Domestic customs training speeds Soldiers' redeployment process

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

12.17.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Central   

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait — Third Army is improving the redeployment process from Iraq and Afghanistan by training Soldiers on how to inspect equipment coming home from theater before they deploy.

Third Army, responsible for customs inspections throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, developed a program in October to send customs border protection agents and U.S. Department of Agriculture agents to military installations to provide two days of training prior to deployments.

The program helped increase the number of customs inspectors from less than 100 in July to its current level of more than 900. Instructional blocks include training on agriculture, infectious species, contraband and classified material.

"In the past, customs agents were trained in theater," said Maj. Misty Heath, customs program manager, Third Army. "We realized in July of this year with the drawdown of equipment and troops that we would not be able to keep up."

One hundred percent of all people, equipment and cargo gets inspected before redeploying. The increased number of customs inspectors allows equipment to flow faster during final inspections at the port before being loaded on cargo ships to return to the U.S.

Improving the redeployment process is another way Third Army seeks to improve logistics and personnel support for U.S. forces serving in U.S. CENTCOM's area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 12.17.2009
• Date Posted: 12.17.2009 10:17
• Story ID: 42876
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW