319th MI Battalion continues progress at Kandahar inland customs depot

By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski, 16th Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentJune 12, 2011

319th MI Battalion continues progress at Kandahar inland customs depot
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORWARD OPERATING BASE WALTON, Afghanistan -- Soldiers assigned to the 319th Military Intelligence Battalion, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and Charlie Company, 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 525th BfSB train and mentor Afghan Customs ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
319th MI Battalion continues progress at Kandahar inland customs depot
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORWARD OPERATING BASE WALTON, Afghanistan -- Lt. Col. Casimir Carey, commander, 319th Military Intelligence Battalion, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade and Maj. John Ruckauf, operations officer, 319th MI Bn. stand alongside Kandahar Inland Cus... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Soldiers assigned to 319th Military Intelligence Battalion, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, partner with and mentor Afghan Customs Police at the Kandahar Inland Customs Depot and Forward Operating Base Walton.

“We are responsible for every aspect of improving the KICD,” said Maj. John Ruckauf, operations officer, 319th MI Battalion"everything from training the customs police to improving their processes, which will generate more money for the Afghan people.

The KICD, located at a crossroads between Highway 4 and Highway 1 plays a major role in generating revenue for the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Ruckauf said last year the KICD generated more than $57 million in revenue, which will be used to improve the lives of the Afghan people. It will pay for schools, road improvement projects, hospitals and security services in Kandahar Province.

“If [coalition forces] can help further develop the KICD, it will be an enduring effect,” Ruckauf added. “We have a plan in place that will extend for several years, which ultimately includes an end state to transition and leave full responsibility to the Afghans.”

The Soldiers have developed a good working relationship with Afghan Customs Police, which has led to the completion of several major projects within the depot. These projects have strengthened force protection and enhanced the quality of life for more than 4,000 people that pass through the KICD on a daily basis.

One of the most significant completed projects is the installment of bathrooms in the customs yard. The new bathrooms improve health and sanitation conditions, said Ruckauf. The Soldiers have also helped to install an electric weigh station, several inspection warehouses, offices, truck routes into the depot and refurbished the mosque.

Soldiers with 319th MI Battalion and long-range surveillance Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 525th BfSB, share their expertise with the ACP on a daily basis.

“We started weapons familiarization training for the ACP in April,” said Ruckauf. “We have done several training sessions at our ranges, as well as first aid training.”

Maintaining this relationship and mentorship is crucial; because it is the only training the ACP will receive after their basic training Ruckauf added.

“The things we are doing here at the KICD are enduring; they will stay here"the partnerships that we have,” said Ruckauf.

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