The basics - Camp Delta

For reference, here are brief descriptions of the seven numbered camps on the base. I have more research to do on Echo, Iguana, etc. But hopefully this basic outline helps for reference points, because the names appear frequently in news articles. More later tonight . . .

Camp Delta Began construction 27 February 2002. Built on Radio Range, former site of Haitian refugee camps. First 408 detention units completed middle of April, camp occupied April 28-29 by transfers from Camp X-Ray, which was immediately closed down. Initially a 612-unit facility; each unit is 8ft x 6ft-8 in x 8 ft of metal mesh. Security force is the U.S. Army Military Police. Camp has “at least 7 detention camps” (GlobalSecurity.org): Camps 1-6 and Echo. Camp 7 is not discussed or listed as existing, but is most likely used for the detainees deemed most dangerous and most valuable, to be kept unavailable to the public eye.

Camp 1 Moved to Camp 1 from 2 with additional cooperation. Lights are on 24 hours a day, no air conditioning, although exhaust fans are left on. Tan uniforms and canvas sneakers. Comfort items include toothbrush; toothpaste; soap; shampoo; flip-flops; underwear, shorts, pants, and shirt; empty paper cup which is taken away if used for anything other than drinking water. Holds approximately 31% of Delta detainees.

Camp 2 Moved to Camp 2 from 3 when show cooperation and “help to develop intelligence.” Orange uniforms. Holds approximately 9% of Delta detainees. No toilet paper except by request; allowed small comfort items (shampoo, soft plastic pens).

Camp 3 Highest level maximum security facility. First point of arrival for all detainees before transferred elsewhere on site. Orange uniforms. Holds approximately 10% of Delta detainees at any given time. Not allowed toilet paper except by request when needed.

Camp 4 Medium-security facility which received its first 20 occupants 28 Feb 2003. Detainees are allowed to eat, sleep, and pray together. White uniforms. Comfort items include writing material; personal storage locker; books; electric fans in the cell bays; ice water; full roll of toilet paper. Communal game/recreation rooms and open spaces. Allowed supplemental food items i.e. yellow cheese, Fig Newtons, figs, peanut butter. Holds approximately 34% of Delta detainees.

Camp 5 Two-story maximum security complex for 100 most dangerous and valuable detainees. Modeled after the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, IN. Surrounded by barbed wire and green sheet to restrict views. Run from a raised, glass-enclosed centralized control tower. The facility is entirely computer-controlled, from movement of detainees to the operation of the showers. All rooms are monitored by cameras 24/7. Central air conditioning. Holds approximately 16% all detainees.

Camp 6 Newest permanent facility modeled on the Lenawee County Jail in southeastern Michigan to hold 200 prisoners, built by Halliburton. Opened after statements by the administration indicating an intention to close the prison, causing global controversy as to motivations. Original intent in building was to ease the harsh living conditions of Delta for compliant detainees; shift to maximum security after hunger strikes and three detainee suicides, general refocus on long-term accommodation of detainees who will not be charged with crimes. Changes include fenced-in catwalks and stairways; higher shower stalls; division of exercise yards into one-man pens; disuse of communal eating areas.

Camp 7 Not discussed by the military, existence confirmed February 2008. Holds 15 highest-value detainees and is policed by special unit Task Force Platinum. Access permitted only for top officials at Guantanamo Bay; for the Red Cross; and possibly for two lawyers for one of the detainees. Location on the base is classified; facility may have existed prior to the arrival of the first Afghan detainees. Camp operations are run by the Central Intelligence Agency, the only camp on site of which this is true. Check out the first announcement article by the Miami Herald.