Marine Corps (USMC) CIF serves an important function within the service branch.
The Marine Corps established the department to handle combat gear requests and distribution.
As a result, it’s important to get familiar with USMC CIF in order to have gear issued and properly returned.
Discover 5 important things about Marine Corps Consolidated Issue Facilities (CIF).
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Table of Contents
Marine Corps (USMC) CIF Gear: 5 Things to Know
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) needs a method for distributing weapons and gear to service members.
For this reason, the service branch created Consolidated Issue Facilities (CIF).
These warehouse facilities store Marine Corps gear including weapons, gear, and accessories.
Recently, the service branch changed the name of these facilities to Individual Issue Facilities (IIF).
However, regardless of the designation, both USMC CIF and IIF serve the same purpose (more details, below).
Since 2001, the Marine Corps has outsourced the distribution of combat gear to the CIF.
Consequently, Marine CIF facilities are managed under the Consolidated Storage Program (CSP) and Marine Corps Logistics Command (MCLC).
Today, many Marines complain about how difficult it has been to access or find quality service at Marine CIF facilities.
Thus, this guide helps Marines understand the purpose, functions, and operations of USMC CIF.
Discover 5 things you need to know about Marine Corps gear distribution:
#1. Purpose
The purpose of the Marine Corps (USMC) CIF is apparent.
It functions as the primary distributor of Marine-issued combat gear and accessories.
In the past, Marines referred to the facilities as CIF which is short for “Consolidated Issue Facility.”
However, the service branch recently changed the name of the storage warehouses to “Individual Issue Facility” (IIF).
Nevertheless, Marines continue to use both terms and they basically mean the same thing.
It’s the location where Marines go to get new USMC gear or return it.
The Consolidated Storage Program (CSP) is responsible for the distribution of gear.
Marine CSP is comprised of the following departments:
- Marine Unit Issue Facility (UIF)
- USMC Consolidated Issue Facility (CIF) / Individual Issue Facility (IIF)
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Equipment Facility (CBRNE)
Marine Corps Logistics Command (MCLC) is responsible for the distribution, management, and collection of the equipment.
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#2. USMC CIF Gear
The Consolidated Storage Program (CSP) manages the issuance of gear.
Marine CSP is responsible for the distribution of the following USMC gear:
- Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE)
- Marine UIF Gear
- Marine CBRNE Specialist Gear
- Standard USMC Deployment Gear
In general, USMC CIF gear is issued to deploying personnel and CBRNE units supporting CONUS.
Accordingly, each military unit is assigned a standard set of CIF / IFF equipment that varies depending on the purpose or mission.
Thus, Marines need approval from a commanding officer to receive gear that is not prescribed for the unit.
#3. USMC CIF Locations
Marines can find USMC CIF and IIF locations throughout the globe.
Generally, USMC CIF facilities are established on military bases or installations.
However, these distribution centers may also exist in other locations.
Thus, it will help Marines to become familiar with the place where they are deployed or stationed.
Marines need to take good care of their gear and know about the options that exist for military personnel.
As a result, USMC CIF (or USMC IFF) can assist with any questions or problems.
Furthermore, new recruits will receive online access after they receive a common access card.
#4. Marine Gear Issues / Receipts
USMC CIF is responsible for issuing new combat gear and accessories.
Therefore, Marines generally visit their local USMC CIF facility within the first few days assigned to a new duty station.
Otherwise, the storage facility is usually open during standard hours of operation for other questions or concerns.
Marines are usually provided with a list of CIF gear or receipt that describes the items they’ll receive.
Even better, USMC CIF can process transfers of gear and weapons when a Marine is assigned to another unit.
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#5. Returning USMC Gear to CIF
Marines should take notice that returning CIF gear is just as important as having it issued.
Why?
USMC CIF facilities are notorious for inspecting returned gear for wear and abuse.
Consequently, any items that are severely damaged, destroyed, or dirty are not accepted.
Generally, Marines have the opportunity to return with clean items if that is the primary issue.
However, service members who lose USMC CIF gear will have to find a replacement or cover the costs.
Thus, it’s extremely important for Marines to make sure they keep their gear clean and organized.
Unfortunately, some Marines tend to forget that CIF gear is borrowed, not purchased.
As a result, those who abuse their equipment may have a hard time getting a CIF facility to accept it for a return.
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Conclusion
The United States Marines is renowned for its high-quality equipment and gear.
Since 2001, the Marine Corps (USMC) has outsourced the distribution of combat gear to CIF.
Consolidated Issue Facilities (CIF) serve the same purpose as Individual Issue Facilities (IIF).
Both storage facilities issue gear to new Marines as well as manage returns.
Marines will likely be introduced to a USMC CIF or USMC IFF facility within their first few days assigned a new duty station.
Featured Image Source – www.Marines.mil
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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