Case Studies in Reserve Component Volunteerism: E Company Reinforced, 2ndBattalion, 25th Marine Regiment in Guantanamo, Cuba

摘要

This is one of a series of case studies prepared to illustrate how volunteerismhas been used to gain access to National Guard and Reserve capabilities in support of recent military operations. The case studies have been prepared by reference to official documents and reports and interviews with unit members and other persons involved in the operation. This case study tells about the voluntary service to provide security for internee camps of E Company Reinforced, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment in Guantanamo, Cuba. The mission was a routine military mission in every respect except that the Marines participating were Reserve volunteers. This case study illustrates the effects that changes in orders and delays in departure, combined with inferior living conditions once in Cuba had on the attitudes of the individuals involved. Despite these problems, the mission can be considered a success. However, most of the Marines who volunteered say they would not do so again. Still, they do not regret having served and some even call it the best experience of their lives. This case study is a background paper for a report on the role of volunteerism in Reserve accession policy being prepared for the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.