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Published in the interest of personnel assigned to JTF Guantanamo and COMNAV Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.“ Honor Bound to Defend Freedom ”Friday, May 2, 2003Volume 3, Issue 22JTF benefits from its "fountain of youth"Story & photos bySgt. Benari L. Poultenmore senior members learna thing or two."A lot of senior servicemembersdon't [always]They're young. They'reknowwhatthe junior servmotivated. They're focused.icemembersneed,"And they're serving their counexplainsChristensen."Sotry as members of Joint Taskwegiveinput,sotheyForce Guanatanamo. They areknow what they can prothe junior enlisted service menvide for us. We're kind ofand women who compose theleading the way for futureheart of the JTF.members."Stationed here in GuanNot only do the juniortanamo Bay, Cuba, many oftroopersprovide valuablethese young troopers havefeedbacktohelp the overallfound themselves serving oneffectivenessof the JTF,their very first deployment tyTeam91102,dockstheyalsosetastrongexamwarriors in the Global War onthe Port Security Boat after one of their regular patrols.pleforotherstofollow,layTerrorism (GWOT) - quite aningthegroundworktoimpressive beginning to a military career. But don't let their youth and of the Maritime Safety and Security Team become future military leaders.One future leader, Pfc. Desarae Moyer,inexperience fool you; these service mem- 91102, who left college after the tragicscoreda perfect 300 points on her lasteventsofSeptember11,2001tojointhebers perform admirably under adverse conArmyPhysicalFitness Test, tions, rising to meet every challenge withthevalueofleadingby example. With lessuinghiseducationandhopesthathismilistrength and determination.Many have interrupted their studies to tary experience can help him achieve his than two years in the Army, Moyer curanswer the nation's call - troopers such as goals. Eager to learn, he also believes thatGunner's Mate 3rd Class Torre Christensen younger service members can help theSee YOUTH, page 4Inside the Wire.Young gruntsPaving his way to the futurePage 3Page 4Ping. pong.Page 11
Friday, May 2, 2003Page 2From the TopEach one of our troopers decided to raise their right hand and repeatThe success of this Joint Task Forceis attributed to the commitment our jun- the oath of enlistment. I am sure there were many reasons why theyior troopers, many who have less than chose this occupation. Some for the sense of serving/patriotism, some fortwo-years in service, made to the nation monetary reasons - others maybe for educational reasons - and the listcould go on. Whatever reason brought you in, Iwhentheywant to personally thank you for your selflessdecided to servetheir country in“Our military needs junior service and committing yourself to doing thethemilitary.troopers like the ones we have best job possible each and everyday here inWithout the dedhere in JTF-GTMO. These Guantanamo Bay.Although these troopers have been in theication of thesetroopers will be the leaders ofmilitarytwo years or less, what they bring to theyoung men andtomorrow's force and thefightisoftremendous value to the JTF. Theirwomen, the JTFknowledge and experience theycivilianandmilitary backgrounds assist in thecouldnotpergain here will make them moreCSM George L. NievesJoint Task Force CSMwayweshapethis JTF. The Junior Troopers ofform its missioneffective to deal with the situaJTF GuantanamotheJTFisoneof the main reasons we are wineveryday. Manytions of the future.”ning the GWOT each day.have made sacriOur military needs junior troopers like thefices as a result of being deployed and theyshould be commended for their dedication to serving our country. The ones we have here in JTF-GTMO. These troopers will be the leaders ofmajority of these junior troopers have put their civilian careers on hold tomorrow's force and the knowledge and experience they gain here willwhile they serve. Many are college students, while others have their own make them more effective to deal with the situations of the future. I chalbusinesses. All have left loved ones back home as they commit them- lenge you to continue to learn the skills of your trade and remain tactiselves to do the nation's bidding and protect the freedom we deserve. cally and technically proficient in your job. Thank you for a job wellThey have the will and desire to be successful. What senior leaders must done.continue to provide is the guidance and leadership to make them successful.Honor Bound!From the FieldWhy must JTF Troopers wear their BDU sleeves down and will we be rolling them upduring the warmer months?Under AR 600-20 and AR 670-1, it is the Commander whomakes the ultimate decision on uniform wear. One of the manygoals of the JTF Commander is to build a cohesive and integratedforce. The JTF Commander must project a military image thatleaves no doubt in anyone's mind that they live by a common military standard and are responsible to uphold military order anddiscipline.Developing a common platform for all members of an organization is essential for the growth and sustainment of the organization. The Command decision to place sleeves down works towardJTF-GGTMO 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 copiesthis goal over such a diverse group of service members.The BDU uniform is designed for loose fitting in order to circulate and ventilate air around the body keeping it cool. Keepingthe sleeves down serves this goal. With the BDU sleeves up, theskin is exposed to the sun, increasing the chance of sunburn andpossible skin cancer.With the environmental danger at hand (the sun), it is theresponsibility of the Command to ensure they look out for thewelfare of all the JTF service members. (Answer provided byCSM Gregg Hissong)The Wire StaffThe Wire NCOIC & Layout Editor:Staff Sgt. Stephen E. LewaldStaff writers and design team:Sgt. Erin P. ViolaSgt. Benari L. PoultenSgt. Robert MitchellSpc. Delaney T. JacksonSpc. Alan L. KnesekSpc. George L. AllenContact us:5239/5241 (Local phone) 5426 (Local fax)Joint Information Bureau / HQ AnnexOnline:http://www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmoThe Wire is produced by the 362nd MobilePublic Affairs Detachment assigned to theJoint Information Bureau at Joint TaskForce Guantanamo. This publication isprinted under the provisions provided inArmy Regulation 360-1 and does not reflectthe views of the Department of Defense orthe personnel within.
Page 3Friday, May 2, 2003Junior infantrymen refresh tactics, fighting skillsStory & photos bySpc. George Allenchronized and sharpen theseskills.Pfc. Benjamin Kimsey,Young soldiers, E-4 andalso another junior soldierbelow, with two or less yearswith 2nd Platoon, comin service, make up a considermented that after severalable chunk of the Army's force.months of training, the perThey are the tip of the spear,formance and cohesion inguided by the leadership ofhis squad improved. Kimtheir officers and non-commissey said that this was due insioned officers, and built on apart to "being able to livefoundation of training.with the people that youSoldiers of 2nd Platoon,train with and work withCharlie Company, 2-116every day."Infantry Regiment recentlyAlkire explained thatwent to the range to train upafter graduating Infantryfor a live fire exercise. "We'reAIT, soldiers know thesetting up a patrol, and trainingbasics of infantry tactics.for a possible infiltration ofThis training prepares solour area of operation," saiddiers to be functional fromSpc. Shane Alkire. "We're reinthe start and many infantryforcing the basic infantry tacmen here, including Kimtics that we've been taught insey, have proven that, evenbasic and AIT (Advanced Indithough they were deployedvidual Training.)" Going oversoon after graduating AIT,the basics of infantry tacticsthey are ready to fight anddoes more than just refreshperform their JTF mission.one's memory. It helps buildFor Kimsey, you have tocohesiveness, smoothes outhave "mental toughness andoperations, and develops team- Spc. Adam Frye provides supporting fire for his squad during ‘movement to contact’ mis- physical endurance" to besion essential task list training in preparation for a life fire exercise.work.an infantry soldier. There isYoung soldiers learn newno doubt in his mind that hethings every time they train. "Even if it's added that when they first arrived here, the and his team fit that category.small stuff .like distributing fire among squads in his platoon had to learn how toThe team leaders, squad leaders andelements so that you conserve ammo, or work together when moving in formation, platoon leader are a key source of knowlhow to move while firing," said Alkire. He but it didn't take them long to become syn- edge for their troops. "I've probablylearned the most from my team leader andsquad leader because I interact with themthe most," said Pfc. Jerry Andes.Pfc. Jason Rothwell's squad leader,Staff Sgt. Willian Woods, was active dutyfor several years before joining theNational Guard. "He's got a lot of no-nonsense, clean-cut advice that I know I cantake for real. Infantry is what he does, so Ican take what he says as gospel," saidRothwell.For these young soldiers, being onactive duty puts you in a different state ofmind, especially since you are away fromhome and are taking part in a real worldmission. Spc. Andes is anxious to return tocollege so that he can relate his experiences with his fellow ROTC cadets. "Thisis a real world deal the world's eyes arePfc. Joseph Gibson (top) and Spc. Shane Alkire (bottom), of C Company, 2-116 Infantry Regt., provide overwatch while their squads other fire team advances.on you," said Andes.
Page 4Friday, May 2, 2003In Memory of Sgt. 1st Class Deborah JohnsenSgt. 1st Class Deborah L.Johnsen was assigned to the984th Military Police Company and acted as the Operations NCOIC where sheconsistently demonstratedstrength, determination, andexemplary leadership skills.Because of her excellent performance, she had receivedYOUTH, from page 1."Deborah was a hard worker,tough but always fair; motivated.and a motivator of others.she was the type of personthat was always willing to provide help when help wasneeded.”Lt. Col. (CH) Herbert HeavnerJoint Task Force Chaplainsame time, I'm learning."Ortella had been in the middle of continuing his education when he was activated. A professional drafter with a degreein electrical engineering, Ortella maintainsa commitment to self-improvement, so helooks forward to constantly discoveringnew things.numerous awards, includingseven Army Achievementmedals; two Army Commendation Medals; an Army Service Medal; and three GoodConduct Medals. Deborah’scontributions to Joint TaskForce Guantanamo wereexemplary. Her memory willbe cherished by all.pleased with his choice to make Guantanamo Bay his first overseas deployment.rently serves in the JTF with the 984thWorking in the JTF has given him a betterMilitary Police Company out of Ft. Carunderstanding of all the different servicesson, Colorado. With a quiet determination,while also allowing him the chance to be aMoyer sees opportunities to learn in everypart of something important. "Every littleaspect of the JTF. "You can only learn ifperson puts in something to add to the bigyou want to learn," she says. "If you lookger puzzle," says Gibson. Luckily, he likesfor things that canhis piece of theteach you, you willpuzzle. "I enjoylearn."my work and IMoyertakesenjoy what I dopride in her accomdown here." Afterplishments here andthis deployment,believes that she hasGibson plans ongained invaluablegoing back toexperience as a junschool and workior member of theing on a career inJTF. "It's a goodthe Air Force.foundation," assertsRegardless ofMoyer. "Even if youtheir age or theirdon't plan on beingbranch, these junin [the military] for aior troopers exemcareer, you canplify the spirit andalways take whatthe future ofyou learn - becauseAmerica's miliyou learn a lot, everytary. "The majorday - and apply it toity of people hereyour life when youare just Joes," saysleave the military."Moyer."AndInformationwe'll do whateverTechnician Seamanwe're supposed to(ITSN) Otto Oreldo because welana would agreeknow that's ourwith Moyer's assess- Senior Airman Joe Comfort has gained a tremendous amount of experience as a junior enlisted service member [job]." Thanks toment.Orellana, a with J4 Transportation. Here, he conducts Preventative Maintenence Checks and Services on a five-ton vehicle. their hard workmember of the JTFand dedication,with Mobile Inshore Underwater WarfareAirman 1st Class Shawn Gibson - the JTF continues to succeed. And whenUnit 212, feels excited about the opportu- attached to J4, working in transportation - they have finished this deployment, thesenities this deployment offers. "It definitely has only been in the Air Force for 16 once-new service members will havemakes me feel good," says Orellana. "I'm months, but he brings a fresh perspective gained invaluable experience and expertserving my country and I'm doing some- and enthusiasm to the JTF. Having volun- ise, making them ideal role models for thething that makes me happy. And at the teered for this deployment, Gibson seems next generation of young troopers.
Friday, May 2, 2003Page 5Soldier paves way for his futureStory & photo bySgt. Erin P. ViolaAPFT test and rantwo miles in 11minutes, and 39The future is uncerseconds, scoringtain. We all know this.100.Some might think thatSo far, Perezthe future is so unpresays the Army hasdictable we can't influserved him well.ence it. However, we are"When I was inin charge of paving ourhigh school Iown way. We do this bywanted to doworking hard, listeningsomethingthatto the right mentors andwould give me amolding ourselves intogood foundationbetter people. Of coursefor a career in lawthere is always room forenforcement.improvement, alwaysBeing an MP hasroom for growth, alwaysdone just that. Theroom for fine-tuning.training has beenThis is how it will be forexcellent. Herethe rest of our lives.I'm gaining reallyWe all have to startgood people skills,somewhere and one finewhich will defisoldier, fresh out of basicnitely help me intraining, is starting hismy Army careerfuture right here, rightand even in mynow, as part of Joint Taskcivilian job in theForce Guantanamo. Prifuture,"saidvate 1st Class AdamPerez.Perez of the 785th MiliAlthough Pereztary Police Battalionhad to put collegejoined the Army Reserveon hold due to thePrivate 1st Class Adam Perez of the 785th Military Police Battalion says he's learning a lot about soldieringtwo years ago, during his here, from younger troopers as well as older mentors.deployment here,senior year of highhe plans to use hisschool, as part of the Delayed Entry Pro- me quite a bit. He's taught me a lot about G.I. Bill money to attend Ferris State whengram.leadership and even things like how impor- he gets back home."I drilled with my unit for a year before tant it is to keep up your appearance," saidBy taking the initiative to learn on hisheading out to basic training. Then they Perez.own as well as taking the advice of histook me out of my military police trainingOn the road to becoming a non-com- mentors, Perez has started to plant theone week early so I could come here for missioned officer, Perez willingly takes seeds for a successful future.Operation Enduring Freedom," said Perez. advice from his mentors, but also is a selfAt 19 years, old Perez says he has a lot motivator. He's been reading various NCOto learn, but points out that one of the best manuals and has taken several leadershipAA Meetingsparts about being here is learning from the correspondence courses since coming toother young soldiers he works with. Guantanamo. Additionally, Perez likes toWhen: Monday,"Being in the same situation as the other learn about the lives of other leaders andWednesday,and Saturdayyoung soldiers here, we learn from each how they got to where they are by readingother's successes and mistakes. I think that books like "My American Journey," whichat 6:30 p.m.is the number one thing for me here we is an autobiography by Gen. Colin Powell.(lower enlisted), have built a really strongDescribed by his peers as energetic,Where: Chapel Hill roomcamaraderie and continue to learn from Perez has been pushing himself in the fit4B (corner farthest fromeach other," said Perez.ness arena as well. "I usually run five daysthe exchange, on theOne of Perez's mentors here is Sgt. Jef- a week. On my slow days I run three tochapel side.frey Mooney, and Perez says he has four miles and on the long days I run fivelearned a lot about what it takes to be a to six miles," said Perez. His traininggood soldier from him. "He looks out for recently paid off when Perez took the
Page 6Friday, May 2, 2003JIG trooper gains wisdom and experience in the JTFStory by Sgt. Benari PoultenJoin the military. See the world. Travelto new and exotic places. Meet new people. Learn new skills. Make a difference.Become a part of history."Nancy," a Petty Officer 3rd Classworking in the Joint Interrogation Groupfor Joint Task Force Guantanamo, joinedthe Navy for exactly these reasons. With alittle over two years experience under herbelt, she has already traveled to severalcountries and has learned a great deal fromthe military. Her historical contributions inGuantanamo Bay, however, cannot be discussed for security reasons, nor can we disclose her real name. Whether she can talkabout it or not, though, her services are certainly an integral part of ensuring JointTask Force Guantanamo's success.Nancy believes that her role in the JTFhas taught her a great deal and she enjoyslearning new skills while serving in theongoing Global War on Terrorism(GWOT). "Work-wise, it's different [fromwhat I normally do in the Navy]. I'm learning a lot I can't talk about it, but it's veryinteresting."After graduating high school a yearearly, Nancy held a part-time job at a carwash before signing up to serve her country. Originally from Chicago, this animated21-year old believes the military has provided her with the discipline, the tools, andthe opportunities needed to become a betterperson. "I think it's been a good experience you get to meet new people, so youget to see different points of view in situations," Nancy explains. "I'm more openminded, I'm not as naïve I'm moreconscious of people's feelings. It's helpedme work better with people."Nancy has taken full advantage of thevariety of services offered on the island,including taking courses offered here byCity Colleges of Chicago in order to helpfurther her education. She plans on usingher experiences here and in the Navy as astrong foundation for her future. Currentlyworking on a bachelor's degree in CriminalJustice, she plans on one day working forthe Naval Criminal Inspection Service.Her experience as a member of the JTF hascertainly provided her with some uniquequalifications for a career in criminal justice.While she has learned a lot from themore experienced service members, shefeels that the younger troopers also haveplenty of good advice to offer. "I can offeradvice as a junior person [because] I knowwhat I've seen and I know what I've seen gowrong. I know what helps the youngertroops. I think if they just take the time outto listen to us younger people, I think wecould help them out in that sense."Overall, Nancy proudly serves her country in the GWOT and she remains excitedabout contributing to history while constantly acquiring greater knowledge. Herfamily also supports her selfless dedicationto protecting freedom. In fact, serving hercountry has had some unexpected positiveeffects on her family. "My little brother isin the Navy, thanks to me," Nancy sayswith a smile. "He wants to be like his bigs
May 02, 2003 · college so that he can relate his experi-ences with his fellow ROTC cadets. "This is a real world deal the world's eyes are on you," said Andes. Junior infantrymen refresh tactics, fighting skills Spc. Adam Frye provides supporting fire for his squad during ‘movement to contact’mis-
