Photo By Monica Guthrie | 1st Lt. Jacob Soileau, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Combat Aviation...... read more read more
By Pfc. Monica K. Smith
3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – As Task Force Marne units redeploy to Georgia, clearing agents ensure Soldiers know which items they can and cannot bring back to the United States.
Sgt. Donte Jones, who works in supply and logistics for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, says customs serves to restrict items that may harm the agriculture and economy of the United States.
"Why would you want to take something back that would harm us?" Jones said. "Diseases may occur and ... spread over the United States."
As Soldiers pack up their belongings, they want to avoid packing things that can't be taken with them.
"One of the most common problems is powdered substances," said Master Sgt. Terence Conners, member of HHC, 3rd CAB, and senior customs brigade clearing agent. "No powdered substance if the seal is broken."
Typical powders include foot powders and powdered protein drinks. Other rules include only one type of pill per container and it must include the person's name and a valid expiration date. Also, no more than one piece of faux merchandise, such as watches, movies or purses, can be packed.
"If you have five Rolexes and (they're) all the same type and color, you can't take it," Conners said. "You can't take sand with you because of what it might carry in it."
Conners said the hardest part of customs checks is waiting on a unit not prepared for an inspection.
"Just make sure all your stuff is laid out and ready to go," he said. "It will make the process faster. If there's a question, don't wait until the (the day of the inspection) to ask. Each unit has a (customs border clearing agent)."
Soldiers seeking specific details on customs can ask their supply and logistics office for their customs border clearing agent.
Soldiers who decide to mail personal items home should know the post office has different rules regarding what can and cannot be shipped.
Common questions include shipping of military equipment. Packages can weigh up to 70 pounds; however, bullets, magazines, lighters, gas masks and knives longer than 6-inches (with the exception of ceremonial and decorative swords) are prohibited.
| Date Taken: | 05.15.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.15.2008 15:59 |
| Story ID: | 19447 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 64 |
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