Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General released the “Evaluation of the U.S. European Command’s Planning and Execution of Ground Transportation of Equipment to Support Ukraine from Port to Transfer Locations.” The report reviewed the DoD’s implementation of security and accountability controls for transportation of equipment bound for Ukraine, from European seaport to ground transportation.
DoD policy establishes security requirements for equipment transportation based on equipment classes. For sensitive items, DoD policy requires the equipment to be protected by armed escorts at all times. For less sensitive items, USAREUR-AF policy states that tracking devices should be used while transporting equipment through Europe.
This evaluation highlights DoD tracking procedures for equipment traveling through USEUCOM’s AOR. Additionally, the DoD OIG identified that DoD personnel did not have an English translation of German rail service requirements, and therefore relied on local national employees to manage those requirements.
The DoD OIG recommended that the DoD develop and implement a plan to ensure near real-time visibility of equipment bound for Ukraine traveling by ground and that they ensure copies of all agreements are available in English. The responsible units have concurred and have either implemented or are taking steps to implement the recommendations. The report follows the issuance of a Management Advisory which addressed rail support to the transportation of ammunition from port locations to Ukraine.
According to IG Storch, “This evaluation is a great example of the value of focused oversight of a critical operational matter. The DoD OIG is committed to providing comprehensive oversight of DoD security assistance to Ukraine making recommendations to the DoD that will help improve the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of its activities.”