Joint Task Force Guantanamo Names Service Members Junior Trooper of the Quarter and Trooper of the Quarter

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Katherine Hofman | Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Danielle Mugford, an intelligence specialist with Joint Task Force Guantanamo, receives a plaque from Navy Rear Adm. Thomas Copeman, the JTF commander, after being named the JTF Guantanamo Junior Trooper of the Quarter, Nov. 3. Troopers from Joint Task Force Guantanamo compete in quarterly boards to test their knowledge of military skills, history, customs and current events. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees, including those convicted by military commission and those ordered released by a court. The JTF conducts intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination for the protection of detainees and personnel working in JTF Guantanamo facilities and in support of the War on Terror. JTF Guantanamo provides support to the Office of Military Commissions, to law enforcement and to war crimes investigations. The JTF conducts planning for and, on order, responds to Caribbean mass migration operations.  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

11.13.2009

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Edward Flynn 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Danielle Mugford and Army Staff Sgt. Nicolle Clarke were selected as Joint Task Force Guantanamo Junior Trooper of the Quarter and Trooper of the Quarter (respectively), Nov. 3.

Service members were nominated by their commands for the award and participated in an engaging discussion with senior enlisted JTF leaders, answering direct questions during the board. The topics included military knowledge, leadership development and current events. The Troopers were graded on all aspects of their presentation, including their military bearing and communication skills.

According to both Mugford and Clarke, the recognition is a high honor, especially considering the amount of competition they both faced at the board and in a joint environment.

An intelligence specialist for almost three years, Mugford prepared for her first board and values this experience as an invaluable learning opportunity. "Although going before the board was intimidating, it was also a great experience," said Mugford. "It certainly built confidence in my ability as a professional Sailor."

Mugford talked and listened extensively with her senior enlisted leadership as to what to expect at the board. She credits her experience as president of the Junior Sailor Association at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay with improving her leadership and communication skills while volunteering with people from various backgrounds. Through this experience, she said she has grown professionally.

A mental health care specialist by trade and with over eight years experience in the military, Clarke participated in various award and promotional boards in past units and while stationed at JTF Guantanamo. "The questions asked from the board members required a lot of thought and analysis," said Clarke. "Fortunately, the leadership skills I learned and developed helped me during this process."

Clarke credits senior enlisted leadership at JTF with assisting her in preparing for the board and providing leadership development.

Navy Rear Adm. Tom Copeman, commander of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, presented the awards to Mugford and Clarke at a ceremony held Nov. 3. "These [service members] are the top performers of the Joint Task Force," said Copeman. "They represent the highest degree of diligence to duty and the military, while demonstrating exemplary military appearance, leadership and professionalism."

For more information about Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit the Web site at www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil.

• Date Taken: 11.13.2009
• Date Posted: 12.01.2009 08:55
• Story ID: 42195
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU