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FP keeps base safe through uniform shredding

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Hannah Landeros
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --  For over a decade, service members deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, have shredded unserviceable uniforms to prevent them from getting in the wrong hands. The uniform shred policy was put into effect after American military uniforms were used to deceive and attack deployed American and coalition partners.

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Force Protection shop leads the uniform shred program, gathering uniforms from 15 uniform drop off boxes located throughout the base.

"The purpose of uniform shredding at AUAB is to prevent military uniform items from ending up in the trash, which can lead to adversaries gaining free access to authentic military gear," said Tech Sgt. Patrick Keenan the 379th AEW Operations Security program manager here on a one year tour and an Ischua, N.Y., native.

The force protection shop, along with volunteers, empties the uniform drop off boxes weekly and takes the uniforms to the 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron Automated Data Processing Equipment where they are shredded.

"Every week, hundreds of unservicable uniform items are shredded at AUAB," said Keenan. "Just one complete uniform could provide our enemies with the necessary means to conduct a deadly attack against one of our bases."

All uniforms that are unwanted, worn or no longer serviceable need to be shredded, to include Airman Battle Uniform blouses, pants, boots, hats, tan shirts, Physical Training shorts and shirts, as well as all respective items from the Army, Marines and the Navy.

"Impersonating military service members and gaining unauthorized access onto our installation is never a good thing," said Staff Sgt. Vianney Hocog the 379th AEW Force Protection NCO in charge, deployed from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., and a Rota, Mariana Islands, native. "The uniform shred program is important because it reduces enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures."

Service members preparing to redeploy out of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility oftentimes do not want to take all their uniform items back with them due to luggage limitations and wear and tear, explained Keenan.

"It is highly encouraged to donate any unwanted serviceable uniforms to the Slam Attic," said Hocog. "Unwanted items can become a treasure to someone who's boots are no longer serviceable."

The Slam Attic serves as a distribution center to support U.S. military members by providing free serviceable and new uniform items collected weekly by the 379th AEW force protection shop.

"Each of us plays a significant role in denying adversaries access to our equipment and information, OPSEC is everyone's responsibility," said Keenan. "Violations are vulnerabilities, and each of us plays a vital role in protecting the base and the mission. By dropping off your uniform you are helping to protect the base and service members deployed here."