Do it by the book ... But make sure the book's right.

When it comes to operating and maintaining your equipment, improvising or working from memory is not recommended. It's too easy to get things wrong or forget something, which could result in equipment failure. That's never fun, especially in combat!

Operating and maintaining equipment should be done by the book--the technical manuals. The TMs guide you through PMCS, troubleshooting, repairs, and part NSNs. You can't miss by following the TM ... unless the TM is out-of-date.

TMs change. Procedures and NSNs are updated. If your TM is out-of-date, your maintenance is out-of-date.

Many units are using old TMs and don't realize it. Deployments have messed up their pubs accounts and they're no longer receiving the latest pubs.

But it's easy to get your TMs straight. LOGSA's Equipment Oriented Publications Database can give you a complete list of what pubs you need for your equipment and what the current edition of each pub is. Contact them at DSN 645-9845, [phone] or email: [e-mail] Be sure to include your UIC.

You can also access the latest TM edition on LOGSA's electronic technical manual site: https://www.logsa.army.mil/etms/online.htm

It has current versions of most of the Army's TMs. You will need to apply for a most of the TMs.

Stay up-to-date with your pubs so your equipment stays up-to-date with PM.