The Unseen Guardians: Coast Guard Presence In Afghanistan

The US Coast Guard has been deployed in Afghanistan since 2006, with a small detachment of twelve volunteers known as the Redeployment Assistance and Inspection Detachment team, or RAID. Their primary mission is to secure hazardous materials and inspect the shipping containers used to transport military equipment back to the United States. They also ensure the structural seaworthiness of the containers, which must comply with international rules to be fit for an ocean voyage.

The Coast Guard has a long history of specialized container inspections, which is why they were chosen by the Department of Defense for this task. Their presence in Afghanistan is not widely known, but they have been stationed at Bagram Airfield, Kandahar Airfield, and Camp Leatherneck, and have travelled to forward bases all over the country.

The US Coast Guard's RAID team in Afghanistan

The US Coast Guard's Redeployment Assistance and Inspection Detachment (RAID) team in Afghanistan is a small but significant presence in the landlocked country. The RAID team is responsible for inspecting shipping containers used to transport military equipment and supplies, ensuring they meet the standards for structural integrity and seaworthiness before they are shipped back to the United States.

The RAID team's primary mission is to inspect and certify containers for hazardous materials, proper labelling, and structural integrity. They ensure that the containers are fit for an ocean voyage and meet international safety standards. The team also provides support to the US Army and Marine Corps in packing and preparing equipment for shipment, including weapons, gear, and hazardous chemicals.

The RAID team is composed of highly trained and experienced Coast Guardsmen, including senior reservists and active-duty personnel. They undergo extensive training in weapons, force protection, combat situations, and Army procedures. The team is well-equipped to handle the challenges of operating in a combat zone and has been deployed to various bases across Afghanistan, including Bagram Airfield, Kandahar Airfield, and Camp Leatherneck.

The US Coast Guard's expertise in container inspections and port security makes the RAID team a valuable asset in the war effort. Their work helps to streamline the shipping process, reduce costs, and ensure the safe and efficient return of equipment and supplies to the United States. The team's contributions have been recognised through awards and honours, including the Bronze Star medal.

The deployment of the US Coast Guard RAID team to Afghanistan highlights the versatility and adaptability of the Coast Guard, operating far from their typical maritime environment to support the military effort in a landlocked country. Their presence demonstrates the Coast Guard's commitment to serving the nation and supporting troops in a unique and demanding theatre of operations.

The Coast Guard's role in the war effort

The Coast Guard's long history of specialized container inspections was instrumental in its selection by the Department of Defense for this task. RAID inspected an average of 300 containers a month, checking for structural seaworthiness, the proper loading and labelling of hazardous materials, and ensuring containers were sealed for customs clearance.

RAID's work saved the Department of Defense thousands of dollars in transportation expenses and fees. The reduction in leased containers resulted in fee savings of $500,000 in the last quarter of 2011 for the Iraq drawdown, and similar cost savings were replicated in Afghanistan.

RAID members travelled throughout Afghanistan to outlying forward and contingency operating bases. They lived in freight containers, tents, or B-huts and occasionally joined land convoys moving between posts.

RAID personnel were typically senior, experienced Reservists who, in the civilian sector, were veteran law enforcement officers or emergency responders. High-performing active-duty Coast Guardsmen were also part of the team. All members of the team were volunteers.

The first combat-zone deployment of RAID teams was to Iraq in 2003 and they were deployed to Afghanistan in 2006. An office was opened in Mazar-e-Sharif in 2012 to assist US and NATO forces with the drawdown operations.

RAID members were exposed to direct and indirect fire in various locations and withstood arduous conditions of Army and Marine Corps field life. They were stationed at Bagram Airfield, Kandahar Airfield, and Camp Leatherneck but journeyed to forward bases all over the country.

The Coast Guard's history of container inspections

The United States Coast Guard has a long history of conducting container inspections as part of its mission to ensure maritime safety and security. The Coast Guard is responsible for inspecting various types of vessels, including container vessels, to ensure they comply with safety regulations and international conventions.

The Coast Guard's predecessor, the United States Revenue Cutter Service, was established in 1790 to enforce tariffs and combat smuggling. Over time, the Coast Guard's role expanded to include a wider range of maritime safety and security responsibilities.

In the 20th century, the Port Safety mission of the Coast Guard was expanded to include the protection of ports, harbors, vessels, and waterfront facilities. This included container inspections as part of their overall mission to ensure the safety and security of the maritime domain.

Today, the Coast Guard continues to inspect container vessels to ensure compliance with safety regulations. These inspections are conducted under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security, of which the Coast Guard is a part. The inspections cover a range of areas, including hull integrity, power and propulsion systems, boiler safety, electrical systems, lifesaving and firefighting equipment, navigation equipment, and pollution prevention measures.

The Coast Guard's container inspections play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of maritime commerce, protecting the environment, and facilitating the smooth flow of trade. The Coast Guard's expertise and dedication in conducting these inspections have contributed to a safer and more secure maritime environment.

In addition to container inspections, the Coast Guard also inspects other types of vessels, such as passenger vessels, cargo ships, and tankers, to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The Coast Guard's role in maritime safety and security is widely recognized, and they have been called upon to assist in various emergencies and disasters, both domestic and international.

The Coast Guard's role in the Army's 831st Transportation Battalion

RAID falls under the Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, headquartered in Bahrain, and its command element resides at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. In Afghanistan, the detachment's 12 members fall under the tactical command of detachments of the 831st Transportation Battalion. These Coast Guardsmen have been stationed at Bagram Airfield, Kandahar Airfield, and Camp Leatherneck but have journeyed to forward bases all over the country.

RAID teams conduct several types of inspections before the containers are packed. Their primary inspections are to determine the seaworthiness of the containers used to move equipment and supplies. They also inspect for the proper loading and labeling of hazardous materials, review shipping credentials and HAZMAT documentation, and make sure the containers are properly sealed so they will clear customs at border crossings.

The Coast Guard's long history of specialized container inspections was instrumental in its selection by the Department of Defense for this task. RAID's inspections save the Department of Defense thousands of dollars in transportation expenses and fees.

RAID team members are typically senior, experienced Reservists who, in the civilian sector, are veteran law enforcement officers or emergency responders. High-performing active-duty Coast Guardsmen have recently been added to the mix. To prepare for deployment, the Guardsmen attend weapons and force protection training, intensive combat training, and theater orientation to learn the Army's distinctively different way of doing things.

The Coast Guard's future in Afghanistan

The United States Coast Guard has been involved in all of the nation's wars and conflicts since its inception in 1790. It is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and is the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. During wartime, it can be transferred to the Department of the Navy under the Department of Defense.

The Coast Guard's Redeployment Assistance and Inspection Detachment (RAID) team was deployed to Afghanistan in 2006. This small but effective team of twelve volunteers was responsible for inspecting the shipping containers used to transport military equipment back to the United States. They also ensured the proper handling of hazardous materials.

The Coast Guard's mission in Afghanistan ended in May 2015 when the last 14 members of the team returned home. While their presence in the country may have concluded, the Coast Guard remains active in other parts of the world, serving in various capacities to protect U.S. interests.

The Coast Guard's future involvement in Afghanistan is uncertain. While they no longer have a permanent presence in the country, the dynamic nature of global conflicts could potentially lead to their redeployment in the region. The Coast Guard's expertise in container inspections and their ability to support the war effort could make them a valuable asset if future operations in Afghanistan require their specific skills.

The Coast Guard's role in Afghanistan demonstrated their adaptability and commitment to serving the nation's interests wherever needed. Their ability to operate in diverse environments, far from any coastline, showcases their versatility as a military force. While their current focus may be on other regions, the Coast Guard stands ready to answer the call should their unique skills and capabilities be required in Afghanistan or any other part of the world.

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