Photo By Sgt. Cassandra Monroe | An overgrowth of bushes and weeds is what remains of Camp X-Ray today, but back in...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Former Joint Task Force Guantanamo Joint Detention Group commander retired Col. Terry Carrico visited JTF-GTMO July 26, nearly 10 years after taking command of Camp X-Ray in 2002.
“He was one of the guys who was a part of growing the Military Police Corps from the early days, left his mark and made a difference in the whole corps of officers and noncommissioned officers,” said Col. John Bogdan, JDG commander. “That’s one of the reasons why we’re lucky to have him here. I hope that afterwards, Col. Carrico’s visit generates some discussion. Listening to him speak is another point in professional development that continues conversations and discussions well after this is over.”
Carrico toured what remains of Camp X-Ray with a group of JTF-GTMO leadership, often pointing out key areas of the camp where the detainees arrived, where they were searched and where they were held at the temporary holding facilities.
He described the detainees as docile, with no problems or issues and wanted them to remain under positive control with firm and fair treatment.
He also discussed his feelings toward jumping into the mission with such little notice.
“The base and the environment haven’t changed a whole lot ... but from a mission standpoint, I think it’s night and day,” Carrico said. “The facilities that they’re operating out of and the processes and procedures are well developed and in place. While, back then, we were operating with the ‘learn as you go’ mentality.”
Following the tour, Carrico spent separate time with the Joint Detention leadership and then went straight into the new facility camp tours.
There, he had a chance to discuss past and present detainee operations with the current camp officers in charge.
Once inside the camps, Carrico observed the newer facilities’ detainee cell blocks as well as the communal detainee wards - engaging with camp personnel and medical staff.
The last major stop for Carrico was a group session at the Bayview Inn on base. Here, he addressed the group on his version of the history of Camp X-Ray and the Guantanamo Bay he knew, what life was like at the camp, as well as difficulties the senior leadership faced against the civilian media, especially with photographs taken out of context.
Overall though, the retired colonel said he was happy to have the opportunity to come back to Guantanamo Bay and feels appreciative toward the troops that are here now.
“When you’re the first at anything and you see it evolve and mature, I think there’s a satisfaction in seeing that process and the professionalism that continues to build something into what it is today,” he said.
“I’m very appreciative toward the troops, they have a very tough job and don’t get told ‘thank you’ enough. I feel pride being a former soldier and seeing troops is always delightful,” Carrico said.
“If I imparted anything on the people who were here today, if they learned one little tidbit, then I did my job.”
| Date Taken: | 07.26.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2013 15:21 |
| Story ID: | 111588 |
| Location: | U.S. NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Hometown: | ATLANTA, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 208 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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