Competent mechanics with a complete knowledge of the function and repair of the types of vehicles used must be on the alert at all times to correct deficiencies before they cause failures. Too often such minor defects are neglected for the pressing job on which his attention is directed, and as a result work must be done over at a future date. Constant supervision and inspection of all vehicles is necessary. Often in giving vehicle a technical inspection deficiencies can be detected before they become major and require extensive second or third echelon work. Preventive maintenance must be performed regularly on every vehicle, weekly, monthly, and semi-annually.
Vehicles used in a combat zone require more than minimum maintenance.
A system providing for two weeklys per week and two monthlys per month could be put into effect with a small increase in allocation of personnel. The extra personnel required to perform the additional preventive maintenance would be made up in time from those released from second echelon repair work. Such a system would call for a work load of four monthlys per day in a Quartermaster Company. This work load could be carried with a trained PM crew, in which each man knows his job and performs it as a member of a team. In addition to second echelon preventive maintenance, driver maintenance must be performed.