What's it like for soldiers at Guantanamo Bay?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:45:51 -0400

Getting deployed to Guantanamo Bay for a year and was wondering what it's like for soldiers? What's housing like? Is there internet or cell service? I really dont know anything about GITMO other that what I'll be doing MOS wise. Just kinda curious on what to expect in the living situation side of things.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2020 1:32 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 13:32:15 -0400

I’ve been told yes there is cell and WiFi. At gitmo as an np more than likely your be operating with the 31E cage kickin. I have yet to be myself but that’s some info I’ve gotten. Idk how true it is.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2020 2:33 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 14:33:00 -0400

We anchored offshore during Haitian Vacation. I'd guess they have most of what any serviceman needs. Restrictions on liberty for obvious reasons.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2020 3:26 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 15:26:08 -0400

It's been a long time since I was at GTMO (2002 as a 2LT when the camp was opened). Even then it wasnt bad. There's a bowling alley, a bar, a McDonald's, an outdoor movie theater, multiple Dining Facilities, beaches, fishing, scuba diving lessons and for a few hundred dollars you can take a plane to Jamaica for a 4 day pass (im told, never did myself).

I hear it's the place to be now.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 12 at 2020 8:56 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 20:56:43 -0400

Look we have had Gitmo since 1898, They are civilized, my stepfather- USN Loved it.

Response by CPT Brock Young made Mar 13 at 2020 1:21 PM

CPT Brock Young — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 13:21:37 -0400

I was there in 2014-2015. It was amazing, and it's gotten even better. When I was there Wi-Fi sucked a little, so it was hard to stream movies except for late at night. But now I hear it's true hi-speed.

Depending on where you are billeted, will depend on how good your conditions are. But over all you shouldn't be in a place with more than 2 or 3 other people.

What you need to be worried about is becoming a barracks rat and not doing anything outside. GTMO is an amazing place. Buy some snorkel fins, get your scuba certifications, go fishing, learned to sail. Buy a bike, you can bicycle anywhere on base in 30 minutes.

Don't just spend your time indoors drinking. Then your time will suck..

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2020 1:13 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 01:13:13 -0400

I just got back from deployment there. The housing is fairly decent, pretty basic. T-Mobile is the only cell provider and it works quite well. There is Navy WiFi thru Viasat and it's decent enough...although it can get pricey depending on your plan. You'll end up living in either 2 man apartment style rooms or 5 man rooms with dividers and separate shower/laundry buildings. The Navy chow is good.