The components and individuals of the JTF had never before practiced together as a unit. The ability of leaders to forge their units into a common team in very difficult circumstances speaks highly of the U.S. military's system of training individuals and units, and employing them together in effective joint force packages. Sea Signal also shows the value of maintaining adequate forces to meet unexpected contingencies. This operation required forces from all four Services and the Coast Guard, and at times strained response capability. Less capable forces might have resulted in loss of life for migrants or imposed constraints on policy making.
Recommendations Plan now for future migration crises in the Caribbean .
During Sea Signal, finding safe havens for migrants among the nations of the Caribbean basin was very difficult. An effort should be made to establish international cooperation agreements for migration emergencies. Keep military forces out of routine support for migration problems . Military response is appropriate when no other agency is capable of responding effectively to true migration emergencies. However, after the emergency has passed, the military should be relieved of routine migrant support duties.