Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan –
Some things you absolutely have to get right because mistakes can be too costly. Making sure vehicles turned-in for disposal do not contain any hidden surprises is one of those things
Defense Logistics Agency employees at DLA Disposition Services sites in Afghanistan prevent such surprises by literally shaking things loose -- rolling vehicles to make sure anything trapped inside is exposed.
“We conduct ammo inspections to be sure to keep everyone safe from a material potentially presenting an explosive hazard that is missed and left behind in vehicles,” said Area Manager Coleen Jewell.
Ammo inspections are an essential skill to comply with regulations that prohibit receivers at the site from accepting excess property that contains dangerous items like live ammunition or explosives that require expert handling for safe disposal. With all the nooks and crannies in vehicles it is easy for people turning in vehicles to miss something.
“Ammo inspections are performed on rolling stock that is armored, has been used in training evolutions, received battle damage or possibly been outside the wire/off the base,” Jewell said. This search is performed before cutting operations, and is the last look for other contraband such as brass, ammunition links, or batteries, which assures the safety of our contract personnel and equipment.
Process excellence and keeping people safe are important parts of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Strategic and People and Culture plans. Employees in Afghanistan count on these inspections to help meet those goals.