National Guard Unit Makes History With First Ever Joint Task Force Command

     The 43^rd Military Police Brigade, a mobilized National Guard unit from Warwick, RI, assumed command of the core staff element of Joint Task Force 160 in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Monday.  The 43^rd MP Brig. was activated in late April and joins its commander, Army Brig. Gen. Rick Baccus, who assumed command of the task force March 28th. 

     JTF-160 oversees the care, custody and control of 384 detainees apprehended by United States and international forces in the global war on terrorism.

     The 43^rd MP Brig. replaces the 89^th Military Police Brigade, an active duty MP Brigade based out of Fort Hood, Texas.  

     Baccus praised the 89^th MP Brig. for being a “…fine group of professionals,” and wished the unit a safe trip home. 

     Following a final call to formation, Baccus dismissed the 89^th MP Brig. and welcomed the 43^rd MP Brig. to its new home.  The 43^rd MP Brig. will continue the core staff and headquarters functions held by the 89th MP Brig. as well as provide critical security requirements in and around Camp Delta, where the detainees are held.

     In supporting JTF-160's mission, the brigade sets a historic precedent as the first National Guard unit to assume the role of a joint task force command, demonstrating the National Guard’s ability to seamlessly transition into an active duty command.