Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: Outdoor Movies Boost Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) at 'Gitmo' Military Base

Joint Task Force Guantanamo — roughly 2,200 personnel alongside the base's 9,000 permanent-party sailors, civilians, and contractors — has access to an unusually full set of Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities: two outdoor movie theaters, a golf course, scuba certification, and water sports in the Caribbean. “They come to a small community. We provide a sense of normalcy for those who are deployed here,” said Navy Capt. Leslie J. McCoy, base commander.

The climate makes outdoor screenings viable year-round. Guantanamo Bay receives rain only three to five times annually, and outdoor movie events rarely cancel. Soldiers typically deploy for one year; Marines and sailors for six months; airmen for four months. “We help support one another,” said McCoy, noting that many JTF reserve-component members bring civilian skills — teachers, tradespeople — that benefit the whole base community.