I received word today that I am an I.A selectee for duty in Guantanamo Bay. Just wondering if any guys are currently or have in the past couple of years been there. I'm looking at guard duty from what I know right now.
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I served in the Navy from 1983-87, and was stationed there for 1.5 yrs. I am sure that a lot of things have changed since then, but I had a great time when I was there. Be prepared when you get off of the plane because the heat was intent and it took me a while to ajust to the heat. There was an outdoor movie theater and one stop light on the entire island. There were a lot of land crabs walking around mainly at night and there is something that is a cross between a rat and a possium called a Banana Rat...its hugh. There are snakes and large spiders and oh yeah...iguana's around the edge of the island.

There was great fishing for grouper and mainly red snapper. There is a liquor store on the base, and there was a disco located on Marine Corp Hill. Make sure that you take advantage of the military hops to Jamaica. Take plenty of music and dvd's. I purchased a motorcycle from a fellow military man as the forms of transportation were limited to a yellow school bus that took you around the base or renting private vehicles from fellow military personnel.

The barracks were decent which 3 of us shared a room. I think there was 3 floors in the barracks...1st floor was males only, 2nd floor was females only, and 3rd floor was for married couples waiting on housing.

That's about it so far...remember, I was there from 84 - 85 so I am sure that a lot of things have changed.

Which branch are you in?
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Navy, bubblehead:-) Does not sound too bad, just not sure about the scum thats there now. Also it seems ironic to be so close yet oh so far away from the goodies there.
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It's wasn't bad at all. I was a RM cross trained as an ET. I had a lot of fun. If you are single, there were plenty of military women there, just be careful, a lot of cheating going on.
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[quote=HollywoodQue;1221874] there is something that is a cross between a rat and a possium called a Banana Rat...its hugh.[ QUOTE]

Thanks A LOT!:-)
But, I CAN"T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!!!
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[quote=hotreds;1221891] I never got attacked, but stay out of the jungle type area's at night. It was trying to protect it's babies. THEY only chased us for a short run..for real, no joke!!!
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Haha, nope married for 10 years now. Thanks for the heads up:-)
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Is your wife going with you? Reason I ask, a 3rd class Petty Officer can apply for housing or you may be able to stay in the barracks on the Married people room.
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No man, I'm a 1st class going IA for prisoner escort duty, these IA (individual augment) billets pop up between Gitmo, Iraq, and Afghanistan since we are undermanned as a force. Usually the MA's and Marines cover them.
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Cool, I made it to 2nd class before I got out. You will have a lot of fun there, just take full advantage of the base. It is only a short ride to the beach and go to the cliffs to just look out on the water to relax your mind. I hope you like BBQ because there is a grlling area behind the barracks which mostly everyone takes their grilling skills very seriously.

If I remember correctly, Gitmo counted towards sea time, so its a lot better than your other two choices. Just think of it as going to a vacation resort. The Base/Island is really beautiful outside of the base area.
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I almost forgot, at least once a year the whole base went through a Defex (Defensive Excersice) which we praticed for a real invasion from Casto. If you were found outside during curfew, the marines would lock you ass up until the exercise was over. During this time, Castro's troops would start cutting down the tree line and accidentially blowing themselves up in the mine fields.

Also, two things never to do!!!!!

1. Don't get wasted on the weekend and decide to go for a walk outside of the living areas at night because after you past out drunk, then wake up the next day, you may find yourself in the center of a mine field.....true story, this happened to a crew Marines. In case it does happen, just stay were you are as the mines have shifted over the years and they don't really know the exact location. There will be a heilo that checks those areas daily. They will find you.

2. Don't get wasted at night and decide to go for a swim in the nude. A ship came in for ruff trade and several of the guys rented a pontoon boat, got drunk, went swimming and a large barracuda came by and bit off one of the guys Johnson. Yes, they evac'd him off the island before he bleed to death.....damn.

No trying to make your tour bad, just don't want you to make it bad by having too much fun and turns bad..
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Nice to hear, seems pretty cool if it happens. Jamaica and all the other islands would be a plus as well. From what my Chief said I would get "paid back" the shore duty time I would miss out on. So the big question is where is the nearest LCDH?
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LCDH??? Out of practice with the initals!

I have to go pick up a food order, will be back in a few to check this post asap.
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La Casa Del Habano, I know we are restricted to the base but nearby liberty spots might have one.
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The only place in believe is in Jamaica...there are a lot of Jamaican's and a few cubans that work on the base. I am sure that someone on the base can lead you in the right direction.

Also, Remember, there are several BOTL in Florida which is only about 90 miles from cuba...they may be able to assist you also..
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Cool man, its not 100% now but you have made me feel better about it. Thanks Bro!
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Glad I could help!!!
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