Many small arms parts no longer controlled inventory.

In the early 90s, the Army was having trouble with small arms repair parts accountability. To fix that, the Army made the repair parts items controlled inventory, which meant the parts had to be kept in locked containers behind double barrier protection with controlled access.

That made it difficult for armorers to get the parts they needed to make repairs to their weapons. The Army recognized this and over the past few years has reclassified many small arms repair parts with a Controlled Inventory Item Code of U (unclassified), which means these parts can be stocked and stored without the accountability and storage restrictions.

The Army also said Para 2-24b of AR 710-2, which states "Bench stocks are authorized for all maintenance activities," applies to all unit motor pools and arms rooms as well as direct support shops. In other words, armorers can stock any unclassified small arms repair parts that qualify as bench stock in the arms room.

Armorers don't need to search for what repair parts can be ordered as bench stock for each weapon. CW2 Robert Philyaw of B Co, 2nd FSB, 2ID in South Korea has compiled a list of repair parts armorers can order broken down by weapon. You can access the list at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/doc/1513941

All of these parts can stocked on unit PLL.

Bradley Transmission Failure

Bradley fighting vehicles in Iraq are racking up a normal year's mileage in a single month in addition to carrying heavy loads such as reactive armor. The transmission is taking the brunt of this punishment and needs special care:

* Take AOAP samples every 60 days and follow the lab's guidance. The lab in theater is at Camp Anaconda, Balad. Call them at DSN [phone] (Prompt 1-7828) or email: [e-mail]

* If the mission doesn't allow for oil analysis, then IAW FM 90-3, Desert Operations, change the transmission fluid and filter every 750 miles, rather than the normal 1,500 miles.

* Not sure what's wrong with a transmission? Your TACOM Logistics Assistance Representative (LAR), UDLP or GD Field Service representatives can help with troubleshooting.

* Protect unserviceable transmissions from further sand or rain damage by covering all openings. Use the reusable shipping container if available, too.

* Turn in unserviceable transmissions for repair. Again, your TACOM LAR can help.