The low-down on vehicle break-downs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michaela R. Slanchik
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Team Whiteman depends on hundreds of vehicles to accomplish daily tasks in support of the mission. Without proper maintenance and care, Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., could lose these vital assets.

The 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) vehicle maintenance unit performs daily maintenance on government vehicles to ensure they are fully operational. However, they need every operator's help.

509th LRS provides an Air Force Form 1800, Operator's inspection Guide and Trouble Report, which operators must review to inspect vehicles before each use.

Accomplishing inspection items on the checklist, such as checking fluid levels, helps with early detection of problems and ensures vehicles are returned in proper condition.

If Airmen do not follow proper procedures or mishandle vehicles, the consequences can cost thousands of dollars that the Air Force is not provided funding for.

"When government vehicles are not treated correctly, they break down more often and more severely," said Brian Poese, 509th LRS vehicle management flight chief.  "When a vehicle is driven with a known problem, it drives up repair costs and vehicle downtime very quickly.  For example, if you hear your brakes squeaking but you don't turn the vehicle in until you hear them grinding, the difference in repairs jumps from less than $100 to costs that can easily exceed $1,000 for larger vehicles."

For calendar years 2012 through 2015, the total cost of government vehicle accidents and abuses at Whiteman is $398,100 to date.

"The vehicle maintenance shop receives at least one vehicle a day that has no oil showing on the dipstick," said Poese. "This means the engine is at least two quarts low, and in many cases can be five or six quarts low on oil. The potential is that an engine with no oil will seize, and new engines cost anywhere between $3,000 for a small, gas engine and up to $30,000 or $40,000 for a large diesel engine like those found in truck tractors or heavy equipment."

In addition to vehicles forming mechanical issues due to misuse, government vehicles have suffered body damage resulting from unsecured cargo.

"Whenever a vehicle is turned in with damage or mechanical issues that cannot be attributed to fair wear and tear, a vehicle accident or abuse case is opened and the owning unit commander is directly notified," said Poese. "According to Air Force Instruction 24-302, any costs associated with this damage are billed to the unit at fault for the damage."

Maj. Kellie Courtland, 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, said that Airmen should take care of government vehicles like they would their own.

"A lot of these vehicles are mission essential, but when they are abused, we no longer have them operational for the mission," said Courtland.

A common misconception among vehicle users is that government vehicles can easily be replaced, said Poese.

"Unless a vehicle is destroyed or requires repairs beyond a reasonable expected return on investment, vehicles will generally not be replaced until they are 20 years old," said Poese.

To avoid fraud, waste and abuse and to promote longevity of government vehicles, they are to be used solely to perform mission-related tasks. To discover the purpose of an assigned vehicle, ask the unit vehicle control officer (VCO) to see the Air Force Form 601, Equipment Action Request, which justifies the vehicle's use.
LRS plans to implement new programs to keep vehicle operators aware and informed in order to prevent accidents and abuse.

"In December, we are going to provide new, face-to-face VCO briefings to remind operators how to better maintain these vehicles, ensure proper care is being accomplished and answer any questions," said Courtland. "The next part of the solution is to have a Maintenance Day at each squadron. In January, Whiteman's mechanics will go out to each squadron and teach Airmen how to spot early signs of vehicle concerns."

Another program that is being employed is the VCO of the Quarter Award.

"We are looking for those Airmen who are doing an exemplary job," said Courtland. "We're using this positive messaging to stop this negative trend."

If every vehicle operator and inspector follows the correct guidelines and procedures, it could help promote safety and save thousands of dollars annually.