Heavily edited for length and handwringing.The U.S. prison camp for terror suspects is taking on a look of permanence as the mission marks its third year Tuesday, with plans for a new $25 million prison facility, $1.7 million psychiatric wing and a permanent guard force. Since the first 20 shackled and blindfolded prisoners arrived at Guantanamo on Jan. 11, 2002, open-air pens likened to animal cages by rights activists have been replaced by prefabricated cells where prisoners can communicate through steel-mesh doors.
Right now, about 50 detainees are held in a maximum security prison that has room for 100 prisoners of high intelligence value. There are plans for a similar facility with a capacity for 200 at a cost of $25 million, Hood said. If Congress approves, the camera-equipped facility could reduce the number of guards needed, Hood said. Also planned are a $1.7 million psychiatric wing — there have been 34 reported suicide attempts since the prison opened — and a $4 million security fence that could reduce the need for some 300 infantry troops.
A full-time, 324-member Military Police Internment and Resettlement Battalion will also replace the temporary, mostly reserve force at Guantanamo. Some soldiers will have experience in prisons such as the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., or guarding prisoners of war, said Army Lt. Col. Kevin Burk, who will lead the 525 Brigade. Some soldiers already are being trained.