Don't give away or trash old uniforms

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ray Bowden
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  An Incirlik Airman was recently approached by a local citizen who asked the Airman for his used battle dress uniforms, claiming it is a common practice for 39th Air Base Wing servicemembers to donate worn uniforms to local civilians.

This practice may allegedly be "common" but, according to an Incirlik Air Force Office of Investigations Detachment 522 agent, under no circumstances should uniform items be given to local civilians.

According to the agent, studies of previous terrorist attacks show that acquiring certain military items or supplies such as uniforms is considered a "pre-operational" step of a terrorist act.

"Uniforms may also be used to identify specific positions or rank to gain access to briefings or areas where sensitive information may be accessed," said the agent.

Capt. Nick Petren, 39 ABW antiterrorism officer, said Airmen may donate their old uniforms to the wing's thrift shop or turn them into the defense reutilization management office.

"DRMO will accept the uniforms after all insignia have been ripped off and the appropriate forms are completed," he said. "It is also acceptable to rip your uniforms into small or oddly-shaped pieces and throw them in the garbage. Basically, destroy your old uniforms in such as way that it would be impossible for anyone to piece them back together and wear them."

The agent concurs.

"If you do not need an old uniform, remove the insignia, patches and name tags," said the agent. "Shred these items and your old uniform with a knife or scissor prior to throwing them out."

The Airman in question took the appropriate action when asked for his old uniforms: he contacted Incirlik's Office of Investigations at 676-6488 and informed them of the incident.

AFOSI Det. 522 personnel advise Incirlik Airmen to contact them not only if approached for their uniforms, but also to report suspicious activity on or off the installation.

"Be aware of your surroundings," said the agent. "Be conscious of people and activities that seem out of place and could possibly indicate a precursor to a terrorist attack. If you suspect anything, report it."

Incirlik members approached for their old uniforms or who believe they have witnessed suspicious activity are asked to make an Eagle Eyes report. Eagle Eyes reports may be directed to the 39th Security Forces law enforcement desk at 676-3200 or Det. 522 personnel.