JTF GTMO Focuses on Quality of Life, Impact on Mission in Cuba
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS081029-05
Release Date: 10/29/2008 5:49:00 AM
By Army Staff Sgt. Emily Russell, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- The commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Guantanamo (GTMO) has kept an eye on all aspects of the JTF, from quality of life for the troopers working in the detention camps to the quality of service provided to all JTF troopers.
"My priorities are executing the mission," said Rear Adm. David M. Thomas Jr. "I identified three focus areas when I got here."
Thomas listed the areas of focus as: trooper and JTF staff quality of service, strategic communication and security.
The mission remains the same for JTF Guantanamo – safe, humane, legal, transparent care and custody of detained enemy combatants.
But in order to continue the mission with high standards and maintain the morale of the troopers in a challenging environment, Thomas takes a closer look at what really holds the mission together – people, process and planning.
"Everyone has a right to a work environment conducive to high morale and high productivity," said Thomas. "While everyone has the right to that, everyone – from me down to the most junior [trooper] – also has the responsibility to bring to the attention of their chain of command any bad behavior or inappropriate work environment."
In addition to enforcing a safe and comfortable office climate and culture, Thomas looks at the physical aspects of where troopers work and assesses what measures must be taken to continually improve.
"As I got [around] the JTF, I was seeing a need for processes that aren't inherent to an established JTF," said Thomas.
Thomas explained that a joint task force is not typically a long-term sustained organization. In the case of JTF Guantanamo – nearing its seventh year of existence – infrastructure, sustainment, phased maintenance and repair processes are key to keeping the JTF running smoothly.
The Joint Detention Group (JDG) and JTF engineers have created plans for routine care of the JTF 'physical plant.' This includes the sea huts and buildings throughout the JTF area.
In addition there is a focus to maintain comfortable housing for troopers.
"We're updating the [regulations] on housing to make sure it accurately reflects reality so everybody understands the importance of personal privacy and the need to express oneself," said Thomas. "Housing is a big concern … constant improvement is what we're about."
Aside from the quality of life and services, Thomas has scrutinized the processes of the JTF day-to-day work environment.
"Some folks are here for four months … some are here for a year," said Thomas. "We have a high turnover so there is no 'corporate knowledge.' What you know about your job is what your successor managed to infuse in a short turnover period. So, there's a lot of myth and folk lore… People think they understand why things are they way they are, … but in fact, there have been seven years since the first group of [troopers] turned up here."
Thomas' point emphasizes the need for being methodical, and the importance for standard operating procedures.
"In certain areas we're great at that," said Thomas.
"The JDG detainee operations SOP [standard operating procedures] is awesome. It's maintained … easy to update. When it's updated the changes are approved at the right level, and then it's trained to the guard force. They've got a magnificent process that is exactly perfect."
Over time, some of the processes that take place at the JTF are subject to break down without proper documentation. By being diligent and documenting every process that supports the mission, troopers can ensure continued success.
Thomas explained that communication has become a key element in the collaboration to streamline command and control practices and that the aspects of working together have been exercised and proved successful.
In only four months aboard, Thomas has identified changes that will positively impact the JTF for future rotations of troopers. With a push for personal responsibility and a sense of ownership among those who live and work here, troopers can take pride in not only their work but their surroundings.
"I am so proud of the folks at GTMO. There is no other mission…as scrutinized as we are," said Thomas. "We don't take ethical and moral shortcuts [here], and I think the American people would be proud if they really understood what goes on here."
For more news from Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit www.navy.mil/local/jtfgtmo/.
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