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Airmen prepare servicemembers to fight

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  In 2005, the U.S. Central Command Air Forces commander expressed concern over the amount of individual protective equipment being shipped to Airmen deployed in U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

The cost of excess baggage for deploying Airmen reached in excess of $51 million in fiscal 2004. Air Force commanders determined that controlling the IPE in the region by using expeditionary theater distribution centers, or ETDCs, was the solution.

The redistribution of bags at ETDCs has saved $17 million in excess baggage charges, aircraft fuel expenditures, movement costs and the inconvenience posed on Airmen. The movement toward central distribution centers has enhanced the expeditionary capability of the Air Force.

"At this ETDC, which is one of three in theater, we issue out all the equipment necessary for Airmen going out into the AOR to do their jobs and come home safely," said Airman 1st Class Charity Carter, a 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron supply specialist.

The equipment most commonly found in an ETDC is chemical protection gear, individual body armor and cold weather apparel. All of this equipment is separated into bags for easy storage and issue.

"At any given time, we are able to issue up to 1,600 bags to deploying servicemembers," Airman Carter said.

But, not all of the issued bags come back in serviceable condition.

"When the equipment comes back unserviceable, we process the gear through the Defense Reutilization and Management Office then request replacements from (U.S. Central Command Air Forces) who tracks all of our equipment," she said.

"The ETDC is a vital part of the mission and our future will continue to be associated with providing equipment that saves lives," said Master Sgt. Lautrice Gray, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron ETDC section chief. 

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