1. http://www. youtube. com/watch

2. Coordinate Deployed Postal Operations
Brigade S-1 Operations Course
Coordinate Deployed Postal Operations
SFC Class Roy Frazier, an inspector general non-commissioned officer with 1st Infantry Division (1ID) Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, carries packages and letters to the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command-Iraq mail room March 4, Soldiers of the 1ID. deployed to Iraq re-established a military mail system that was dormant in the country since (U.S. Army photo by SSG Daniel Stoutamire)
SHOW SLIDE: COORDINDATE DEPLOYED Postal Operations
SECTION I. ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
Academic Hours/Methods
1hrs/00 mins Large Group Instruction
1 hrs/30 mins Practical Exercise (Performance)
2 hrs/30 mins Total Hours
SECTION II. INTRODUCTION: During this lesson we are going to discuss Deployed Postal Operations.
Method of Instruction. Conference/discussion
Instructor to Student Ration: 1:16
Time of Instruction: 5 mins
Media: Small Group Instruction
INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDANCE: Before presenting this lesson, instructors must thoroughly prepare by studying this lesson and identified reference material. Throughout this lesson, solicit from students the challenges they experienced in the current operational environment (OE) and what they did to resolve them. Encourage students to apply at least 1 of the 8 critical variables: political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment and time.
MOTIVATOR: Mail is a key morale factor for Soldiers and has been throughout history. Among the many HR Services that an S-1 provides, mail is likely to have the greatest impact on unit and individual Soldier morale. The S-1 must learn and understand mail operations doctrine and responsibilities from unit to Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA) level.
April 2016
Senior Leader Training Division
Adjutant General School

3. Terminal Learning Objective
ACTION: Coordinate Deployed Postal Operations
CONDITIONS: Given classroom instruction and access to AR (Unit Postal Operations), DOD M (DOD Postal Manual) and FM 1-0 (Human Resources Support), ATP (Theater-Level Human Resources Support) and awareness of the Operational Environment.
STANDARD: Score 70% or higher on a knowledge based exam including the following learning activities:
1. Define theater level postal operations.
2. Describe the correct mail flow from CONUS to deployed locations.
3. Define special handling mail categories.
4. Identify postal responsibilities
SHOW SLIDE: Terminal Learning Objective
NOTE: Review the TLO and explain this class is based on doctrine from FM This lesson focuses on a postal operations in a deployed environment and not on garrison or OCONUS operations such as in Germany or Korea.
NOTE: Remind students that discussion is encouraged; however, we must ensure we don’t confuse our personal postal experiences with what FM 1-0 doctrine dictates.
NOTE: This block of instruction includes Chapter 4, Section II of FM The instructor should also be familiar with AR (Unit Postal Operations) and DoD Manual M (DoD Postal Manual).
NOTE: Inform students of the TLO requirements.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. In a training environment, leaders must perform a risk assessment in accordance with DA PAM , Risk Management. Leaders will complete a DD Form 2977 Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet during the planning and completion of each task and sub-task by assessing mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-time available and civil considerations, (METT-TC). Local policies and procedures must be followed during times of increased heat category in order to avoid heat related injury. Consider the work/rest cycles and water replacement guidelines IAW TRADOC Regulation Note: During MOPP training, leaders must ensure personnel are monitored for potential heat injury. Local policies and procedures must be followed during times of increased heat category in order to avoid heat related injury. Consider the MOPP work/rest cycles and water replacement guidelines IAW FM , Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Protection, FM , Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Decontamination.
RISK ASSESSMENT LEVEL. Low.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT. Environmental protection is not just the law but the right thing to do. It is a continual process and starts with deliberate planning. Always be alert to ways to protect our environment during training and missions. In doing so, you will contribute to the sustainment of our training resources while protecting people and the environment from harmful effects. Refer to FM Environmental Considerations and GTA ENVIRONMENTAL-RELATED RISK ASSESSMENT.
EVALUATION: You will be evaluated on the HR Plans & Operations final exam.
INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD-IN. The mission of the military postal system is to operate as an extension of the United States Postal Service (USPS) consistent with public law and federal regulations beyond the boundaries of U.S. sovereignty and provide postal services for all DoD personnel and U.S. contractors where there is no USPS available. The Military Postal System (MPS) provides efficient postal services to authorized personnel and activities overseas during normal and contingency operations.

4. Historical Perspective
“A successful postal service for the armed forces is admittedly the greatest single factor affecting the morale of all troops. In spite of this, the Postal Service was... given inadequate support and left to improvise as best (it) could to provide service...”
COL S.G. Schwartz
Theater Postal Officer
European Theater of Operations
29 August 1945
SHOW SLIDE: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
NOTE: Allow students to read the quote and facilitate a student-centered discussion on whether or not they agree or disagree with the quote and why. Poll the class for previous postal operations experience and at what organizational level.
MOTIVATOR: Mail is a key morale factor for Soldiers and has been throughout history. Among the many HR Services that an S-1 provides, mail is likely to have the greatest impact on unit and individual Soldier morale. The S-1 must learn and understand mail operations doctrine and responsibilities from unit to Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA) level.

5. Outline Postal Operations Mission Mail / Postal Flow
Postal Organizations and Responsibilities
Special Handling Mail
HROB Responsibilities
G-1 / S-1 Postal Responsibilities
Pre-deployment
Deployment
Redeployment
REFERENCES
AR , Unit Postal Operations, 7 Jan 2013
DOD M, Department of Defense Postal Manual, 15 Aug 2002
FM 1-0, Human Resource Support, April 2014
SHOW SLIDE: OUTLINE
The learning activities for this class are:
(1) Define the theater postal operations mission
(2) Describe the flow of mail from CONUS
(3) Identify mail that requires special handling
(4) List pre-deployment, deployment, and redeployment activities for battalions and brigade
Balad APO

6. Mission
The mission of the Military Postal System (MPS) is to operate as
an extension of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Efficient and
effective postal operations require dedicated postal
organizations with trained postal clerks and HR leaders
knowledgeable of postal operations laws, regulations, and
procedures needed in the execution of providing mail and postal
services to deployed units and personnel.
SHOW SLIDE: Mission
Learning Step/Activity 1. Define theater level postal operations.
Method of Instruction: Conference/Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:16
Time of Instruction: 10 mins
NOTE: Refer students to FM 1-0, Chapter 4, Section II.
The mission of MPS is to operate as an extension of USPS consistent with public law and federal regulations beyond the boundaries of US sovereignty and shall provide postal services for all DOD personnel where there is no USPS available.
Remember, in a deployed environment that postal services and support is provided to all authorized DoD personnel, including DA Civilians and contractors.
FM 1-0, paragraph 4-48 & ATP 1-0.2, paragraph 4-1

7. Principles of Postal Operations
Postal Finance Services
Personal Mail
Official Mail
Accountable Mail
Redirect Services
Contaminated / Suspicious Mail
Casualty Mail
EPW Mail
Free Mail (Approved by the Secretary of Defense)
International Mail
Host Nation Support
Contractor Support
SHOW SLIDE: PRINCIPLES OF POSTAL OPERATIONS
Postal Finance Services. Postal platoons provide customer service for postal finance support consistent with the commander's mail policies. These services include money order and postage stamp sales, special services, and package mailing.
Personal Mail is mail addressed to individual Soldiers and civilians. Postal platoons receive, sort, and dispatch personal mail to appointed unit mail clerks/mail orderlies.
Official Mail is that mail addressed to or originating from military or other governmental organizations. Official mail is delivered from the postal platoon to the Official Mail Manager who then delivers to the addressee or agent through official mail distribution channels, a Signal Corps responsibility.
Accountable Mail is Registered, Insured, Certified, Return Receipt for Merchandise or Express Military Mail Service.
Redirect Services. The postal network provides personal, official, and accountable mail redirect services starting at the unit mail clerk level. There are two forms of redirect services: Soldier redirect and unit redirect.
Contaminated / Suspicious Mail. The postal network must develop and implement an SOP for handling and processing contaminated/suspicious mail IAW postal regulations. Contamination may consist of radiological, biological, or chemical agents. Suspicious mail may include conventional explosives or contraband.
Casualty Mail processing requires special attention. This is essential to prevent premature casualty information disclosure and mail return before notification of the NOK. IAW DoD M, unit mail clerks will return all undelivered casualty mail without any endorsements to the servicing postal platoon as soon as possible. The postal platoon(s) forwards casualty mail to the theater casualty mail section at the MMT for endorsement and final processing.
Free Mail. The combatant commander may request through MPSA to the Secretary of Defense free mail services during a specific operation. Free mail is limited to letter mail, sound or video-recorded communications having characteristics of personal correspondence and addressed to a location within the delivery limits of the USPS and MPS.
International Mail. HRSC POD will assess the need for international mail exchange within the theater of operation and identify the postal platoon to conduct that mission. All requests for pro-grade mail support for coalition forces will be submitted by the ASCC to the combatant command.
Host Nation Postal Support. If supported by the host nation, this support can be a critical element of the postal support structure. It frees the military/civilian postal personnel for more critical duties. Host nation personnel can be military or civilian, and they can handle all mail classes except registered mail (domestic or official).
Contractor Support. During military operations, it may become necessary to contract out selected postal services, to include operating entire APOs. The success of contracting postal operations when shifting from a “military operated and military supervised” postal operation to a “contractor operated” postal operations is ensuring the government maintains oversight of the service.
FM 1-0, paragraph 4-66 thru 4-83

8. Postal Organizations (Key Players)
SHOW SLIDE: Postal Organizations and DOCTRINAL Responsibilities
Learning Step/Activity 4. Identify postal responsibilities.
Method of Instruction: Conference/Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:16
Time of Instruction: 15 mins

9. Joint Military Postal Activity (JMPA)
Acts as the single DoD POC with USPS at postal gateways
Coordinates transportation of mail in the host nation
Coordinates mail movement transportation needs with commercial carriers and the military Air Mobility Command (AMC)
Coordinates mail routing scheme changes with postal gateways and maintain the Military Zip Code database
Provides major commands and Military Department Postal Representatives with information on mail processing and irregularities
Assists the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in matters relating to processing, distribution, dispatch and transportation of military mail
SHOW SLIDE: Joint Military Postal Activity (JMPA)
The JMPA provides the interface of military and civilian postal operations at the gateways. There are many gateways throughout the U.S., to include Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Dallas/Ft. Worth, and New York. JMPA-Chicago (JMPA-C) was established on 17 Jun 2013 as a result of USPS consolidating military mail at the Chicago ISC and the disestablishment of both JMPA-Atlantic (JMPA-A) and JMPA- Pacific (JMPA-P). JMPA-C operates with an East and West Region detachments. The East Region Detachments are located at the USPS Jersey City, NJ International and Bulk Mail Center, USPS John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport ISC and Air Mail Facilities in Miami, FL and Chicago, IL. The West Region Detachments are located at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Air Mail Terminal ISC and USPS Air Mail Facility in Honolulu, HI.
its two main headquarters are located at San Francisco and New York/New Jersey.
(1) JMPA manages movement of the mail from the gateway to the theater of operations. As mail arrives at the gateways, the JMPA determines where to send it.
(2) The JMPA acts as a single POC with USPS at gateways. This single interface only occurs at the gateways. JMPA doesn't interface with the USPS outside of the gateways.
(3) The JMPA coordinates mail routing scheme changes with gateways. Remember that changes in the task organization affect the routing scheme.
NOTE: Explain to the students that information flow is the key when talking about the timely delivery of mail. Unit S-1s MUST communicate information regarding the change in routing schemes to their local APO as soon as possible!
JMPA Website
JMPA Presentation
FM 1-0, paragraph 4-52

10. Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA)
DoD Executive Agent for all services; Acts as the single DoD point of contact with the USPS and other government agencies on MPS policy and operational matters
Activates/deactivates contingency APOs
Coordinates initial mail routing schemes with the JMPA(s)
Headed by an Army, Air Force, or Marine Colonel or a Navy Captain (O-6)
The Adjutant General (TAG), Human Resources Command (HRC) is the Executive Director for MPSA
SHOW SLIDE: Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA)
The mission of Military Postal System (MPS) is to operate as an extension of United States Postal Service (USPS) consistent with public law and federal regulations beyond the boundaries of US sovereignty and shall provide postal services for all DOD personnel where there is no USPS available. This would include receiving and delivering mail, all actions required for dispatching from point of origin to ultimate destination, including financial services and processing.
The MPSA is the conduit through which USPS passes along postal directives and policies to the military postal system. MPSA is responsible for all military mail. The Adjutant General (TAG) of the Army is the head of all military postal operations for all branches of service.
The MPSA is the organization that works all military mail handling issues and is headed by an Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps Colonel or Navy Captain. MPSA is located in the Hoffman Building in Alexandria, VA and oversees the San Francisco and NY JMPA commands. In a joint environment, the Joint Task Force (JTF) commander can dictate what service they want to perform the mail operations (it can be shared between the different services). The Postal School at Ft. Jackson teaches not only Army personnel, but Navy, Marine and Air Force personnel as well.
The TAG is the Army functional
proponent for Postal Operations
FM 1-0, paragraph 4-49

11. Postal Operations Division
HRSC
Postal Operations Division
ROA: 1 PER TSC
TSC
ASCC G-1
O6 42H00
O5 42H00
E9 42A5O
Director, HRSC
2/0/1 3
20/7/57 84
O4 42H00 4J
O3 42B00 4J
W3 420A
E7 42A4O F4
E4 42A1O F5
Plans and Ops
Division
W5 42H00
W2 53A00
E7 42A4O
E4 42A1O
Casualty Ops
Division
PA (RSO)
Division
Postal Ops Division
PASR/PRM/IM
Division
O5 42H00
W5 420A
E9 42A6O6S
O4 42H00
W2 420A0
E7 42A4O
O5 42H00
O3 42H00
E8 42A5O
1/1/1 3
0/2/2 4
1/1/1 3
2/0/1 3
2/1/2 5
Operates an AOR locator system and redirect services
Establishes procedures for casualty mail operations
Determines the location and function of AOR postal units
Consults with JMPA to develop mail routing instructions and procedures for optimum mail delivery in theater
Coordinates for AOR level postal supplies and equipment
Conducts Postal Inspections/ Audits
O3 42B00 4J
E6 42A4O F4
E5 42A2O F5
E4 42A1O F5
Tm A
1/0/3 4
SHOW SLIDE: HRSC Postal Operations Division
ATP 1-0.2, paragraph 4-25
The HRSC POD assists the HRSC Director and the ASCC G-1/AG in matters of postal management within the AO and for performing the following critical functions:
• Plan and coordinate with the combatant command and Single Service Postal Manager to request and ensure appropriate MPS resources (e.g., Host Nation Support, Transportation, Facilities, Equipment, etc.) are assigned
• Implement AO postal policies and procedures.
• Appoint the AO Postal Finance Officer and coordinate with all AO Custodian of Postal Effects (COPE) to establish postal finance accounting/claims policies, procedures, and provide daily postal finance support to finance clerks within the MPOs.
• Appoint AO Postal Supply Officer and coordinate all AO level postal supplies/equipment accountability and ordering.
• Determine the location and function of AO postal units.
• Coordinate strategic-level training for MPO representatives to ensure compliance with DoD and USPS policy.
• Develop procedures for postal support of the SCC’s voting program.
• Plan and coordinate MPO openings, closings, and relocations when standing-up a theater of operations.
• Ensure the manning and operation of MMTs and Mail Control Activities (MCAs) in coordination with the theater Single Service Postal Manager and/or theater Air Force Postal Representative.
• Consult with JMPA to develop mail routing instructions and procedures for optimum mail delivery in theater.
• Plan and provide unit mail routing information to the servicing JMPA in coordination with the MMT.
• Establish and operate an AO locator system and redirect services.
• Coordinate AO-level mail transportation support for mail movement to and from all necessary locations within postal platoon(s) AO within the TSC/ESC Distribution Management Center (SPO).
• Establish and monitor procedures for casualty mail operations.
• Coordinate the AO EPW mail plan, and monitor its execution IAW the Geneva Convention; Coordinate requests for Coalition Mail support.
• Employ, establish, and develop suspicious mail procedures; Collect postal statistical and historical workload information from postal units to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improve postal network services.
• Conduct Postal Inspections/Audits.
• Implement procedures for responding to congressional inquiries, customer complaints, inquiries and suggestions.
O3 42B00 4J
E6 42A4O F4
E5 42A2O F5
E4 42A1O F5
Tm B
1/0/3 4
ATP 1-0.2, paragraph 4-25

12. Postal Inspections
CPT TiCondra Swartz of the 8th Human Resources Sustainment Center provides technical guidance during an official Army Post Office (APO) inspection to 1LT Donald Breazeale in reference to the Postal Operations Division policy on duffel bags.
SPC Colby Garrett of the 8th Human Resources Sustainment Center records the results from the Finance section during an official Army Post Office (APO) inspection at FOB Shank.
SFC Class Dawn Ramos of the 8th Human Resources Sustainment Center counts the money received at the Army Post Office (APO) in FOB Shank during an official audit, while Sgt. Randall Myers records the results.
8th Human Resources Sustainment Center (HRSC), 8th Theater Sustainment Command (TSC), deployment, mail, morale, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)

13. Military Mail Terminal (MMT) Team
Mission: Provide postal support to an AOR.
O3 42B 4J DIRECTOR
O2 42B DEP DIRECTOR
E A CHIEF HR SGT
E B MECH
2/1/15 18
MMT TM HQS
2/0/3 4
POSTAL SQUAD B
OPS SEC
POSTAL SQUAD A
Capabilities: Existence based organization employed as part of the theater opening mission to establish a Joint Military Mail Terminal. With augmentation of the HR Company – Postal, provides integrated, accurate, and timely processing of mail.
0/1/2 3
0/0/5 5
0/0/5 5
W2 420A OPS CHIEF
E6 42A3OF4 NCOIC
E4 42A1OF5 HR SPC
E6 42A3OF4 Pstl Supv
E5 42A2OF5 Pstl Sgt
E4 42A1OF5 Pstl Spec
E3 42A1OF5 Pstl Clk (2)
E6 42A3OF4 Pstl Supv
E5 42A2OF5 Pstl Sgt
E4 42A1OF5 Pstl Spec
E3 42A1OF5 Pstl Clk (2)
SHOW SLIDE: Military Mail Terminal (MMT) Team
The MMT Team provides postal support to an AO by establishing an MMT, coordinating, receiving, processing incoming mail, and dispatching mail as described in the Battlefield Flow. It is an organization in the Sustainment Brigade with a theater opening mission which establishes and runs the Army component of a JMMT with the manpower support of an HR Company at the APOD. There is one (1) MMT per inter-theater APOD and 4 Postal Platoons in each MMT.
(1) The MMT team consists of a HQs section, operations section, and 2 postal squads. The HQs section consists of a Director, Deputy Director, and Chief HR SGT as well as 2 vehicle mechanics. The Director, a CPT/O-3, becomes the senior Army officer in the JMMT for all technical matters. The HQs section provides a direct link with other services for operating space at the terminal, flight schedules and ground transportation of mail. The HQs section also provides a single theater level executor with the expertise to support the TSC DMC and ASCC/Army G1 and other senior military leaders on the theater staff concerning MMT operations and issues.
(2) The operation section consists of a 4-man team providing logistical planning, operating guidance, and all other postal staff support. The operations section is the vital link for all theater postal operations planning implementing all necessary input from the other services and guidance from MPSA into the operating plan. It is the operational interface between the MMT and Sustainment BDE SPO HROB which coordinate the distribution of mail received from the MMT.
Equipment is crucial to the success of this theater level postal team. All heavy postal equipment for the theater is associated with the MMT Team. The Team has both a Rough Terrain Cargo Handler (RTCH) and large forklifts to move the bulk mail in and out of the APOD. Satellite Phones, radios and CAISI connectivity provide the necessary communication to track unit movements and control mail movement from CONUS to the theater and across the entire battle space. The MMT is not assigned transportation assets but must coordinate transportation of mail downrange through the HROB of the supporting Sustainment Brigade and the Postal Operations Division of the HRSC.
Transition: MMTs are typically set up in a large warehouse with several subsections.
Provides postal support to an Area of Operations (AO) by coordinating, receiving, processing incoming mail, and dispatching outgoing mail. Responsibilities include:
Provides specialized postal expertise and limited augmentation manpower
Provides accurate & timely processing and distribution of all mail arriving in the AO
Establish a Casualty Mail section to provide casualty mail services to AOR
Distribute mail to HR companies or postal platoons providing area support
Serve as a collection point and routing agency for all retrograde mail coming from within the AOR
ATP 1-0.2, paragraph 4-48

14. Example MMT Layout FLIGHT LINE CONNEX LOADING AREA INBOUND PROCESSING
1. UNLOADS INBOUND MAIL
2. X-RAY MACHINE TO SCREEN MAIL
3. SORTS LETTER MAIL
4. MAINTAINS CURRENT TASK
ORGANIZATION AND UNIT LOCATOR LIST
CONNEX LOADING AREA
HOLDS MAIL AFTER IT HAS
BEEN SORTED TO ZIP
CODE LEVEL
OUTBOUND PROCESSING
1. BAGS SORTED MAIL
2. HOLDS MAIL UNTIL
MOVED TO CONNEXES
3. ENSURES PAPERWORK
IS COMPLETE AND
SECURES CONNEXES
UNTIL MAIL IS
TRANSPORTED
FLIGHT LINE
CONNEX LOADING AREA
TRI-WALLS
MAIL IS SORTED TO
ZIP CODE LEVEL
THEN MOVED TO
CONNEXES FOR
STORAGE
MANIFEST ROOM
ALL PAPERWORK IS
PREPARED FOR SHIPMENT
OF MAIL TO APO’S
OUTBOUND
PROCESSING
INBOUND
PROCESSING
MANIFEST
COMMAND CELL
MMT AND HR COMPANY
LEADERSHIP
CMD CELL
SHOW SLIDE: Example MMT Layout
This is an example of how a typical MMT could be laid out. Mail flows in through inbound and exits through outbound. Large tri-walls are used to sort mail to the zip code level then it is bagged and stored in large connexes until it is time to transport to the local APO. Theater casualty and redirect missions are done at the MMT as well.
NOTE: Ensure students understand that this is not a standard layout of a MMT, merely an example.
REGISTERED ROOM
PROCESSES AND
HOLDS ALL
REGISTERED MAIL –
SECURE ROOM
POSTAL SUPPLY
HOLDS ALL USPS
PROVIDED POSTAL
SUPPLIES
POSTAL
SUPPLY
REDIRECT &
INTERNATIONAL
SECTION
CASUALTY
REGISTERED
ROOM
REDIRECT & INTERNATIONAL
MISSENT & INTERNATIONAL
MAIL ARE PROCESSED
CASUALTY MAIL
MANAGES
THEATER

15. 22
MMT

16. HR Company MISSION (2 / 1 / 23 = 21) Rules of Allocation:
Provide command and control, and technical support to all assigned and attached postal and HR platoons.
HR Company
Headquarters
(2 / 1 / 23 = 21)
Command
Section
Plans &
Operations
Section
Headquarters
Support
Section
Rules of Allocation:
One per Sustainment Brigade
One per Theater Gateway Personnel Accountability Team
One per Military Mail Terminal
One per three-seven platoons (HR, Postal, or any combination)
SHOW SLIDE: HR COMPANY
The HR Company headquarters provides mission command and technical support to all assigned or attached platoons and teams. It is both an existence and workload based modular headquarters. Responsibilities of the HR Company headquarters include:
Provide mission command and oversee training and readiness oversight of all assigned or attached postal platoons.
Provide HR manpower in support of MMT as an element of the theater opening module of a Sustainment Brigade.
Coordinate external support functions such as life support, force protection, transportation and logistics.
Provide logistical and maintenance support to all assigned or attached postal platoons.
Provide execution planning and current operations tracking for postal operations, when augmented with postal plans and operations teams.
FM 1-0, paragraph 4-62

17. Postal Platoon
Mission: Provides postal support to all individuals and units in an assigned area or serve as an element of an MMT.
1/0/36/37
Receives technical guidance through HR Company HQ and Plans and Ops Section
POSTAL
PLATOON
POSTAL
FINANCE
SECTION
POSTAL
SQUAD A
POSTAL
SQUAD B
HQs SECTION
1/0/1/2
0/0/3/3
0/0/16/16
0/0/16/16
E6 42A3OF4 Pstl Supv (2)
E5 42A2OF5 Pstl Sgt (2)
E4 42A1OF5 Pstl Spec (6)
E3 42A1OF5 Pstl Clk (6)
E6 42A3OF4 Pstl Supv (2)
E5 42A2OF5 Pstl Sgt (2)
E4 42A1OF5 Pstl Spec (6)
E3 42A1OF5 Pstl Clk (6)
O2 42B4J Platoon Ldr
E7 42A4OF5 Platoon Sgt
E5 42A2OF5 Pstl Sgt
E4 42A1OF5 Pstl Spec
E3 42A1OF5 Pstl Clk
SHOW SLIDE: Postal Platoon
The mission of a Postal Platoon is to provide postal support to all individuals and units in an assigned area or to serve as an element of an MMT. Postal platoons operate in conjunction with Plans and Operations teams within HR companies.
The postal platoon consists of a headquarters section, postal finance section, and 2 postal squads. The headquarters section provides command and control, leadership, and resourcing.
The postal finance section sells money orders, stamps, and provides accountable mail services.
Each postal squad has the capability to perform operations or services missions or to perform independently as needed as a mobile mail team. The platoons are each equipped with 3 variable reach forklifts to provide efficient mail movement in whatever type of area the platoon is supporting.
The Postal Platoon receives all technical guidance through the HR Company headquarters and the corresponding Postal Plans and Operations Team. The HR Company HQ provides all mission command to the attached postal platoons.
Capabilities: Multifunctional organization providing support for up to 6,000 personnel or
serving as 1 of 4 platoons supporting an MMT. Capable of performing the complete spectrum of postal functions from postal service and postal finance to postal operations.
FM 1-0, paragraph 2-87 and 2-88

18. Postal Platoon Employment and Support
One postal platoon provides postal finance and operations support for up to 6,000 personnel
Should deploy with the main body of combat forces
A trained and fully equipped postal unit requires a minimum of 48 hours to establish postal operations
Postal units must be established prior to the movement of mail in or out of the AOR
Requires capability to communicate digitally and voice to HR CO HQ and
G-1 / S-1 sections of units in the supported area
Provides customer service for postal finance support consistent with commander’s mail policies
Services include money order/postage stamp sales, special services, and package mailing
Services are provided a minimum of 5 days a week at consolidated locations, and as often as tactical situations and manning levels allow
Services can be increased/decreased based on command directives and METT-TC
SHOW SLIDE: Postal Platoon Employment and Support
The platoon deploys to the AO and provides modular, scalable and flexible postal support including postal financial management, services, and mail distribution. The postal platoon is a multifunctional organization providing postal support for up to 6,000 personnel or serving as one of four platoons in support of an MMT.
This universal modular platoon is capable of performing the complete spectrum of postal functions from postal service and postal finance to postal operations. It includes processing incoming bulk mail, coordinating mail transportation to forward platoons, and processing outgoing mail to CONUS.
The platoon requires capability to communicate digitally and via voice to HR Company headquarters, and G-1/AG and S-1 sections of units in the supported area.
ATP 1-0.2, paragraph 4-62 thru 4-66

19. 32

20. Redirect Services
The postal network provides personal, official, and accountable mail redirect service
Soldier redirect applies to individual pieces of mail requiring directory service prior to processing (this includes mail for individual Soldiers who have changed units or locations or have been separated from the unit)
Unit redirect function involves redirecting bags, trays, or pallets of mail because of task organization changes, unit relocation, or unit redeployment
Redirect services depend on the AOR postal policy and the tactical situation
Postal platoons handle redirect of unit mail within their supported area of operation

21. Postal Responsibilities (Key Players)
SHOW SLIDE: G-1/S-1 Postal Responsibilities
Next we are going to discuss the G1’s role, the S-1's duties at both the battalion and brigade level, and explain what actions are necessary throughout the different phases of deployment.
In order for a Brigade S-1 to do his/her job correctly, they must understand the role and responsibilities of the Battalion S-1s.

22. ASCC G-1/AG Postal Section
Coordinate with other service components to develop contingency plans to ensure appropriate postal support for U.S., Joint, multinational forces, and authorized personnel within an AO
Request contingency APO activation or deactivation from MPSA
Develop theater postal policies and procedures
Appoint a command postal representative and ensure annual inspections and postal finance audits are conducted
Show Slide: ASCC G-1/AG Postal Section
The Postal Section of the G1/AG Plans and Operations Programs Policy Branch, provides management oversight of AOR-wide postal operations and services. Other responsibilities include:
Coordinate with other Service components to develop contingency plans to ensure appropriate postal support for U.S., Joint, and multinational forces and authorized personnel within an AO.
Request contingency APO activation/deactivation from MPSA in coordination with deploying command G-1/AGs and other direct reporting units.
Develop theater postal policies and procedures.
Provide resources to perform the MPS mission throughout the AO.
Maintain liaison with host-nation agencies for postal functions.
Monitor postal irregularities and postal offenses reported by the HRSC.
Identify deficiencies in the postal operating systems and take appropriate corrective actions with corresponding agency.
Develop procedures for addressing customer complaints, inquiries and suggestions.
Develop policy for expeditious return of casualty mail IAW DoD M.
NOTE: Combatant Commanders (CCDRs) control theater postal personnel and resources and establish the priority of mail movement from aerial/sea ports of debarkation (APODs/SPODs) and onward to operational areas. The combatant command retains functional responsibility for theater postal operations. One component command will normally be appointed as the Single-Service Postal Manager (SSPM) on all postal issues in the AOR.
FM 1-0, paragraph 4-55 22

23. Corps and Division G-1/AG Responsibilities
Include postal operations in all plans and OPORDs as required
Coordinate w/TSC or higher HQs to ensure the required numbers of postal units or teams are available to support the deployed force
Reconcile postal issues with supporting Sustainment Bde HROB, HRSC POD or with the ASCC G1/AG
Maintain situational awareness of postal operations in the AO
Coordinate w/ASCC G-1/AG to communicate the corps/division commander’s guidance on mail operations
Coordinate with the corps/division G-6 Official Mail Manager for the handling of official mail
Maintain a list of Brigade mail delivery points MDPs
SHOW SLIDE: Division/Corps G-1/AG Responsibilities
The Corps/Division G-1/AG provides policy guidance for mail operations. The G-1/AG, in coordination with the supporting Sustainment Brigade HROB, develops and coordinates postal operations plans for all assigned and attached units within the Corps/Division.
At the division and corps level, the G-1/AG is no longer responsible for handling mail. Their responsibilities lie more in assisting Brigade and Battalion S-1s and in coordination with outside agencies.
G-1/AGs should ensure that postal services are operating smoothly and are incorporated in all aspects of division planning.
FM 1-0, paragraph 4-56

24. HROB Responsibilities
Serves as integrator between the HRSC and assigned or attached HR organizations (e.g., HR
Company and MMT Team)
Ensures the emplacement and displacement of HR support organizations are in synchronization
with the concept of support plans for postal operations
Deploys as part of the ESC or SB early entry element to assist in establishing initial theater
postal operations
Conducts SAVs with the MMT and MPOs
Coordinates with the MMT for postal issues or HRSC POD support
Coordinates with other SPO section branches to establish and execute recurring logistic
requirements for postal operations
Coordinates all mobile postal missions within the AO
Reviews, monitors, and recommends postal asset distribution within the AO and reviews
Requests AMPS accounts for all supported Postal Platoons
Monitors and tracks mail movement throughout the AO
SHOW SLIDE: BDE S-1 Responsibilities
The BDE S-1 develops and coordinates a postal operations plan for assigned and attached units within the brigade. Brigade S-1 duties are very similar to Battalion S-1 duties. The significant difference is that the Brigade must provide the G-1 with the coordinates for the primary and alternate brigade mail delivery point. As previously mentioned, it is important for the Brigade S-1 to communicate changes in task organization to the local APO. The Brigade S-1 performs the following critical tasks:
Establish, manage and support all brigade mail operations in coordination with subordinate battalion S-1s. (In cases where a brigade establishes a unit mailroom/consolidated mailroom (UMR/CMR), mail operations/procedures will be performed similar to the battalion S-1).
Provide the division G-1/AG with grid coordinates or geographical location for the daily MDP and alternate MDPs for the brigade.
Coordinate with the division G-1/AG and G-6 OMM for the handling of official mail in coordination with the brigade S-6 OMM.
Ensure that unit mail clerks handle all mail IAW all postal regulations by conducting inspections.
Coordinate with the division G-1/AG and/or supporting postal platoon to provide postal finance services for units/ activities at remote locations.
Coordinate with the supporting APO for establishment and execution of routine Postal Assistance Visits for all subordinate UMRs/CMRs.
Investigate and reconcile any problems and congressional inquiries within the brigade hindering the delivery of mail to Soldiers/units in a timely manner.
FM 1-0, paragraph 4-69

25. Brigade S-1 Responsibilities
Establish, manage, and support all brigade mail operations in coordination with subordinate battalion S-1s
Establish UMRs as required and ensure adequate unit mail clerks are trained and on orders (DD Form 285) and all mail is handled IAW DOD postal regulations
Provide division G-1/AG with grid coordinates or geographical location for the daily MDP and alternate MDPs for the Brigade
Coordinate with Division G-1/AG and/or supporting postal platoon to provide postal finance services and outgoing (retrograde) mail support for all units/activities including those at remote locations
Coordinate with the supporting APO for routine Postal Assistance Visits for all subordinate UMRs/CMRs
Investigate and reconcile any problems and congressional inquiries within the Brigade hindering the delivery of mail to Soldiers/units in a timely manner
SHOW SLIDE: BDE S-1 Responsibilities
The BDE S-1 develops and coordinates a postal operations plan for assigned and attached units within the brigade. Brigade S-1 duties are very similar to Battalion S-1 duties. The significant difference is that the Brigade must provide the G-1 with the coordinates for the primary and alternate brigade mail delivery point. As previously mentioned, it is important for the Brigade S-1 to communicate changes in task organization to the local APO. The Brigade S-1 performs the following critical tasks:
Establish, manage and support all brigade mail operations in coordination with subordinate battalion S-1s. (In cases where a brigade establishes a unit mailroom/consolidated mailroom (UMR/CMR), mail operations/procedures will be performed similar to the battalion S-1).
Provide the division G-1/AG with grid coordinates or geographical location for the daily MDP and alternate MDPs for the brigade.
Coordinate with the division G-1/AG and G-6 OMM for the handling of official mail in coordination with the brigade S-6 OMM.
Ensure that unit mail clerks handle all mail IAW all postal regulations by conducting inspections.
Coordinate with the division G-1/AG and/or supporting postal platoon to provide postal finance services for units/ activities at remote locations.
Coordinate with the supporting APO for establishment and execution of routine Postal Assistance Visits for all subordinate UMRs/CMRs.
Investigate and reconcile any problems and congressional inquiries within the brigade hindering the delivery of mail to Soldiers/units in a timely manner.
FM 1-0, paragraph 4-57

26. Battalion S-1 Responsibilities
Appointed in writing as the unit postal officer by the BN commander
Ensure that mail clerks are appointed, and trained by the APO / USPS
Coordinate with BDE S-1 for mail support within the designated AO
Inform APO of any task organization changes
Establish UMR; secure enough space to collect, sort, organize, and secure mail
Route daily retrograde mail received by unit mail clerks to servicing APO
Coordinate with S-4 for transportation support for mail pick up at the servicing APO
Monitor unit mail clerks closely to prevent fraud
Collect and forward mail for wounded, deceased, or missing Soldiers and civilians to the servicing APO
Coordinate with the BDE S-6, Official Mail Manager, and BDE S-1 for handling of official mail
Supervise all subordinate unit mail operations
Conduct redirect services
Allow sufficient time for mail clerks to perform daily UMR functions
Investigate and reconcile any problems within the battalion hindering the delivery of mail
Establish and execute an internal UMR Inspection Program
SHOW SLIDE: Battalion S-1 Responsibilities
The battalion S-1 develops and coordinates a postal operations plan for assigned and attached units within the battalion AO by performing the following critical tasks:
Appoint in writing the unit postal officer by the battalion commander.
Coordinate with the brigade S-1 for mail support within the designated area of operations.
Supervise all subordinate unit mail operations.
Coordinate with all subordinate units/individuals for establishment of mail pick up at the UMR/ CMR.
Collect and route daily retro-grade mail received by unit mail clerks to the supporting postal platoon.
Coordinate with the S-4 for transportation support for mail pick up at the servicing APO.
Ensure that mail clerks are appointed, trained, and certified by the supporting APO and can execute mail handling duties IAW AR and DoD M.
Conduct mailroom inspections IAW DoD M and AR
Allow sufficient time for Unit Mail Clerks to perform daily UMR/CMR functions.
Inform the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-1/AG and supporting postal units, through the brigade S-1 of all individual/unit additions and deletions for routine update of the unit directory system.
Collect and forward mail for wounded, deceased, or missing Soldiers and civilians to the supporting APO for further processing.
Coordinate with the brigade S-6 OMM and brigade S-1 for handling of official mail.
Investigate and reconcile any problems within the battalion hindering the delivery of mail.
Establish and execute an internal UMR/CMR Inspection Program IAW the DoD M and AR
Immediately report any postal problems to the Unit Postal Officer and/or commander and brigade S-1. Be familiar with suspicious (i.e. explosive, bio-terrorist) profiles, and be knowledgeable of what to do in the event suspicious mail is delivered.
FM 1-0, paragraph 4-58

27. Appointment of Unit Mail Personnel
Commanders will appoint:
Unit Postal Officer in writing
Alternate Unit Postal Officer in writing
Unit Mail Clerks using DD Form 285
Mail Orderlies using DD Form 285
Postal Officer and Alternate qualifications:
Be a U.S. citizen for classified mail
SSG and above
GS-6 or above
MAIL ROOM INSPECTIONS
Supervisors will check UMRs daily and conduct weekly self-inspections to include:
Compliance with current postal policies and procedures
Maintenance of directory files and unit postal records
Mailroom security
DOD M, C15.8
Show Slide: Appointment of Unit Mail Personnel
Commanders will appoint:
(1) A unit postal officer and an alternate postal officer, who will fulfill the duties of the unit postal officer in his absence, in writing
(2) A unit mail clerk and at least one alternate unit mail clerk using DD Form 285 (Appointment of Military Postal Clerk, Unit Mail Clerk or Mail Orderly).
The qualifications of the postal officer and alternate are that they:
(1) Be a U.S. citizen if required to handle official accountable and first class mail which may contain classified material.
(2) Be an officer or noncommissioned officer in the grade of SSG and above, if military.
(3) Be in the grade of GS–6 or above, if civilian.
Be aware of the sensitive nature of mail problems. There are always congressional complaints and IG complaints regarding how mail is handled and whether packages are received by their intended recipients. S-1s need to be prepared to explain internal mail handling procedures and speak knowledgably of general postal operations.
NOTE: Refer students to Handout, Unit Mailroom Inspection Checklist, explain that this is just an example of a checklist, depending upon the unit and installation, this checklist may be different.
AR , paragraph 2-3 and 2-4 27

28. Mail Clerk Qualifications and Duties
Be a U.S. citizen for classified mail
Have a favorable ENTNAC/NAC
No record of Conviction of Court Martial, Article 15 in the past 12 months for postal related offense, civil convictions, unfavorable conduct, and high moral standards
Servicing installation/APO postal activity screen and certify
ASI F5 not required; however, must carry a valid DD Form 285
Duties
Key to ensuring all letters and parcels are properly and expeditiously delivered
Receive mail from servicing APOs normally sorted to unit level
Deliver mail to addressees
Maintain an accountability roster of unit Soldiers
Process and label redirect mail
Collect and deliver outgoing mail to APO
Establish and maintain DA FM 3955(s) CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND DIRECTORY CARD
Ensure all mail is safeguarded and handled properly
Show Slide: Mail Clerk/Mail Orderlies QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES
Qualifications of Mail Clerks and Mail Orderlies. Personnel conducting mail-handling duties in an area other than a section of a Military Post Office, shall be designated as a "unit mail clerk" or "unit mail orderly." These personnel must meet the following qualifications:
(1) No conviction by court-martial
(2) No Punishment under UCMJ Article 15
(3) No civil court conviction related to a theft or a financial or postal incidents
(4) Have no record of derogatory information or unfavorable conduct that casts doubt on the individual's trustworthiness and integrity
(5) Have no history of psychiatric disorder, alcoholism, or drug abuse, unless a medical evaluation determines the condition no longer exists
(6) Have not been relieved of postal duties for cause
Be a U.S. citizen if handling official Registered mail, and be eligible for a SECRET clearance (have an Entrance National Agency Check (ENTNAC)
Duties. Soldiers who process individual mail and work in the unit mail room (BN/BDE). Typically, UMRs are run at Battalion level. In the event that a BDE establishes a UMR, mail operations will be performed similar to the BN S-1. Mail clerks or orderlies may not violate the privacy of the mail by breaking of the seal of any mail matter. In addition to being serious offense (federal), Mail Fraud is one of the quickest ways to destroy the morale of an organization. It happens more often than you would expect. Don’t let anyone in your postal organization get away with it! Contact the servicing post office if you receive a request to examine, search or seize mail.
Note: Unit commanders or 1SGs may attempt to open Soldiers mail to inspect for prohibited items. They are not allowed to do this. They may order the Soldier to open the package in front of them in order to inspect the contents.
Must possess strong character and good judgment and perform all duties IAW the Army Values 28

29. Pre-Deployment
Train and appoint (in writing) a Unit Postal Officer and Alternate
Train and appoint (DD Form 285) a Primary Mail Clerk and Alternates (forward and rear)
Provide mailing information to deploying personnel and their family members (mailing address)
Ensure a DD Form 2258 (Temporary Mail Disposition Instructions) is completed for all deploying personnel to show their mail disposition instructions
Provide separate and secure storage space for all “HOLD” mail
SHOW SLIDE: Pre-Deployment
Battalion and BDE S-1s should ensure the following are completed during a unit’s pre-deployment phase:
Train and appoint qualified mail personnel so that upon arrival in theater mail service to the Soldier is not disrupted. In addition to the required clerks and supervisors being appointed, during contingencies, various personnel should be appointed as mail handlers, commonly referred to as “mail orderlies.”
Provide mailing instructions to deploying personnel and their family members.
For mail disposition, ensure DD Form 2258 (Temporary Mail Disposition Instructions) is completed.
“HOLD” mail includes anything the service member does not wish to have forwarded and is to be held at the permanent duty station mailroom. Separate and secure storage space must be provided for this mail.

30. Mailing Information for Deploying Personnel
Who to notify of deployment
Financial Institutions for single Soldiers
DO NOT notify business correspondents or magazine publishers (unless on a long deployment)
Mailing Restrictions
Mail going to the APO system is subject to the same regulations as mail entering the international mail system
Alcoholic beverages, narcotics, weapons, munitions, explosives, and other hazardous materials, pornography, and other country restrictions may apply
Mail Delivery Options
Complete DD Form 2258 (Temporary Mail Disposition Instructions)
Complete PS Form 3801 (Standing Delivery Order)
Never include country name; may cause to be routed through international mail channels and delay delivery
Mail Disposition Options
Forward all mail to deployed address
Deliver all mail to spouse
Deliver all mail to a designated individual
Forward only mail addressed specifically to the Soldier
“ HOLD” all mail (not recommended for a deployment longer than 30 days)
SHOW SLIDE: Mailing Information for Deploying Personnel
Battalion and Brigade S-1s must ensure the following information is disseminated to Soldiers regarding who to notify of their address change for a deployment and mailing restrictions.
Notification of proper personnel with correct mailing information reduces misrouted mail. Personal correspondents (family and friends) and financial institutions for single Soldiers should be notified, however business correspondents and magazines should not be notified, unless the deployment is projected to be a long deployment.
Mail Restrictions are established by the host country and also the combatant commanders. Though many Soldiers think that it is okay to have their family and friends mail them pornography or alcohol, Soldiers must be reminded that these items are prohibited by most deployed locations and, if a Soldier is caught with prohibited items they may be subject to UCMJ (at the commander’s discretion).
Soldier’s have several choices regarding their mail disposition during deployment and S-1s should ensure they are aware of the choices prior to making a determination. Soldiers must ensure the mail room is aware of how they want mail handled before they leave and having the proper authorization documents is critical. These instructions must be changed after deployment. Soldiers’ choices typically include:
Forward all mail to deployed area.
Deliver all mail to spouse.
(3) Deliver all mail to a designated individual.
(4) Forward only mail addressed specifically to the Soldier.
(5) Hold all mail (not recommended for deployments longer than 30 days).

31. Arrival Into the AOR
Initiate contact with supporting APO immediately upon arrival at deployed location (verify mailing address, SOPs, prohibited items, etc.)
Ensure mail clerks are trained and certified for continuous mail service (by postal platoon); identify on orders personnel to handle official mail
Provide a unit task organization and manning roster of all unit personnel to supporting APO
Coordinate transportation with S-4 to receive and dispatch mail to/from the APO; ID dedicated ‘mail truck’ (closed/covered military vehicle)
Establish commo link with APO to check mail volumes to ensure vehicle support is capable of picking up all available mail
Establish UMR (secure location to sort and lock up mail)
SHOW SLIDE: Arrival into the AOR
Upon arrival into the AOR, it is critical that the unit mail clerk personally stop by the APO that will serve them and notify them of the unit’s arrival and provide a unit manning roster. Communication between the unit and the APO is important.
(1) Keep the APO notified of any unit or individual Soldier changes.
(2) Verify mailing address with the APO and disseminate to all unit members and have them notify family members. Sometimes the mailing address given at pre-deployment may change upon arrival in theater.
(3) Determine the transportation requirements to get mail is critical. If there is not an APO on the unit's installation, convoy and security measures can greatly disrupt mail flow. Coordinate with S4 to ensure that a designated vehicle is available during mail call to transport mail to/from the APO. Without it, the mail cannot be moved, and Soldiers won’t receive their mail. Mail must be transported to and from mail services areas in a closed/covered military vehicle. Mail must be safeguarded at all times during transit. Only USPS mailbags or approved containers will be used to transport mail.

32. Postal Service: Immature Theater
Theater Opening elements include MMT Team and HR Company
Combatant commander determines mail restrictions at beginning of deployment
Free mail: Authorized by the President or the SECDEF
Must weigh less than 12 ounces
Be a First Class letter, tape, or video (personal communication)
Planning Factors
2 lbs per Soldier per day = mail volume
One 20-foot container = 8,000 lbs of mail
One 40-foot container = 16,000 lbs of mail
ZIP codes assigned by MPSA. Initially unit-based; as theater matures ZIP becomes location-based
SHOW SLIDE: Postal Service: Immature Theater
Mail is handled differently at the very beginning of combat operations in an AOR (the beginning of combat operations themselves, NOT the beginning of a unit rotation). The COCOM commander determines mail restrictions at the beginning of an operation.
(1) An example of a mail restriction is that the COCOM commander may limit mail to only letters during the first 30 days of an operation. This is to give the theater time to mature and the units time to set up and become operational.
(2) The President or the Secretary of Defense determines free mail authorization and free mail must be less than 12 ounces and consist of first class letters, tape or video.
(3) At the start of an operation, units must plan for the volume of mail and different types of mail they are authorized. For planning purposes, the factors of 1.5 pieces per Soldier per day and 1.95 pounds per Soldier per day is normally used. Commanders should explain to Soldiers that if they are making frequent moves for operational reasons, their mail may be delayed.

33. Postal Service: Mature Theater
Inform APO of any Task Organization / individual changes
Collect and route daily outgoing mail to the servicing APO
Mandatory daily mail pickup from the servicing APO
Ensure incoming mail is collected and sorted daily
Ensure directory service (redirect) is performed in a timely manner
Collect and forward casualty mail
Establish internal UMR Inspection Program
SHOW SLIDE: Postal Service: Mature Theater
Once a theater has reached sustainment phase and has matured, mail can be handled differently. The following are considered typical S-1 mail functions in a mature theater:
(1) Informing APOs of changes in unit location or individuals ensures no disruption of mail service and mail to individuals is promptly forwarded. Keep them updated so that your Soldiers have no interruption of mail services!
(2) Ensuring availability of mail clerks and planning for their replacements is critical. The mailroom will not be allowed to operate without a fully trained mail clerk.
(3) Routine checking of directory mail is important. Often mail clerks will get behind in this tedious function and this causes long delays in processing and dispatching mail.
(4) Units may be tasked to provide personnel support to the APOs during periods of high volume of mail, particularly during the December holiday season.

34. FOBs without APOs (For Mobile Mission)
Schedule an appointment with servicing APO
Provide a clean, dry area for postal operations
Ensure all boxes being mailed are unsealed and customs forms are completely filled out prior to inspection
Provide an amnesty box at site
Assist with transportation and billeting for Mobile Postal Team (if necessary)
Assist with coordination of security and transportation of mail back to servicing APO area (if necessary)
Show Slide: FOBS Without APOs
BN/BDEs who have units at outlying FOBs (without servicing APOs) must be prepared to coordinate postal operations for these units. Here are some of the steps that should be taken. Contact your APO for ultimate coordination and specific procedures.

35. Redeployment Notify supporting APO and provide departure date
Provide mail forwarding instructions for all redeploying personnel
Notify correspondents to stop mailings at least days prior to the departure date
Immediately notify supporting Post Office and Unit Mailroom of return to CONUS
Reserve Component Units should notify MOB Station of their redeployment and unit forwarding address
Ensure each redeploying Soldier completes a DA Form 3955 (Change of Address)
Kept by unit mail clerk
Unit completes with home station address
Turn unit alpha roster to servicing postal unit
Postal unit will forward mail to the home station address. Unit mail clerk is responsible for forwarding mail to Soldier’s new address.
Ensure Soldiers are aware of PROHIBITED ITEMS
SHOW SLIDE: Redeployment
Upon receiving redeployment orders, S-1s must do similar, but reverse, things than they did upon deploying:
Advise APO of unit departure date and provide them a list of all Soldiers effected. Provide forwarding addresses for individuals or the unit as a whole.
Soldiers should notify correspondents to stop sending mail 10 to 15 days prior to departure.
Upon arrival at redeployment location, be sure to notify the local Post Office of the unit’s arrival.
Reserve component units must notify the mobilization station of redeployment and unit forwarding address.
Ensure each redeploying soldier completes a DA Form 3955 (Change of Address). Postal unit will forward mail to the home station address. Unit mail clerk (at home stations) is responsible for forwarding mail to soldier’s new address.
Ensure Soldiers are aware of all mailing restrictions and distribute information on nonmailable items so that they can properly package and send their personal belongings home on time. Again, this guidance changes often, so contact the APO for the most recent information.

36. Postal Operations in Deployed Theater Standard Mail delivers from
(Maneuver Area)
(Corps/Division)
(ASCC)
(CONUS) II X
BRIGADE
S-1
CORPS/
DIVISION
G1/AG XX
XXX
ASCC G1
XXXX
Provide policy for mail operations in Corps/Division AO
Reconcile postal problems with supporting HROB and HRSC POD
Develops Theater postal policies
Requests APO activation/deactivation from MPSA
MPSA
Develops postal operations plans for subordinate units
Establishes CMR/UMR
Collects mail from APO
Conducts inspections of mail rooms
DoD executive agent; single POC with USPS for MPS policy
Works for the TAG in AHRC
HRSC POD
Conducts Theater postal inspections and audits
Consults with MPSA and JMPA
Operates AOR locator system and redirect services
ESC/SB
HROB
Recommends placement of postal platoon support
Conducts SAV/Inspections of postal platoons
Monitor mail volume and reconcile postal issues in AO
JMPA
Single DoD POC at Postal gateways
Maintains the zip code database
Coordinates mail movement with AMC
BATTALION
S-1
MMT
Provides AO postal support for prograde and retrograde mail operations
Distributes mail to forward postal platoons
Establishes casualty mail section
Inter-Theater APOD
Coordinates with Brigade S-1 for mail support
Ensure mail clerks are appointed and trained by APO
Postal Platoon
(APO) 14
Click One: Point of Incident
Click Two: Battalion submits DA Form 1156 to their supporting Brigade within 3 hours of the incident
Click Three:
Standard Mail delivers from
CONUS to JOA JMMT
Provide postal finance and operations support for up to 6000 personnel
Receives mail from MMT and distribute to Brigade S-1s and units
Systems utilized to execute postal operations: AMPS, DTAS, , RLAS, SIDPERS
JMPA = Joint Military Postal Activity
MPSA = Military Postal Support Agency
MMT = Military Mail Terminal
HRSC POD = Human Resources Sustainment Center Postal Operations Division
ASCC G1 = Army Service Component Command G1
AMPS = Automated Postal System
DTAS = Deployed Theater Accountability System
LEGEND:
Postal Flow
Postal Support (Policy and Procedures)

37. Mail Flow (Family to Soldier)
US POSTAL
SERVICE
US POST OFFICE
MOVED VIA USPS
FAMILY SENDS SOLDIER PACKAGE OR LETTER
US POSTAL
PROCESSING
CENTER
MOVED VIA USPS
US FLAG CARRIER
US GATEWAY (JMPA)
AERIAL MAIL
TERMINAL or MMT
(HR Company – Postal/Postal Platoon)
SHOW SLIDE: Deployed Mail Flow
Learning Step/Activity 2. Describe the correct mail flow from CONUS to deployed locations.
Method of Instruction: Conference/Discussion
Instructor to Student Ratio: 1:16
Time of Instruction: 15 mins
This slide walks through the process of a letter mailed from someone in the United States to a deployed Soldier. The reverse process is similar.
First, the letter is transported via USPS from the mail box to the local US Postal Processing Center, then it is transported, again by USPS, to the nearest Gateway. It leaves USPS control at the Gateway and enters the Military Postal System.
Mail is either flown or shipped on a US flag carrier plane or US registered ship. Mail arrives at the nearest Military Mail Terminal to the letter’s destination (determined by the zip-code). The MMT breaks it down to the zip code level and ships it to the local APO. The APO further breaks mail down by unit. It is typically picked up by the Battalion S-1 section who sort it further in the UMR and then gets it to the Soldier.
Transition: This overall mail flow process can be accomplished in many ways.
BN OR BDE S-1 RECEIVES MAIL AT APO
BROKEN DOWN MAIL IS SHIPPED TO SERVICING APO
APO
(Postal Platoon)
UMR/CMR

38. Summary Postal Operations Mission Mail / Postal Flow
Postal Organizations and Responsibilities
Special Handling Mail
G-1 / S-1 Postal Responsibilities
Pre-deployment
Deployment
Redeployment
SHOW SLIDE: SUMMARY
Postal Operations Mission
Mail / Postal Flow
Postal Organizations and Responsibilities
Special Handling Mail
G-1 / S-1 Postal Responsibilities
Pre-deployment
Deployment
Redeployment

39. Terminal Learning Objective
ACTION: Coordinate Deployed Postal Operations
CONDITIONS: Given classroom instruction and access to AR (Unit Postal Operations), DOD M (DOD Postal Manual) and FM 1-0 (Human Resources Support), ATP (Theater-Level Human Resources Support) and awareness of the Operational Environment.
STANDARD: Score 70% or higher on a knowledge based exam including the following learning activities:
1. Define theater level postal operations.
2. Describe the correct mail flow from CONUS to deployed locations.
3. Define special handling mail categories.
4. Identify postal responsibilities
SHOW SLIDE: Terminal Learning Objective
NOTE: Review the TLO and explain this class is based on doctrine from FM This lesson focuses on a postal operations in a deployed environment and not on garrison or OCONUS operations such as in Germany or Korea.
NOTE: Remind students that discussion is encouraged; however, we must ensure we don’t confuse our personal postal experiences with what FM 1-0 doctrine dictates.
NOTE: This block of instruction includes Chapter 4, Section II of FM The instructor should also be familiar with AR (Unit Postal Operations) and DoD Manual M (DoD Postal Manual).
NOTE: Inform students of the TLO requirements.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. In a training environment, leaders must perform a risk assessment in accordance with DA PAM , Risk Management. Leaders will complete a DD Form 2977 Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet during the planning and completion of each task and sub-task by assessing mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available-time available and civil considerations, (METT-TC). Local policies and procedures must be followed during times of increased heat category in order to avoid heat related injury. Consider the work/rest cycles and water replacement guidelines IAW TRADOC Regulation Note: During MOPP training, leaders must ensure personnel are monitored for potential heat injury. Local policies and procedures must be followed during times of increased heat category in order to avoid heat related injury. Consider the MOPP work/rest cycles and water replacement guidelines IAW FM , Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Protection, FM , Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Decontamination.
RISK ASSESSMENT LEVEL. Low.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT. Environmental protection is not just the law but the right thing to do. It is a continual process and starts with deliberate planning. Always be alert to ways to protect our environment during training and missions. In doing so, you will contribute to the sustainment of our training resources while protecting people and the environment from harmful effects. Refer to FM Environmental Considerations and GTA ENVIRONMENTAL-RELATED RISK ASSESSMENT.
EVALUATION: You will be evaluated on the HR Plans & Operations final exam.
INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD-IN. The mission of the military postal system is to operate as an extension of the United States Postal Service (USPS) consistent with public law and federal regulations beyond the boundaries of U.S. sovereignty and provide postal services for all DoD personnel and U.S. contractors where there is no USPS available. The Military Postal System (MPS) provides efficient postal services to authorized personnel and activities overseas during normal and contingency operations.