Smyrna times., 1962-12-13
BY SSGT BOB OLSEN

by OCJ L DOD OLOLAN
The motor pool at Dover Air
Force Base has gone automatic
and we don't mean trans
missionl
Recently an automatic data
system for vehicle dispatch was
adopted by the l607th Trans
portation Squadron at this MATS
base.
The new system is designed
to improve services to the user
of USAF vehicles, increase ef-
ficiency In reporting vehicle use
and provide for timely replace
ment of old or worn out veh-
icles.
Although the system has only
been In use for a little more
than a month, 1t has received
high praise from base officials
and even more important 4
from motor vehicle operators
and persons directly re-
sponsible for carrying 1t out.
Staff Sergeant Eugene Dun
can, chief dispatcher for the
base motor pool, said. '"We had
some problems at first, but as
we went along things seemed to
fall into place and you should
see the manhours that are
saved" Duncan, who attendeda a
special IBM school In Philadel-
phia, is charged with training
all motor pool dispatchers in
the use of mechanized equip
ment; mainly the IBM puncher
used for the data system cards.
''The system is not new to
the Air Force" Duncan said.
"Back In 1858 three pilot auto
native shops on different bases
we're assigned projects to de-
velop and test 1t on mechan-
izing vehicle operation re-
cords. Results of the test set
a standard system which was
developed to replace the old
cumbersome manual system.
We started the plan here at
Dover the first of November.
"The objectives." he added.
"are to provide an automated
data collection system at base
level for operating activities,
to transmit the data to the
vehicle inventory data control
depot and to limit the collection
of information to essential ell
ements for management requir-
ments."
The organization at base level
which has the responsibility for
management of USAF equipment
is the Base Equipment Manage
ment Office (BEMO), a word
which is becoming more and
more familiar to Dover people.
BEMO must account for and
report on all equipment author
izarions and assets for Dover
Air Force Base, including ten
ant units supported by the base.
Although the system is new to
motor pool people, they are
learning fast, reports Captain
William Diggs, motor pool Of
ficer.
During the first few weeks
of the system some operators
lost or turned in incomplete
operator cards. This is pro-
blem becuase the information
on the card can not be replaced
and the incomplete report
causes a delay or lack of re-
placement vehicle.
''Another problem we had was
refueling. Eventually under the
new system all base vehicles
will be refueled at the Air Force
filling station. Now some op-
orators are using other refuel-
ing points. This has to stop
because, at the same time a
vehicle is gased at an Air
Force station, an Inspector de-
briefs the operator. He has to
look for malfunctions and then
route the vehicle to the ap-
lpropriate maintenance shop.
This prevents a future major
overhaul.
"VehicleS that are refuelec
from drums, cans and other
sources can not receive main
tenance service. AT some time
or other, they will be out o.
service for major repairs be-
cause they we're not reported. :
Most comments received
from vehicle operators on the
system have been good. Opera
tors seem to like the new trtE
ticket or operator card better
than the old form. The old form
required a driver to list hi:
trips individually from poin
to point. Time departed and tint
arrived had to be recorded alont
with the mileage. With the nev
card, drivers list only the ou
mileage, fuel and oil, when re-
ceiving the operator card AM
vehicle. The card which is hi
trip ticket is good for two weeks
The old form had to be renewe,
every eight hours.
UThiS in-itSelf Saves man,