Border Fort Inventory Tracker improves Iraqi logistics [Image 1 of 3]

BORDER FORT NINE, IRAQ

10.22.2008

Photo by Sgt. Geoffrey Ingersoll 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

An Iraqi police platoon sergeant shows his units newly awarded certificate of accountability and cleanliness at Border Fort Nine, Iraq, Oct. 22, 2008. "BFIT" sounds deceiving. It's not about strength, endurance or agility, but does measure fitness: logistical fitness. The purpose for the BFIT, or Border Fort Inventory Tracker, is to improve and streamline the oft ailing logistical arm of Iraqi border police. The Marines of Border Transition Teams conduct a BFIT inspection on every Iraqi police fort along the Syrian border once a month. Based on the inspection, they attach a percentage readiness grade to five logistical categories: weapons, vehicles, generators, communications equipment and quality of life. "[The BFIT] helps Iraqis to understand the accountability of what is used. If you have a log book and you have monthly inventories, it helps solve reporting discrepancies, and it helps paint a picture of what's going on to the higher echelons of command," said 1st Lt. Justin E. Houck, logistics adviser, Border Transition Team 4222. Commanders are more likely to act if they see an actual list, or, with pictures, they see the actual state of food deliveries, said Houck, 26, a native of Ingram, Texas. Including Iraqis on regular inspections shows them what they should be looking for, and the proper procedure of reporting discrepancies up the chain of command, he said.

• Date Taken: 10.22.2008
• Date Posted: 08.27.2011 08:02
• Photo ID: 124026
• VIRIN: 081022-M-8187I-002
• Resolution: 1728x1152
• Size: 1.23 MB
• Location: BORDER FORT NINE, IQ