CIF - Central Issue Facility

Unlike the previous reviewers who had less than a pleasant experience, I was very grateful I had a great experience today. In fact, it probably was one of the best equipment turn-ins I ever experienced during my 22+ year service--I must've gone through at least eight CIFs during that time. If you include RFI draws, I've gone through more than 10 times of draws and turn-ins. I called last week to make an appointment suggested by my transition counselor. The lady who answered the phone scheduled me right away and told me to stop by and pick a sorting instruction sheet up which I gladly did--and I was so glad I did for it prepared me for a great experience. I arranged my equipment in a shopping cart according to the order of turn-in stations before entering the building per instructions. This definitely made the process to go very smoothly. As I proceeded to each station (altogether seven), I handed over items as a station worker called out each item. I repeated that several times before I reached the end of the line. I was even able to skip a station since I didn't have anything to turn in there. I received my paperwork of completion at the end (Final Out Station). I was so grateful I wasn't missing any item I had to turn in because if I were missing anything I would be financially liable for any missing items. It felt so good to finally turn all my equipment in after hauling them around from installation to installation (literally around the world) all these years! It was another significant mile marker in my Army experience, and it was a good one!

I am a U.S. contractor who came through CIF at Fort Bliss yesterday. My company booked me flight early yesterday so I looked up the phone number to CIF to see if I'd be able to come in earlier than our scheduled time at 1400. A gentleman named "Ronnie" answered the phone and agreed to let myself and two of my co-workers come in to turn in our gear so that we could make our flights. Ronnie said "I'll call my guys over there at building 1717 and let them know you're coming." I said thank you and began walking to building 1717. When I arrived at approximately 0830, I was directed by the Army personnel to head to the civilian line. While I was walking to the back of the line an African American gentleaman who appeared to be in his 50's said "umm who da hell are you three?!" I responded with Sir, I spoke to a gentleman this morning who told me to come over early. I will continue the dialogue.CIF: Oh H no! Nobody called me and told me you were coming! I don't know who you think you are but you aren't going to come into my shop and tell me how to do my GOD d@$& job!Me: sir.... I'm trying to explain that I've already coordinated with a gentleman on the phone this morning because we have flights.CIF: I don't give a D@&$ who you talked to. You don't run my shop. I run my shop! I'll see you at 1430! I tried to work with the gentleman to see what we could do to work this out but he was not having it.After this interaction my co-workers and I walked outside to call a shuttle. I attempted to call Ronnie again but no one answered the phone.While waiting on the sidewalk in front of CIF the same gentleman came outside and said "what the Hell are you guys still doing here, I told you I'd see you at 1430.I explained to him I am waiting on the shuttle to pick us up.The gentleman became very aggressive. We went back and forth exchanging choice words. I told him that I would contact his super visor and he told me "I don't give a F$&@ who you call. F$&@ you!"After more choice words between me and the CIF employee we decided to just walk back to avoid any further confrontation. Two hours later, I was able to get Ronnie to answer the phone again. I started off by telling him my name and began with apologizing for losing my professionalism with his employee but that I also believed his employee was out of line.Ronnie responded very aggressively and began talking to me as if I was a junior enlisted soldier. And I quote. "You listen to me. This is going to be a one sided conversation DO YOU UNDERSTAND?! You came in and threatened my guy! You took off your jacket and tried to fight my guy. YOU WILL NOT TURN YOUR CIF IN TODAY. I don't care when your flight is!"I attempted to explain my side of the situation and he said "no you shut your mouth! You can go to CIF at 1430 With Charlie company but if you even look at my guy the wrong way I'm going to have the military police arrest you!"I agreed and apologized again despite the blatant disrespect.I'm not sure if these gentleman always behave this way or if they were just having a bad day but I have never been so disrespected in my entire life and I feel it necessary to report this to prevent a future incident.I am prepared to take this as high as I have to in order to see that the necessary disciplinary actions have been taken.

So like many before I went back for a second turn in, I cleaned all equipment as asked by the inspector. I then was unable to turn in several items and wasn't treated all too well. The DA Civilian that is an inspector at CIF puts a bad taste in the mouth of Soldiers everywhere.

This establishment has friendly staff who provide great assistance! Clearing CIF was a seamless process.