Logistics security

Military Police, April, 2005 by Kathy Johnson

During August and September 2004, members of the 5th Military Police Battalion, Criminal Investigation Division (CID), headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, conducted extensive logistics security operations at the ports of Antwerp, Belgium, and Bremerhaven, Germany, in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom redeployment to the US Army, Europe (USAREUR). These logistics security inspections were identified by the highest levels in USAREUR as vitally important to the smooth transition and reintegration of forces returning from Iraq for the units to return to combat readiness as quickly as possible.

More than 25 special agents and military police investigators participated in the operation under the direction and supervision of a special agent from the Baumholder, Germany, CID office. The agents and investigators were organized into teams of three to five persons who inspected railcars, vehicles, containers, and ships at both ports around the clock for almost two months. The operation also required extensive coordination with the Military Intelligence Corps, and the working relationship that developed between the two agencies set a new benchmark for cooperation and assistance. The teams also coordinated regularly with the Belgian and German police, with all involved agencies learning new respect and appreciation for the others.

One major problem identified during the operation was the illegal shipment of war trophies, which included items like weapons, furniture, artwork, and even explosives. During one memorable event at Antwerp, CID special agents identified a vehicle containing unexploded ordnance, resulting in a call for explosive ordnance disposal specialists. Besides identifying war trophies, the teams also concentrated on identifying and rectifying other issues, such as unsecured sensitive information, unsecured sensitive items and equipment, and the shipment of illegal contraband, such as drugs.

At Antwerp, the teams inspected more than 3,900 pieces of equipment, to include trucks, tanks, railcars, and barge containers, resulting in the initiation of 21 CID reports. Similar operations at Bremerhaven resulted in the inspection of more than 1,670 pieces of equipment and the initiation of nine CID reports. The teams discovered, however, that while there were some systemic problems with security and smuggling, overall the bulk of the shipped equipment was safely and securely returned to USAREUR.

Once again, the CID proved itself to be a vital asset in the Global War on Terrorism and demonstrated yet again that it is the agency that is always ready to do what has to be done.

First Sergeant Johnson serves with the 5th Military Police Battalion, Kaiserslautem, Germany. She joined the Army as a military police soldier in 1985 and became a CID special agent in 1997. She holds a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University.