Publicly Released: December 1, 2021
The purpose of this memorandum is to advise officials responsible for the relocation of Afghan evacuees of results from our site visit to Ramstein Air Base (AB), Germany, on September 14, 2021, where the audit team observed the housing conditions and support of Afghan evacuees. We conducted the work on this project with integrity, objectivity, and independence, as required by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency’s Quality Standards for Federal Offices of Inspector General.
Our review of Ramstein AB was conducted as part of the DoD OIG “Audit of DoD Support for the Relocation of Afghan Nationals.” The objective of this audit is to determine whether the DoD has adequately planned and provided support for the relocation of Afghan evacuees. The audit team visited Ramstein AB, to review in‑processing of Afghan evacuees, sustainment, including housing and medical care, and physical security support associated with this effort. In addition to the site visit, the audit team reviewed documentation provided by 86th Airlift Wing (86 AW) personnel, such as the 86 AW Command Historian’s reports, briefing charts, and funding documents.
We found that, with only days to plan for such a massive undertaking, the 86 AW and other personnel supporting the Operation Allies Refuge effort at Ramstein AB ensured in-processing contained procedures for identifying and screening Afghan evacuees; living conditions were satisfactory and resources were available to meet Afghan evacuees’ basic needs; and security at the encampment ensured that Afghan evacuees, military forces, volunteers, and local residents were safe. However, the successful execution of this effort did come at a significant cost to the Command. The 86 AW dedicated substantial resources, to include funds, staff, equipment, and supplies, to support the effort.