
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SGT(P) (Join to see) Antonio, take whatever the best offer you have and what you and your wife agree on.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
SGM Steve Wettstein still weighting what would be the best for us, if she going with me or wait for me until I come back while she keeps her job and we save some money. Decisions...
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No lo pienses 2 veces y toma la opción. You never know if something this attractive will ever come again!
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
MAJ Javier Rivera Ya sometimos el pedido, ahora a esperar respuesta. I don't think an opportunity like this will ever come again.
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SGM Robert Speakman
I agree, my nephew is a Military Police working at the prison, from what he tell's me a pretty good assignment
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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.
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.
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CPO (Join to see)
SGT(P) (Join to see) - I don't know your MOS but you need to ask if it is a General Billet and are you going to school for it. If the answer is yes you may be going as a Detainee guard so you might take some time to think if that is something you want to be parts of. I am thinking that it looks like you will be JTF staff and that is good duty. Good luck but remember think about your family. I do not know if they still do it but they did have flights to PR....
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
CPO (Join to see) when I called this morning, I told them I was Supply and they told me that pretty much I will be JTF, and that's exactly what I want.
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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.
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.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
LTC Paul Labrador I contacted them this morning and they told me that they houses available and there's many SM that goes with their families. Fingers crossed!
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
LTC Paul Labrador is kind of funny how my Retention NCO's face changed when he told me that I was offered Guantanamo. He came with a sad face like, this is gonna hurt you, and told me, Camacho, they just offered Guantanamo... I asked him, immediately excited, Guantanamo, Cuba?! He was like, eh, yes. I told him, AWESOME! He was confused with my reaction.
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LTC Paul Labrador
SGT(P) (Join to see) - There's no accounting for taste. Some folks see a Korea tour as a prison sentence. Others, like me, see it as a great opportunity. Now the slot you are going to may suck (ie working Camp X-ray)....
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