MOD SHOWS INTEREST IN WEAPONS INVENTORY CONTROL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 003349

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/22/2015
TAGS: PREL PTER PARM YM COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: MOD SHOWS INTEREST IN WEAPONS INVENTORY CONTROL
SYSTEM

REF: A. STATE 207948

B. SANAA 3231

C. SANAA 269

Classified By: DCM Nabeel Khoury for reasons 1.4 b and d.


1. (C) Summary: During a November 21 meeting, Office of
Military Cooperation Chief and DATT briefed Minister of
Defense MG Abdullah Ali Aliwa on a proposed weapons inventory
control system. OMC Chief explained the basic concept of the
system and reiterated USG willingness to assist in its
implementation. Aliwa accepted the brief with interest and
promised to soon provide post with an official response. End
Summary.

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Building Upon Saleh's Washington Visit
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2. (C) Seeking to reinforce the message President Saleh
received during his recent visit to Washington on the
importance of stemming the proliferation of SA/LW (ref A),
OMC Chief met with Aliwa on November 15 to encourage the
immediate implementation of a weapons inventory control
system. Such a system, he explained, is crucial to
preventing officially procured weapons from ending up in the
hands of terrorists. Aliwa requested additional information
on how such a system would operate.

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What is a Weapons Inventory System?
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3. (C) In response to the request, OMC Chief briefed the
Minister on the proposed system during a November 21 meeting.
He explained that the system uses standard inventory control
software and barcodes to track weapons and parts. The system
would allow MOD to closely monitor the quantity and location
of weapons, helping prevent slippage from official stocks.


4. (C) Aliwa asked if such a system applied to American
weapons and spare parts only. OMC Chief explained that the
system would be capable of inventorying any supply item, from
weapons and spare parts to boots and cots. The system would
not only give MOD a clearer picture of its weapons stocks,
but would also allow them to plan for the adequate
procurement of spare parts and ammunition needed to complete
missions.


5. (C) As a first step, OMC Chief suggested that Foreign
Military Financing (FMF) funds be used to install an
inventory system at one major unit, such as the Yemen Special
Operations Forces (YSOF). (Note: The YSOF Commander is
Saleh's son and post has already established a relationship
with the unit through FMF-funded training program.) After
YSOF proves a successful test case, the system could then be
expanded to all the armed forces. DATT encouraged Aliwa to
use the upcoming visit of CENTCOM Commander (ref B) to
formally agree to an inventory system, thereby demonstrating
the ROYG's commitment to strengthening security cooperation
following Saleh's visit to Washington. Aliwa promised to
soon provide post with an official response.



6. (C) Comment: Ultimately, the decision to implement a
weapons inventory system rests with President Saleh, who
must muster the political will to end the well-established
practice of using legitimately procured SA/LW for political
patronage (ref C). While ROYG officials clearly understand
the threat an inventory system poses to this lucrative
practice, it is also evident that officials like Aliwa have
little understanding of what an inventory system really
entails. The concept of electronically monitoring
procurement and distribution processes is a novel one, even
for basic official supplies, let alone weapons. Working with
MOD officials to demystify the technical aspects of an
inventory system should help facilitate its implementation,
once Saleh gives the go-ahead. End comment.
Krajeski