NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba –– Protection isn’t just a task, it’s a mission within the mission. The Joint Task Force Southern Guard (JTF-SG) protection cell has stood as the shield of the operation, safeguarding personnel, facilities, and the mission itself.
The protection cell is a dynamic blend of joint capabilities, with Soldiers, Marines, and Civilians working together to address every possible security and safety scenario in support of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-led illegal alien holding operation (IAHO).
"There are several aspects to protection, but here at JTF-SG, the heavy hitters have been safety, detention operations, and force protection," explained Sgt. Maj. William Morton, the JTF-SG protection sergeant major. “It’s been a true joint effort, and a phenomenal one at that."
Bo Jacquet, the JTF-SG Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection specialist, has played a critical role in fortifying the task force’s physical security posture. Conducting thorough assessments of the IAHO facilities and camps, Jacquet identified vulnerabilities and implemented solutions to meet force protection requirements.
"It wasn’t just about fences or checkpoints," Morton said. "Bo looked at the big picture assessing what we needed, where we needed it, and how to execute it quickly and effectively."
Jacquet’s efforts ensured that every aspect of the IAHO sites were evaluated and secured to prevent potential threats while preserving the integrity and safety of both personnel and illegal aliens (IA).
Safety didn’t take a back seat during this mission. U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Shamus Kirschbaum, JTF-SG Safety Officer, focused on preventing catastrophes before they occurred, allowing mission leadership to operate with confidence.
"Promoting a proactive approach to mishap prevention not only safeguarded task force personnel and equipment, but it also ensured the commander and staff were able to maintain focus on the mission," Kirschbaum said
Like many military operations, the safety goal here is very complex.
"For the success of this mission, protecting the IAs from harm was an uniquely critical consideration of the safety program," Kirschbaum added.
One of the most visible elements of the protection cell came in the form of the Marines assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, who provided external security for the IAHO facility and served as the quick reaction force (QRF).
"They got here fast, set up quickly, and were operational almost immediately,” said Morton. “The way they hit the ground was seamless. It was phenomenal."
The Marines received escort and interpersonal communication skills training from the 28th Military Police Company of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, equipping them with vital de-escalation and conflict resolution skills to interact effectively with illegal aliens.
They also trained on riot control procedures, preparing them to respond swiftly and professionally to any disturbances.
"Usually, we do separate missions, but we trained them on everything from planeside escorts to camp operations," Morton said. "Their ability to adapt and integrate made them a vital part of the JTF-SG team."
Beyond their security duties, the Marines supported the mission in other ways including helping set up infrastructure with their embedded combat engineers with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion.
Within the first 72 hours on the ground, they went into action and established more than 1,000 feet of razor and concertina wire obstacles, reinforcing security for holding areas and protecting critical infrastructure. Within the first week, they had emplaced nearly 5,000 feet of wire obstacles and built 30 barriers in support of the DHS-led illegal alien holding operations.
The Marines have been a big presence for JTF-SG. At one point, you couldn’t turn without seeing a Marine whether on the airfield assisting with illegal alien transport, securing the migrant holding operations center, or conducting training and any open field or empty building to ensure they stayed prepared for the mission.
“Outfitting ourselves with enablers to support the mission, as we saw the problem-set, paid huge dividends,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Carranza, the senior enlisted leader of 6th Marine Regiment. “We injected ourselves in every facet of the operation. In every direction you looked, there were Marine uniforms moving at a break-neck pace.”
While the Marines secured the perimeter, the Army’s military police units handled the internal holding operations, particularly at Camp VI, which housed high-threat illegal aliens.
"This was a true joint and layered effort," Morton emphasized. "Each unit brought their expertise, and we worked as one. That’s what protection looks like: everyone on the same page, doing their part."
JTF-SG protection cell has safeguarded every aspect of Operation Southern Guard. Their coordinated efforts have allowed commanders to focus on the broader mission, while knowing their personnel, facilities, and IAs remain protected.
After taking over internal security from the 28th Military Police Company, the New York Army National Guard’s 206th Military Police Company provided their detention expertise within the DHS-led holding facility. They accomplished their mission with the support of the 67th Military Police Company who provided transfer teams and security for both high- and low-threat IAs. Over top of them all, the 508th Military Police Battalion out of Joint Base Lewis McChord provided detention leadership, direction and guidance.
"That’s the level of presence and commitment we had,” Morton concluded. “That’s how you protect a mission!"
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