MT 25
Sep 69
(Cancels MT 25 Jun 68)

RAASC CENTRE
 
MECHANICAL VEHICLE TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

  1.    Aim
    The aim of this precis is to explain the system for the provision, issue and accountability of tools and equipment for mechanical vehicles.

       Provision of tools and equipment

  2.    The number and types of vehicles a unit is entitled to hold is shown in both its Establishment and Equipment Tables. These constitute the authority for that unit to indent for a vehicle and, at the same time, for the tools and equipment necessary to operate the vehicle.

       Complete Equipment Schedules

  3.    The type and amounts of tools and equipment authorised for a particular vehicle is contained in a document known as a "Complete Equipment Schedule" (CES). A separate CES is provided for each type of vehicle.
  4.    An example of a CES - that is for a 'TRUCK, UTILITY, ¼ TON, G.S.' is attached as Annex A. It will be noted that the Schedule is divided into three main parts.
    1.    Part 1 - The basic vehicle.
    2.    Part 2 - The Associated stores. (This is in the form of a separate CES).
    3.    Part 3 - Information Section.
  5.    The Accessory Maintenance Kit included in Part 2 of this CES is attached as Annex B.

       Issue and Accounting

  6.    Issues and accounting to units is in accordance with normal procedures.
  7.    Tools required for servicing, minor adjustments and repairs are contained in CES (Aust) No 2003 TOOL KIT, Truck unit, servicing. Copy is attached as Annex C. These kits are indented for by the unit in the normal manner, the entitlement of which is prescribed by a ratio of unit vehicle holdings.
  8.    Issues by the unit to individual drivers are carried out by means of a Inventory (AAF F53). CES items are listed on the AAF F53 and signed for by the driver.

       The Inventory

  9.    The Inventory, (see Annex D), is made out in duplicate by the unit QM or his representative. All entries other than the "balance" column (column 12) being made in ink. Column 12 is filled in with pencil for obvious reasons.
  10.    Inventories should be serially numbered, and distributed:
    1.    One copy retained by the driver.
    2.    One copy retained by the unit QM or his representative (eg, the unit technical storeman).
  11.    Issues of toolkits should also be recorded on the member's AAF F12b (Record of Temporary Issues). Complete kit only being shown, individual items as stated in para 8 above.

       Care and use of tools etc

  12.    Tools and equipment are valuable stores, and must be used carefully and properly.
  13.    It is a unit responsibility to see that all tools and equipment held on charge are:
    1.    In servicable condition.
    2.    In proper working order.
    3.    Complete in all details.
    4.    Not held in excess of the authorised scale.

       In the case of tools and equipment for mechanical vehicles, this is well within the scope of the unit VO/NCO, who should draw the QM's attention to any irregularities.

  14.    The driver is responsible for the safe-custody and care of all tools and euipment entrusted to him, and must be given adequate instruction in this regard.
  15.    In particular, his attention should be directed to the following:
    1.    Losses on the road must be reported immediately to the nearest police station or policeman. In addition, the unit must be notified, in writing, immediately on return to the lines.
    2.    Tools and equipment should not be lent unless it is obviously in the interests of the Service to do so. In such a case a receipt should be obtained if practical. However, if it is not practical for the driver to obtain a receipt, he must realize that he is still responsible for the tools etc.
  16.    Attention to good stowage will do much to minimise tool and equipment losses, security, and possible damage during movement.
  17.    Full details concerning the care and use of tools by the driver are contained in Chapter 2 of the pamphlet - "Mechanical Vehicle Training" volume 11, 1953.

       Inspection

  18.    Vehicle tools and equipment should be inspected at least quarterly, and provision is made in the inventory to record such checks.
  19.    However, it is desirable that checks should be made more frequently, and fortnightly checks during the unit servicing inspection are recommended.
  20.    Items missing or shown to be unservicable during an inspection must be noted and immediately reported. The normal loss and damage procedure is then instigated within the unit.
  21.    Items which cannot be replaced immediately are deleted from the Inventory.
  22.    The sentencing and disposal of unservicable tools and equipment is carried out in the same way as for other stores.
  23.    A suggested method for carrying out inspections is to lay out all tools and movable equipment, in Inventory order, on a tarpaulin about three feet in front of the vehicle. The tow rope should be extended in a convenient position, say across the front of the layout, so that it can be examined for damage and completeness. Vehicle doors, lockers, bonnet and tail board should be open and the driver at the "take post" position.

       Withdrawals, transfers etc

  24.    When vehicle tools and equipment are withdrawn from kit, a record is made on the Inventory. Note that two entries are required.
  25.    When a complete kit is withdrawn (eg, change of driver), the member is issued with a receipt (AAF F25A) marked "NO LEDGER ENTRY". A new Inventory, bearing the same serial number, is compiled but the Inventory issue number is advanced by one. The old Inventory is then destroyed.
  26.    Vehicle tools and equipment returned to an Ordnance Depot or transferred to another unit are vouchered by the unit QM on an AAF G1033 in the normal manner.

 
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