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 it is 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 Southern 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 Southern Baltic