The Initial Reaction Force (IRF), also known as the Internal Reaction Force[1] or Extreme Reaction Force (ERF) to inmates, is a type of small scale riot squad in U.S. military prisons such as the Camp Delta detention center of Guantanamo Bay. A squad is suited up and ready to respond, at all times, in instances when one or more detainees are combative or resistive.
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It is alleged by detainees that the unit also acts as a punishment squad for detainees whose level of insubordination doesn't fit the criteria for IRF deployment. Part of the allegations charge that regular guards will create reasons to call on the IRF to brutalize detainees over petty or non-existent infractions; refusing to agree to the third cell search in a day or infractions as slight as placing their toiletries on their shelf in the wrong order.[2]
One ex-detainee describes an alleged assault by a five-man IRF in these terms:
They pepper-sprayed me in the face, and I started vomiting. They pinned me down and attacked me, poking their fingers in my eyes, and forced my head into the toilet pan and flushed. They tied me up like a beast and then they were kneeling on me, kicking and punching. Finally they dragged me out of the cell in chains, into the recreation yard, and shaved my beard, my hair, my eyebrows.—[3]
In another account, a soldier named Sean Baker was severely beaten while, unbeknownst to the IRF, posing as a recalcitrant detainee for an exercise drill. Initially hospitalised for 6 days, Baker began suffering major seizures indicative of traumatic brain injury. He received further treatment and received a medical discharge in April 2004.[4]
David Hicks, Guantanamo Bay detainee, in an affidavit[1] claims: "16. I have witnessed the activities of the Internal Reaction Force (hereinafter "IRF"), which consists of a squad of soldiers that enter a detainee's cell and brutalize him with the aid of an attack dog. The IRF invasions were so common that the term to be "IRF'd" became part of the language of the detainees. I have seen detainees suffer serious injuries as a result of being IRF'ed. I have seen detainees IRF'ed while they were praying, or for refusing medication."
Another allegation by ex-detainees is that while the IRF squad is en route to the target detainee's cell they will chant, "IRF! IRF! IRF!" in order to intimidate and terrify the detainee. Part of the allegation claims that, when the squad arrives at a detainee's cell, they shout out demands to comply and immediately use force against the detainee.
Detainees have even coined a word for the treatment: 'To be IRFed', meaning being slammed against a floor by a soldier wielding a riot shield, pinned to the ground and beaten up by five armed men.[5]
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