USAG YONGSAN -- The U.S. Army Central Issue Facility (CIF) first appeared on the Korean Peninsula during the Korean War in 1950. After the ceasefire and along with the establishment of U.S. Forces Korea, the CIF eventually located its headquarters at Yongsan and continues to serve U.S. military personnel.

The CIF at Yongsan supplies military clothing for Area 2 personnel and supports everything that falls upon USFK. The facility is the Logistics Readiness Center branch of the Supply and Services Division,
currently employing 13 staff. Opening hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday to Friday. Equipment turn-ins are usually accepted in the morning and issued in the afternoon. There are four main sections of the CIF -- the appointment section, issue section, individual protective/chemical gear pick up section and turn in section.

The process for a new Soldier arriving in Korea is first issuing Organization Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE). Soldiers make an appointment and CIF uses an assigned checklist to pre-pull the gear and have it ready for to issue to the Soldier as expeditiously as possible. One common recommendation for a Soldier, E-4 or below, is to visit the CIF accompanied by his or her NCO. Once the OCIE is issued, it becomes the sole responsibility of the Soldier. Any defects or errors must be reported within two weeks of issuance. If OCIE is lost and not reported to the CIF, the Soldier will most likely have to pay for the lost gear before being able to leave Korea. NCOs should assist in ensuring complete inventory.

OCIE turn-ins normally only take place at the garrison that issued the items. OCIE should be clean in a good shape during turn-in. Instructions as to how the gear should be cleaned are most often written inside the gear. One special way to clean improved outer tactical vests is to dry clean them to prevent any damage. Meanwhile, in conjunction with the transition of USAG Yongsan to USAG Humphreys, the CIF will also be affected and move much of its operations to USAG Humphreys Jan. 2.

Clarence Conner has been the CIF manager and property book officer at Yongsan CIF for more than two years. "Approximately half of the staff members are moving to Humphreys, and the other half will continue to work at Yongsan. From that period, U.S. Soldiers will be receiving their gear at Camp Humphreys and then move out to their assigned areas. Area 4, however, will not be affected by the CIF transformation," he said.

The Yongsan CIF will stay in Yongsan to receive gear turn-ins from all Soldiers and issue gear to KATUSAs, mission essential and emergency essential civilians before finally moving to K-16. For those transitioning from Yongsan to Humphreys, Soldiers should present a copy of his or her orders so that the CIF can transfer OCIE to the Humphreys CIF.