Problems in Organizational Level Maintenance on the M60A1 and M48A5 tanks
Abstract
Twelve organizational level mechanics involved with the Baseline Armor Reliability Test (BART) were interviewed to identify possible problem areas in maintaining the M48A5 and the M60A1 tanks. Other organizational level mechanics were interviewed from other units to determine the generalizability of these interview results to other M60A1 units. Items that mechanics believed to be the most difficult to maintain were the generator, brake system, final drives, and the add-on stabilization. Cannon plugs were difficult to remove, and mechanics from the National Guard experienced difficulty with sticky throttles caused by rust. It was found that procedural and administrative problems related to maintenance have resulted in significant unnecessary costs to the Army in terms of both manpower and materiel dollars. Crew preventive maintenance was often not done or was done improperly. Manuals for the M48A5 did not provide enough information. Tools were inadequate and in short supply. Trained personnel were often assigned duties out of their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) (i.e., driver). Personnel with secondary MOS in tank maintenance, but with little or no actual maintenance experience, were assigned to maintenance positions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA076719
Entities
People
- Tomme R. Actkinson
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences