30 Nov 2020 MEMORANDUM FOR ALL JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTHERN BALTIC PERSONNEL SUBJECT: POLITICAL EXTREMIST PROTESTS OUTSIDE OF JTF BASE Joint Task Force Southern Baltic leadership is aware of the protests happening outside of our compound. As your commander, I urge each of you to distance yourself from these demonstrations as much as possible. As members of the armed forces, we are seen as ambassadors of the United States. Any response we personally have to the protests could easily be seen as a direct reflection of the task force’s position on those issues. ‘As Americans, we respect individual's rights to peacefully protest. However, it is in the task force’s greatest interest that we stay as removed from these politically motivated protests. Our mission is clear, and itis my intent to lead us to the completion of our mission in a safe, effective and timely manner, Our presence in Poland is to bolster relationships with our allies, not to undermine them. It is the task force's stance that any involvement with political protests could severely undermine the relationships we are working so hard to build. I appreciate each of you in your efforts to establish Joint Task Force Southem Baltic as an enduring presence to provide ready, combat-credible land forces. Our commitment to NATO and our allies is critical to the completion of our mission, and I urge you to keep this in mind when carrying out your daily tasks. Keep fighting the good fight. MARIE DUGGAN, Maj. Gen., U.S. Army Commander of Joint Task Force Souther Baltic