Tracking your PMCS with the DA Form 5988-E.

The DA Form 5988-E, is an ULLS-G form that replaces the manual DA Form 2404, PMCS Worksheet.

The 5988-E has three sections:

* Equipment Data identifies the unit, vehicle, type of inspection, and the technical manuals needed for the inspection

* Parts Requested IDs the requisition document number, part NIIN and name, quantity, status, and priority.

* Maintenance Faults describe faults, applies fault status codes, and details corrective action.

On 30 and 31 OCT 03 the operator pulled before, during and after PMCS but found no faults. On 3 NOV 03 the operator found three faults he could not fix. He lists the faults, showing the PMCS sequence number from the TM, the date, fault status, and fault. He enters his license number in the Equipment Data section and takes the form to his supervisor who signs it and returns it to the motor sergeant.

A mechanic checks the faults, determines corrective action and the parts needed to complete repair. The mechanic was able to replace the headlamp. It took him one hour and he was able to get the extinguisher recharged in an hour. He entered his license number to show items 7 and 10 were completed. He looked up the part he needed for item 12 in the -24&P TM and passed the NIIN, name, and 5988-E to the ULLS-G clerk. The clerk orders the part and updates the 5988-E. The commander authorizes the funding for the repair part on a separate report. The actual parts order isn't a requisition until the commander obligates the funds.

By looking in the Parts Requested section the operator can tell that two sensitive switches are needed to repair his vehicle. He can tell the parts have been ordered by the requisition document number that is shown.

It is important to check the status of the parts request often. The parts request must be matched by the commander's releasing of the funds. If a status code does not appear in three to four days, the supervisor should ensure the part was ordered and funded.

As parts come in the QTY REC reflects their availability. Unit SOPs tell mechanics how long they have to install the new parts. Operators should be available to assist mechanics as needed. Once the mechanics completes the repairs and the 5988-E, the ULLS-G clerk will print a new 5988-E for the vehicle. The operator completes a new daily Before Ops PMCS and the cycle starts over again.

Fault Status Codes

1. The horizontal dash (--) shows an inspection, part replacement, MWO or maintenance operation check is due, but hasn't been done. The vehicle remains in operational status until it reaches overdue status.

2. The diagonal slash (/) means there is a materiel defect that does not inhibit mission accomplishment but should be corrected. The vehicle remains in operational status.

3. The "X" marks a fault that the TM identifies as "Not Fully Mission Capable (NMC)" The vehicle is in an inoperable condition until the fault is corrected.

4. The "circled X" requires the commander's authorization and can only be used for limited purposes such as transferring the vehicle to higher echelon maintenance. The "circled X" returns to "X" status when the commander's authorization expires.

5. The "E" symbol is related to the "X". E status means a safety deadline fault exists. The vehicle is in an inoperable condition until the unsafe fault is corrected.

Know your 5988-E. Use it to maintain your equipment and keep yourself and your equipment in the fight.