| U.S. Navy Customs Battalion | |
|---|---|
 Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (FORWARD) logo | |
| Country |  United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | Customs Battalion |
| Role | Customs and Inspection |
| Size | battalion |
| Mascot(s) | Octopus |
| Engagements | Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom |
The United States Navy Customs mission is one that is assigned to the Commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG). The mission is overseen in the Central Command Theater of Operations by Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Forward Headquarters, as well as the Commander, USCENTCOM.
The Navy Customs mission is detailed by Navy Reserves and augmented by the active-duty Navy; they are mobilized for a period of 320 days. Upon receipt of orders for mobilization, the reserve members report to a Navy Mobilization Processing Site for processing and screening to ensure they are fit for duty and have no issues that will preclude them from carrying out their primary mission. This process usually takes approximately two weeks from when they report in until they are sent to NAVELSG for training.
Upon arrival at NAVELSG, the sailors undergo a month of training in everything they need to know to operate in the USCENTCOM theater of operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. They are trained in the use of weapons, driving tactical vehicles, first aid, small unit tactics, hand-to-hand combat and the procedures and standards required of items and personnel re-entering the United States from overseas. Upon completion of training, they are certified as Customs Border Clearance Agents, with the authority to carry out customs inspection on equipment and personnel within USCENTCOM only.
Upon arrival in the theater of operations, all personnel check in with the US Army Personnel Support Battalion located at the Army Life Support Area (ALSA), Ali Al Salem, Kuwait. From there, each company then heads to its base of operations, either at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, the Kuwait Naval Base, Camp Patriot, Ali Al Salem, or Camp Beuhring, Camp Virginia; or they stay at ALSA for further training before deploying to Balad, Iraq or Afghanistan. Fly away missions to Jebel Ali, Jordon and the UAE are frequent.
The divisions within the battalions are now split into four sections, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Afghan. Divisions are led by the top Petty Officers within each camp and are held to the highest standards.
There have been a total of fifteen (15) Customs Battalions deployed for this mission. In order, they are:
Navy Customs Battalion Oscar
Navy Customs Battalion Papa
Navy Customs Battalion Quebec
Navy Customs Battalion Romeo
Navy Customs Battalion Sierra
Navy Customs Battalion Tango
NAVELSG FWD HOTEL
NAVELSG FWD INDIA
NAVELSG FWD JULIET
NAVELSG FWD KILO
NAVELSG FWD LIMA
NAVELSG FWD MIKE
NAVELSG FWD NOVEMBER
NAVELSG FWD OSCAR
NAVELSG FWD PAPA
After the departure of PAPA rotation on 11 October 2013, the customs mission was handed over to the USAF's 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron. After the departure of USAF rotation on 1 April 2014, the customs mission was handed over to the United States Marine Corps USMC 2D Law Enforcement Battalion.[1][2]
YouTube Encyclopedic
-
1/3Views:36 9545 200191 196
-
Military Drill and Etiquette
-
Army Customs & Courtesies
-
The U.S. Navy Special Boat Teams
Transcription
"Attention!" The most basic military command, but what does it really mean? In the simplest terms, it means that you're alert and ready to receive instruction. This is Military Drill and Etiquette. When you enter the United States Navy, you're expected to adhere to a set of standards that govern your military commitment, and far beyond. When you're called to serve your country, you should familiarize yourself with a few basic commands that will make your transition from civilian life into military life much easier. "Fall Out" – Even though you're free to break ranks, you are to remain nearby. "At Ease" – Relax, but you must not speak while in this position, and remember to keep your right foot in place. "About Face" – A calculated move that allows you to remain in formation and rotate to face the rear. When you hand salute, you must remember that you are showing respect and courtesy. To this end, a salute must be crisp, dignified and while at attention. Eye contact is expected. Equally important is your conduct upon the quarterdeck. An untrained watch stander can be the cause of disorder and missed assignments. In order to maintain order on the quarterdeck, you should always be in proper uniform, be on time to relieve your off-going watch stander, and follow the rules that govern who boards and who goes ashore. It's important to understand the correct positions and why you need to follow these orders. The proper way to act while serving your country is a matter of great importance and should not be taken lightly. Familiarize yourself with these and other Drill and Etiquette command before you report for duty.
References
- ^ Creger, Leo (25 November 2013). "NAVELSG FWD Completes 10 Years of CENTCOM Customs Clearing Operations". U.S. Navy. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ Wood, Marelise (20 November 2013). "Air Force accepts CENTCOM's customs mission". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
This page was last edited on 25 January 2024, at 20:17