Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Adrian Borunda | Joint Task Force Guantanamo and U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, first...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Members of Guantanamo Bay external and internal security forces trained together during a three-day training exercise, responding to a variety of scenarios meant to observe the organizational cohesiveness and communication of those involved.
During exercise “Valiant Sentinel,” Joint Task Force GTMO security forces trained with members of U.S. Naval Station GTMO law enforcement, Coast Guard port security unit and elements of the Marine Security Forces Company GTMO.
Service members participated in “Valiant Sentinel,” which tested the their ability to employ a variety of anti-terrorism measures and respond to other security issues throughout the Naval Station and JTF areas here.
“This was an annual required exercise of battle drills and standard operating procedures that serves as a baseline reading of where we are on anti-terrorism, force protection and physical security,” said 1st Lt. Bryan Shapow, the officer in charge of JTF’s participation.
Communication was a key point of observation with so many different entities involved during the three-day exercise.
“Communication between all those involved was our main concern,” Shapow said. “This helped us indentify kinks in the system and really tested our external security force.”
The focus on keeping all those involved helped the JTF Troopers be aware of the big picture, that’s something Shapow said helps with motivation.
“The Troopers were highly motivated that we gave them the tools they needed to accomplish the mission,” Shapow said. “They stayed motivated and that made the training a successful event.”
Another point to focus on for JTF observers was the impact of high turnover of troops during deployments here and how that would impact relationships and communication with Naval Station law enforcement, port security and MSFC.
“There is a high rate of troops rotating through GTMO, and continuity was another point of possible stress that would negatively impact our readiness,” Shapow said. “I was genuinely surprised to find that wasn’t a factor. We all worked well with each other in a very professional manner.”
One of the agencies JTF worked with was the Naval Station Security or MAs. One of the scenarios in which cooperation was paramount was an active-shooter event that took place near Trooper Chapel.
This scenario alone involved a quick reaction force, Navy MAs, emergency medical personnel and Naval Station fire department personnel.
“It's always an interesting experience to work with another branch of service and different components within them,” said Chief Petty Officer Joshua Bright, one of the MA observers. “So many things to learn and achieve from the different lingos, to actual actions on scene, I believe both units in this scenario learned a lot and will be more unified and effective responding to a real-life situation.”
This type of training also provides a sort of validation in the minds of those being protected by the naval security forces and JTF security forces.
“All of our service members, civilians and contractors need to know that security forces can and will respond to keep them safe in the time of need,” Bright said.
Both Shapow and Bright were satisfied with their Troopers performance and look forward to becoming more integrated for future success.
“Overall this exercise went very well, and all units participating should be commended on their flexibility in being able to adapt and overcome obstacles that had been placed, and we look forward to the opportunity to conduct further joint training with the Naval Station assets and JTF assets,” Bright said.
“I feel that all our Troopers understand the importance of the battle drills and standard operating procedures, and they now know they have the motivation and drive to be successful,” Shapow said.
| Date Taken: | 11.13.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.25.2014 14:38 |
| Story ID: | 148798 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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