CALL No. 04-13: OIF CAAT II Initial Impressions Report - Supply the Force

CALL Newsletter 04-13
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
CAAT II Initial Impressions Report (IIR)

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
CAAT II Initial Impressions Report (IIR)

Chapter 4: Combat Service Support
Topic A: Supply the Force

Subtopic 3: Use of Class IX Expeditors

Observation Synopsis

When one division deployed to Iraq, it entered a theater with an immature distribution system. This resulted in large quantities of class (CL) IX (replacement and repair parts) being "frustrated" or mis-shipped. CL IX personnel were placed at critical nodes in the theater distribution system to reduce these numbers. As the theater distribution system has matured, the need for these expeditors has been reduced, but not completely eliminated. CL IX expeditors continue to play a vital role in the delivery of CL IX in the Iraqi theater of operations. The division placed CL IX personnel at several locations to include the Camp at Arifjan, Kuwait; Doha, Kuwait; logistics support area (LSA) Anaconda, and at the central receiving point/logistics re-supply point (CRP/LRP) at Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). Personnel at LSA Anaconda and BIAP were responsible for ensuring CL IX parts were placed into lanes for delivery. They also ensured the division's parts were not held up in frustrated cargo areas. In addition, these personnel coordinated and walked through CL IX requisitions at echelons above division (EAD) SSA operating in their areas. This has become increasingly important for personnel at LSA Anaconda since this site has been selected as an enduring base camp and additional SSAs have chosen to locate there. Personnel in Kuwait were responsible for ensuring parts were placed into the division's lanes at the theater distribution center (TDC). They were also charged with the mission of obtaining parts by walkthrough procedures from the GS warehouse located in Arifjan.

Lessons Learned

CL IX personnel placed at critical nodes in the theater distribution system to reduce frustrated or mis-shipped cargo facilitates the flow of repair parts. Recommend four personnel to be placed at Arifjan, Kuwait; two personnel to be placed at LSA Anaconda; and two personnel to be placed at the CRP at BIAP.