What can I expect during my upcoming deployment to Guantanamo Bay?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 15:12:46 -0500

I've just found out that i will be deploying to Guantanamo Bay next year. Anyone else been there? What is it like?

Response by COL Sam Russell made Nov 9 at 2015 3:24 PM

COL Sam Russell — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 15:24:23 -0500

As I recall there were banana rats, stone crabs, iguanas, and chickens... everywhere. Leeward side of GTMO, 1994.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 3:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 15:55:23 -0500

I was there in 2002 when Camp X-Ray first opened. We were there before the detainees were there. Things have changed a lot since then, but if you love snorkeling, kayaking, etc, there is a lot to do. Also, when I was there, SCUBA certification was dirt cheap compared to what we would pay for it here stateside.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 4:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 16:58:25 -0500

LT read the news but then its media and we can never trust what they say, gotta see it for your self. sorry i got no intel for you but good luck.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Nov 10 at 2015 7:58 AM

CSM Michael Poll — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 07:58:47 -0500

Sir, The base is awesome and the mission is great. Not too much I can talk about the mission on here. If you are into MWR, there is plenty to do!!! The NAVSTA has an excellent MWR! There is always some sort of function going on! The Main gym is opened 24 hrs and it is equivalent to any 5 star gym you have ever been to! There is boating, snorkeling, scuba, fishing, golf. Of course the golf course isn't in great shape but it is free if you walk, small cost if you get a cart!.. Unfortunately you are not allowed on the economy, but they do very well to make it a great deployment. Visit the Jerk House! The food is excellent. Be sure to to stay out of trouble! If you sniff a bottle cap of alcohol, use the "Safe Ride" It is an every day duty for Soldiers to be picked up from the clubs to be brought home!. Many DUI's and there is no reason! IT is a place where YOU will make it great of awful! If you have any other questions let me know!!!!!

Response by SGT Jimmy Carpenter made Nov 10 at 2015 8:07 AM

SGT Jimmy Carpenter — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 08:07:36 -0500

We didn't have much downtime when I was there at the end of '02 but what down time I did have, I spent with a mask on my face and fins on my feet.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 1:48 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 13:48:42 -0500

I was there from 2011 to 2012. There is a lot to do there, whether it be swimming, snorkeling, paintball, hiking, bike riding, or working out. There are multiple pools, theaters, gyms, and MWR activities throughout the year. If you choose to buy equipment or anything to use during your stay, check with outgoing units or in the newspaper as you can usually find it cheaper than brand new. The weather is generally nice all year. Only downside, the humidity makes everything rust or mold. Mission wise, do the right thing, look out for your Soldiers and you will prevail.

Response by SPC David S. made Nov 25 at 2015 1:49 PM

SPC David S. — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 13:49:04 -0500

I hope you're a certified diver if not great place to get it done.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2015 4:51 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 16:51:12 -0500

Get dive certified as soon as you get there. If you fish, come prepared. Hard work awaits--but also a paradise underwater and in the bay.

Response by Rick Wiseman made Mar 23 at 2016 3:25 PM

Rick Wiseman — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 15:25:08 -0400

It's amazing, the water, surf, sand and diving are amazing!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2016 10:40 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 22:40:51 -0400

I was there in 2013. Lots to do if you like sun, sand and fishing! I can't give you much on your mission as I am Navy but as far as MWR, food and PT GTMO was great! Make sure you join Amazon Prime for free shipping as there is limited shopping on the island. I got packages in about 10-14 days from Amazon. Enjoy your deployment, i sure did and would go back in a heartbeat!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2017 6:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 18:19:50 -0500

Sir, I guess you've gotten there already. I just wanted to know how you liked it if anything. I might have that option to PCS there soon by the end of the year. Just wanted to get your input on how it's been so far.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2018 9:11 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 May 2018 09:11:42 -0400

Sir, do you know which Active Duty Army Officers (which branches) are able to get stationed there? I'm an Officer Candidate at OCS now and would love to get stationed there if possible, I'm just not sure which branch to pick (maybe AG, MP... anything else possibly?).
Very Respectfully,
OC Domby

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Oct 12 at 2024 6:45 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 18:45:25 -0400

Have done a tour there, but the wife and I went down after my Grandson was born, my son was stationed there at the time. The facilities are nice and if you scuba, snorkel or kayak, there are things to do. The downside is that flights in or out are only a couple times a week, they are usually full and my priority was somewhere next to the baggage. There was a charter that flew out of Lauderdale, but it was very expensive and they cancelled service right after we returned. Don't know if it has resumed. Point being don't plan for weekends in Miami and plan as head for leave and remember that leave is space A.