CHECKLIST TO CLEAR CIF OCIE

The key to clearing CIF the first time is to make sure your OCIE is clean, spot painted where needed and all markings are removed.  Our goal is to have your clearance complete in one visit, but you must do your part.  The following items have been found to be the most difficult to clear the first time.  A recommended solution is provided. 

Barracks bag:     Dirty, Name/Markings on Bag.

SOLUTION:            Wash and remove any name and markings on the bag;  Neatly (as small as possible) block out with indelible ink any markings made with permanent  marker.  (Any markings  deemed too large will require a damage statement)  ETSing personnel must turn in TWO (2) barracks bag

Cap, Cold Weather:            All officers and ETS’ing enlisted personnel must turn in a cap.  Wash in cold water paying particular attention to the inside as it may need to be treated with a prespotter and a soft brush to loosen dirt before washing.  Air dry to prevent shrinkage of wool areas.

Carrier, entrenching tool:     Wash in warm soapy water inside and out, using a soft brush or green pad to remove black marks or rust spots.

Chemical Suit(top or bottom):            Remove any tape  from the garment before washing in warm soapy water.  Air dry.  If garment is still sticky where tape is removed, dust with talcum powder to remove tackiness. 

Coverall, Mechanic’s:            When oil and grease is heavy, use a degreaser on the areas and wash in hot soapy water several times to remove.  Air dry.  Garments that are diesel soaked that cannot be removed may need a damage statement.  Permanent stains are acceptable as long as items are clean. (Hint:If you rub a stained area with a piece of paper and the paper comes out dirty it will not pass inspection).

Duffle Bags:            Wash item using warm soapy water and a soft brush to loosen dirt.  Air dry.

Helmet, PASGT (kevlar):                        Suspension webbing must be scrubbed to remove all oils and dirt, using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Wipe helmet inside and out to ensure cleanliness.  PLEASE DO NOT SPOT PAINT THE HELMET.

Field Pack:            Wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush paying close attention to seam areas where dirt tends to collect.  Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.  Remove all names and markings by neatly blocking them out with a permanent marker.

Web Gear (All):            Wash in warm soapy water, scrubbing with a soft brush.  Putting these items in a washer does not clean most items properly.  Pay attention to seams, folds, and crevasses where dirt tends to collect. Clean inside ammo pouches to remove black marks.  Air dry. DO NOT MACHINE WASH OR DRY.

Jacket, Flyers (CVC):  Wash using warm soapy water  paying attention to rings around collar and cuffs.  These areas may need to be scrubbed with a soft brush to remove dirt and oils not removed in regular laundering.

Parka/trousers, Wet Weather:            Wash item inside and out using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Wipe dry with a cloth.  CAUTION: NEVER MACHINE WASH OR DRY!

Entrenching Tool:    Clean and spot paint using flat black paint.

Overshoes:            Wash using warm soapy water and a soft brush.  Remove all black marks from the inside and outside of boots.  DO NOT USE PAINT ON OVERSHOES.

Mat, Sleeping:            Scrub mat using warm soapy water and a soft brush or green pad.  Air dry.

Liner, Coat:            Wash in Warm soapy water using a degreaser and a soft brush, paying attention to collar and cuffs for dirt build up. Rinse and air dry.

Suspenders, Quick release:            Clean in warm soapy water using a soft brush to loosen dirt.  Air dry.

Canteen, Plastic: Clean with warm soapy water paying particular attention to the area around the neck where dirt can build up in the crevasses.  The use of a soft brush or green pad will be of help in this area.  Remove black marks and ensure the inside is dry to prevent mold and mildew.

Cup, Canteen; Pan,mess; Fork; Spoon; Knife:   Wash in warm soapy water using a soft brush or green pad to remove rust or black marks.

Cover, Helmet:            Remove rank and wash in warm soapy water. Air dry.

Bag, waterproof:            Wash using warm soapy water and a soft brush or green pad inside and out.  Air dry.

Poncho, Wet Weather:            Wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth.  Air dry.  DO NOT MACHINE WASH OR DRY!

Parka, Gortex:            Prewash item using warm soapy water and a soft brush paying attention to the areas around the inside of the hood and collar, and around cuffs where dirt and oils seem to build up.  Wash item in cold water using a mild soap.  Air Dry .  DO NOT MACHINE DRY.

NEW SLEEPING BAG SYSTEM:

Sleeping Bag (black or green):  Bag may be laundered in a standard                commercial washer using cold water.  Wash temperature should not exceed 140 degrees F.  Drying will be on the lowest setting with the temperature not to exceed 160 degrees F.

Bivey Cover (CAMMO/Gortex):  Cover may be laundered using a standard commercial washing machine on cold water not to exceed 100 degrees F, and  tumble dry  using the lowest temperature setting not to exceed 100 degrees F.

            Sleeping Bag (all others):

 Helmet, Flyers:            Helmet must be clean and inspected by  school trained ALSE personnel who are on a valid signature card on file at the special gear area.  Helmet must have a valid Yellow or Red Tag (DD Form 1577). All Helmets with red Tags (unserviceable) must also be accupanied by a damage statement.  Helmets that have a tag over 30 days old will not be accepted.   NO HELMETS WITH GREEN TAGS WILL BE ACCEPTED!

NOTES

When a unit is clearing a soldier, the individual doing the clearing is required to bring a memorandum authorizing him/her to clear the soldier along with  that soldier’s clearing papers. The individual clearing the soldier will be responsible for cleaning of all items being turned in.

CIF has a cash sales section for personnel who wish  to buy items that are lost or destroyed.  No dirty items may be payed for in leu of cleaning. NO EXCEPTIONS!  FH Form 735-x1 must be signed by the unit commander unless the individual is E-7 or above, or the individual is ETS ing or PCS ing.

The following is the unserviceable/damage statement for relief of a servicemember  from responsibility  if negligence was not involved.  The statemant must include Date, Name, Grade, SSN of the servicemember and must be signed by the unit commander.  If someone other than the commander signs the statement, it must be accompanied by  assumption of command orders for that person.

“I have reviewed the circumstances surrounding the damage to the above items and find no evidence of negligence or willful misconduct, the damage is a result of a field training exercise.”