Posted: 12/6/2009 3:00:27 PM EDT
I keep hearing that we will need the Commander to sign a letter saying we can bring our auto knives home. Does anyone have an example? I may as well get this done for him so he can just sign it. He will sign just about anything, he just doesn't want to write it himself
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I don't remember there being much on the memo.
Just type a memorandum on official letterhead that says something along these lines: The following personnel are authorized to carry issued automatic knife or “switchblade”. Have the commander sign it. Attach some sort of personnel roster if you can't fit the names on the page. Distribute copies to knife carriers. Rubber band copies to the knives. Contact the customs weenies at Kuwait if you’re really worried about content of memo… Make it look official.
Consult AR 25-50 if needed... 
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OFFICIAL COMMAND LETTERHEAD
MEMORANDUM FOR WHOM IT MAY CONCERN FROM: Unit Name SUBJECT: Authorization to Carry Spring Loaded Knife 1. In accordance with 15 USC, Chapter 29, Section 1244, Exceptions (3), the below listed individual is authorized to carry a switchblade (spring-loaded) knife in performance of his duties: Joe Snuffy, PFC, USA 2. If you have any questions, please contact the undersigned at NVOIP XXX-XX-XXXX. |
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Some extra hints on this:
- Make sure that your Provost Marshall on your FOB (if you have one) reviews the memo and says it is ok. Since he oversees the customs inspections for loading gear, he *should* be in tune with customs in Kuwait. (Plus some people will put them in their foot lockers... this is a bad idea as you don't know when you'll get your foot locker back.) - When you send your guys down to Kuwait for the applicable re-deployment classes, entering JOPES, etc. Have them show customs in Kuwait a copy of the memo, and make sure they are OK with it. In just a few months they will be seeing it, and deciding if Joe can take it home or not. - SSNs next to rank and names, as well as how many of the knives the Soldier has. - Have PLs / PSGs get the accurate list of who needs a memo NOW! The Soldier will carry a copy of the master memo, and a individual memo will be wrapped / secured to the Soldier's knife. (This was in MAY-JUL 2009, and a different customs unit may have changed this, so thats why you need to check with them). - Your Commander will carry a master copy of the memo. Actually, he'll likely carry a lot of important (UNCLASS) unit related documents. I know I did. If someone anywhere in the re-deployment process needed anything, I had it right then and there. I didn't have to track down my staff. Besides they could already be cleared by customs. - When clearing files for the TOA, make sure the memo is retained digitally. I guarentee someone will come out of the wood work at the last minute "SIR!!!! I NEED A MEMO FOR MY KNIFE!!!!" Your CO is going to be insanely busy, as is the rest of the HQ staff, and Company leadership. But in the interest of taking care Soldiers, having a digital copy to quickly modify makes this a real easy fix for the CO. And then the PSG conducts remedial training. - Once the format is "ok'd", it will be scanned and sent to whoever has to sign it, then they'll send it back. Again, the customs guys / PMO will know who the current signature authority is. As like anything, they will take the memo your CO signed, and incorporate the information into their own memo. - It took us 2 months and several revisions before our memos were finally "approved". |
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