RESPONSIBILITIES

B-1. The object of preventive maintenance is to avert equipment failure by finding and fixing minor problems before major defects occur. The company commander is responsible for preventive maintenance on all organic equipment, and can disseminate maintenance responsibility, as an additional duty, to a subordinate officer. Preventive maintenance requires the use of POL and hazardous materials, and it is the commander’s responsibility to ensure proper actions are taken for environmental concerns. The commander should implement policies and procedures to cover the proper storage, disposal, spill response and compliance with applicable environmental regulations.

B-2. Platoon leaders, aided by platoon sergeants and squad leaders, are responsible to the company commander for supervising preventive maintenance, providing technical advice and assistance to operators performing preventive maintenance, and reporting required repairs that are beyond the scope of preventive maintenance. The equipment operator is responsible for doing the required preventive maintenance on his equipment. When possible, all operators should be permanently assigned to their equipment and no one else should operate the equipment except in an emergency.

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B-3. The platoon leader is responsible for the maintenance of assigned platoon equipment. This includes the platoon's weapons, protective masks, communications equipment, rolling stock and ground support equipment. The proper implementation of a strict preventive maintenance program is imperative, as failure will severely impact unit readiness. Although it may seem daunting to establish a maintenance schedule that covers all assigned equipment, it can be completed by establishing priorities and understanding the requirements for each piece of equipment.

B-4. To be successful in maintaining assigned equipment, the platoon leader will have to delegate supervisory responsibility for preventive maintenance to the platoon sergeant and the squad leaders. By explaining the impact of a good maintenance program, and by gaining the acceptance of platoon leadership, Soldiers will clearly understand expectations. Also, responsibility for assigned equipment should be designated to the lowest level, to foster a sense of ownership within Soldiers. The platoon leader should know how to perform preventive maintenance, and conduct inspections. The platoon leader should have operators present during technical inspections and ensure operator maintenance is complete prior to equipment undergoing field level maintenance from the maintenance platoon. Also, operators can assist mechanics during scheduled or unscheduled field maintenance, to gain a better understanding of the piece of equipment and to expedite its service or repair.

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B-5. Preventive maintenance performed by the operator is accomplished according to the 10 level TM commonly referred to as the -10. The -10 is the primary guide to use in preventive maintenance, and are specific to types of equipment. The technical manual gives information needed to find and fix problems

Appendix B

B-2 ATP 4-11 5 July 2013

discovered during preventive maintenance checks or equipment operation. It lists possible problems, explains what may cause them, and suggests how to correct them. Problems not covered in the -10 TM should be reported to unit maintenance. Preventive maintenance performed by the operators includes cleaning, inspecting, servicing, preserving, lubricating, adjusting, and spot-painting. It also includes making minor replacements that can be accomplished with basic issue item (BII) tools. Operators perform preventive maintenance checks and services as follows:

Before Operations

B-6. Operators perform services prior to operating assigned equipment. The service includes checks and services done at the start of each day's operation, in accordance with the 10 level TM for the piece of equipment. By checking the equipment prior to operation, it ensures that the equipment is safe for use, fully functional, has no deadlining faults, and that no major damage has resulted since the last service.

During Operations

B-7. Operators should also perform services while operating equipment. This service mainly includes observation of the equipment during use, by monitoring vital gauges and listening for unusual noise. The operator can look for malfunctions while operating, and correct, if possible. The operators will report faults upon return of the equipment, if anything is noted. If the equipment sustains a malfunction unable to be corrected and can further damage the equipment or personnel, the operator should cease use and immediately report the deficiency.

After Operations

B-8. Upon completion of a mission, the operator should perform an after action service. This type of service should include an inspection, cleaning, refueling, and the operator should conduct a service on the equipment as needed. If faults are identified, the operator should report deficiencies on the appropriate maintenance worksheet and to platoon leadership.

Scheduled Service

B-9. Scheduled services are conducted by maintenance personnel assigned to the maintenance platoon. Scheduled services are usually conducted semi-annually and annually, based on the type of equipment. Operators have a vested interest in assisting a scheduled service, to facilitate maintenance personnel, return the equipment quickly, and gain knowledge of the piece of equipment.

Note. For information containing details on forms and records used to document maintenance services, see DA Pamphlet 750-8.