The Department of Defense spent $626 million to relocate Afghan citizens to a New Jersey base before moving them to final resettlement locations, according to a report by the DoD Inspector General.
The relocation to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst began last August, after Afghanistan fell to the Taliban following the U.S. and allied withdrawal. The New Jersey installation was one of five stateside bases taking part in Operation Allies Welcome, the mission to provide temporary housing, sustainment and support for displaced Afghans.
U.S. Northern Command formed Task Force Liberty to handle the operation, which initially was expected to provide shelter at McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to roughly 3,500 Afghan citizens. By the beginning of September, however, the base had to expand capacity to 13,000.
Existing housing provided shelter, with tents provided for dining, medical support and additional housing. Incoming families were provided snacks, water and baby supplies while they were being processed. Base resources provided security, handled donations that flowed in from the nearby community, and managed the use of the gym and other recreational facilities. Medical treatment included numerous inoculations, issuance of medications, administering x-rays, and providing specialized care and ambulance services. Relocation from the base took place last November.
The report was prepared “for information and use,” according to Richard B. Vasquez of the DoD OIG’s office.
“The interagency partners, as well as the commands directly and indirectly responsible for relocation of Afghan evacuees, should read this advisory to be aware of the challenges and opportunities for improvement regarding the in-processing, sustainment, and physical security support for the relocation of Afghan evacuees,” Vasquez wrote.
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