"In all we do, we will demonstrate our commitment to our Afghan partners and their families..."

—Gen. Glen D. VanHerck

 

 

 

 

DoD Support to Operation Allies Refuge 

The Secretary of Defense has approved for the Department of Defense (DoD), through U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), to provide to the Department of State (DoS) temporary housing, sustainment and support inside the United States for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) principal applicants, their families, and other individuals at risk. DoD will provide support for up to 50,000 individuals at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. Support will be provided on DoD installations and potentially at contracted non-DoD land and facilities.

FACT SHEET

 

  

 

7

Military Installations 

-within the Continental United States Providing Temporary Housing-

 

*Data as 5 p.m. MT, Aug. 26, 2021

Fulfilling America's Commitment to Afghans

The Secretary of Defense has approved for the Department of Defense (DoD), through U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), to provide to the Department of State (DoS) temporary housing, sustainment and support inside the United States for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) principal applicants, their families, and other individuals at risk. DoD will provide support for up to 50,000 individuals at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. Support will be provided on DoD installations and potentially at contracted non-DoD land and facilities.

These installations have the capacity to house and provide essential support to vulnerable Afghans with no impact to training and military readiness. USNORTHCOM, the DoD lead for Operation Allies Refuge within the continental United States, is working with DoS and Department of Homeland Security to provide the right resources and capabilities at each installation and will provide updates as information and sourcing solutions are identified.

Our first priority is to provide shelter and security while we continue to build additional infrastructure to meet needs, such as religious areas or recreation areas.

The health and safety of U.S. personnel and vulnerable Afghans are paramount. DoD personnel supporting the operation are taking maximum precautions prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and base leadership. Afghans are also being encouraged to follow CDC recommendations for COVID mitigation.

This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States – providing essential support at secure locations, where these Afghan citizens and their families can safely complete the necessary steps for residing in the United States.

Assisting Resettled Afghans

Refugee resettlement would not be possible without the support of state and local governments, our resettlement partners and affiliates, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, advocacy groups, and volunteers.

Tens of thousands of people in local communities across the United States ensure the success of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) by welcoming and helping integrate refugees from around the world. Those with an interest in assisting resettled Afghans and refugees are encouraged to reach out to their local refugee resettlement agency for information about support opportunities within their community.

A list of resettlement agencies and affiliate contacts can be found at http://www.wrapsnet.org.

OAR News

Aug. 26, 2021

Fort Pickett to support Operation Allies Refuge

Fort Pickett, Virginia, will support the State Department in providing temporary housing and sustainment for Afghan Special Immigration Visa applicants, their families and other at-risk individuals, according to a formal announcement made Aug. 25,
Aug. 23, 2021

New Jersey Military Base Available to Receive Afghan Evacuees

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey is now ready to receive Afghan evacuees, the Joint Staff deputy director for regional operations said.
Aug. 6, 2021

Fort Lee Supports Afghan Relocation

Task Force Eagle at Fort Lee, Va., is supporting the mission of relocating up to 3,500 Afghan special immigrant applicants in support of the State Department and as directed by the Defense Department.
July 29, 2021

FACT SHEET: Department of Defense Support in the Continental United Stat...

U.S. Northern Command is directly supporting the Department of State (DOS) to temporarily provide medical screening, transportation, lodging and general support to DOS for Afghan special immigrant applicants on Department of Defense installations.

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Video by Pfc. Collin MacKown

Flying Kites with Afghan Guests

  • Operation Allies Welcome - Operation Allies Refuge
  • Oct. 20, 2021 | 1:08

Corina Stahl, an Activity Lead for the United States Conference of Catholic, leads a kite day for the Afghan children at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Oct. 21, 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome. The children got to decorate and fly kites alongside Soldiers and inter-agency partners. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities in permanent or temporary structures as quickly as possible.(U.S. Army video by Pfc. Collin MacKown)