BAGHDAD - For the first time since 2003, Iraqi security forces will take charge of requisitioning supplies required for self-sustained defense logistics.
With the help of the Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management, Iraqi military members made their first supplies requisition via the Security Cooperation Information Portal at Forward Operating Base Union III July 26.
SCIP is a secure online information source established by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency for use in U.S. foreign military sales and provides its users access to financial and logistical information in regards to FMS cases. The program also gives users the ability to open a new query to purchase equipment for their command or unit.
This portal can be used anywhere in the world as long as the customer has Internet access and the appropriate account permissions, that helps facilitate all of this.
William E. Rimpo and Forrest E. Smith, DISAM instructors from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, taught the SCIP courses twice a day, once for the Iraqis and once for U.S. military contractors.
Teaching this system to Iraqis empowers them to manage their own cases, said Rimpo, associate professor at DISAM.
Rimpo and Smith believe that SCIP is extremely important to the success of the Iraqi military after the United States completes its reposturing process.
"Security Cooperation [information portal] is the key to their success,” said Smith in regards to the program’s ability to allow the ISF to rely less on U.S. assistance.
For more information on SCIP and how to find and sign up for training, visit the DISAM website at www.disam.dsca.mil.