Third Army / U.S. Army Central launches pilot Commander's Emergency Response Program (CERP) Training

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (July 2, 2009) - Third Army/U.S. Army Central has recently established a new training pilot for the Department of Defense Commander's Emergency Response Program (CERP). The course establishes guidance and training for unit leaders and staffs who administer discretionary funds intended for community level humanitarian relief and disaster assistance.

The Third Army/U.S. Army Central CERP course will educate commanders at the onset of their forward deployment. It is also in response to a number of high profile cases where funds were allegedly misused.

The first module of extensive 3-hour training has been in place at Camp Buehring Kuwait since early June 2009. Brigadier General Phillip McGhee, Director of Resource Management for USARCENT will attend in early July. The training will then be refined and packaged as a module for Mobile Training Teams to teach through Central Command's Area of Responsibility. The goal will be to institute a model training plan and process that will be applied across the military and properly empower commanders to fund community based projects that will enhance the lives of thousands of Iraqi and Afghan people.

Members of the media who would like to attend the CERP training with Brigadier General McGhee and/or conduct a one-on-one interview (in person or via phone) please contact Lieutenant Commander Pat Mallett at DSN: 318-430-5931; COM: 965-389-9988-1371; or E-mail: Patrick.r.mallett@kuwait.swa.army.mil.