United States Army
Basic Training Operating Instructions
Central Issue Facility/Central Initial Issue Point
1. Privates will arrive from reception with some issued items. Drill sergeants will note any shortcomings to the Supply Sergeant during initial inventory.
2. CIF issue is normally the Monday or Tuesday following the first day of training and turn-in is the Tuesday morning prior to graduation. Drill sergeants will be present inside CIF building during issue to monitor serviceability/cleanliness of equipment. The XO will also be on hand.
3. Drill sergeants will help privates inspect their initial CIF issue as soon as they exit the warehouse. Some items are issued badly worn (rucksack waist pads) but will be accepted upon return: talk to the CIF manager. CIF will also give out some chin straps and canteen caps, if you ask for them. Issue items and quantities will vary, depending on the time of year and the private’s component (RA, AR, or NG).
a. Drill sergeants should note any equipment shortcomings and have them exchanged prior to leaving CIF. Be sure to check rain gear carefully, especially that zippers work.
b. The Supply Sergeant will be on site to handle any problems that may occur and collect paperwork for the privates’ supply records.
4. As drill sergeants become aware of shortcomings during the cycle, they will notify the Supply Sergeant. Collect unservicable items for DX. Any equipment lost or damaged, either deliberately or through negligence or neglect, will be reconciled by a replacement in kind, statement of charges or report of survey.
5. CIIP issue is normally conducted after BRM. This is when privates are issued their Class A uniforms. On the issue day, privates will go the the warehouse in PT uniform where they will receive and try on the garments. As they are fitted and garments are altered, drill sergeants will ensure proper fit. Uniforms that do not get fitted that day will be picked up later. Privates will try them on, and any uniform parts that do not fit properly (from shoes to jackets to hats) will be exchanged or refitted at the CIIP refit session. Paperwork for item exchange must be signed by the company commander. If the company employs a cleaning service, privates should turn in their uniforms for pressing.
6. After the FTX, a complete inventory will be conducted, and any missing items must be reconciled. Drill sergeants will ensure that all equipment is cleaned per CIF instructions and will personally inspect to ensure that equipment meets cleanliness standards. Items must be clean, dry and properly sized and matched to be accepted. “Problem items” are rubber boots, canteen cups, suspenders and Kevlar helmets.
7. Any equipment returned by CIF must be cleaned and returned to CIF within 72 hours. The drill sergeants will work with the Supply Sergeant to ensure that this task is accomplished, however, the drill sergeants are responsible for cleaning the equipment. This equipment goes on the company commander’s CIF hand receipt until turned in, so that privates can clear and graduate.
8. Any privates transferred or discharged must clear through Supply prior to leaving the company. The Supply Sergeant will ensure that these privates’ CIF records are properly moved to the soldier’s new unit, or that the equipment is turned in.
Note: These Operating Instructions were derived from a set of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for a United States Army Infantry Basic Training Battalion. While SOPs might differ somewhat from batallion to batallion, it should give a basic idea of the instructions that Drill Sergeants and basic training staff members operate under.
