FORT SILL, Okla. -- In the early 1970s, Soldiers stood in endless lines at the Central Issue Facility (CIF) to get clothing items.
Supply sergeants would eyeball Soldiers and tell them their shirt and pants sizes.
Once the clothing was received, the Soldier would have to fill out a hard-copy form in triplicate.
Still, supply sergeants were pretty good at sizing up measurements, and the line would move relatively fast because only about five or six items were issued, said retired Command Sgt Maj. Lash Sturdivant, Fort Sill CIF manager.
On April 7 when the new CIF opens, Soldiers will no longer have to empty duffle bags outside, will be able to watch a large-screen TV as they wait to be served, and have a dressing area to ensure uniforms fit properly.
?"When Soldiers walk through the new CIF doors for the first time, you're going to see big smiles on their faces and a gleam in their eyes," Sturdivant said. ?"They will be going from an old dusty warehouse to a modern user friendly environment.
The CIF, which is operated by the Logistics and Readiness Center, issues and receives the 40-something uniform items for Soldiers, Sturdivant said. This includes permanent party and Advanced Individual Training Soldiers; and Basic Combat Training Soldiers.
It also provides items to civilians, who may be deploying with a unit. Items include Kevlar vests, cold weather gear, rucksacks, elbow and knee and hydration packs everything to outfit the Soldier.
New facility
The new CIF will feature two spacious issue/receiving areas: one for permanent party the other for AIT and BCT Soldiers, the CIF manager said.
There is a large seated waiting with a large-screen TV on the permanent party side. The room features ample natural light through elevated windows.
There are also three tornado safe rooms for staff and customers. Sensor lighting is installed throughout building.
The grounds feature a designated staging area for fire drills and other emergencies.
The CIF had been across the street from the Main Exchange in Bldgs. 1901 and 1902 since 1998, Sturdivant said. The buildings are much older than that and had served as cold storage for food stores before CIF took over.
The old warehouse had some heating, but no air conditioning, he said. "In the winter months it was still freezing and in the summer months we would burn up.?"
Units who were turning in gear had their Soldiers stand outside under a canopy emptying their duffle bags regardless of the weather.
"Even if it was raining or snowing we had no way to bring them inside to stay warm,?" Sturdivant said. Those days will be over as all turn-in will be performed inside.
The 11-member permanent staff, and about 13 special duty Soldiers, will like the new facilities office spaces, conference rooms, break room and modern bathrooms, he said.
"The staff will be very happy.?"
The CIF's huge warehouse space will allow central storage of items, which were previously stored at four different facilities. And, when items need to be retrieved from the post supply point, it is virtually next door. Unlike the old facility, the new CIF has receiving docks.
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