36th Combat Aviation Brigade
Phase I: Initial Operator Training
UNIT I • SLIDE 1 OF 12
Master Driver Academic Instruction
HEADQUARTERS & HEADQUARTERS COMPANY
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INITIAL OPERATOR TRAINING
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities, PMCS, and Army Forms
HHC, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade
COURSE REFERENCES
AR 600–55 (The Army Driver Standardization Program) • 36th CAB Drivers Training SOP • Applicable Vehicle Technical Manuals (TMs) • Lubrication Orders (LOs)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Terminal Learning Objectives
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
SLIDE 2 OF 12
Learning Objectives
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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At the conclusion of Unit I, students will be able to:
EXAM CRITICAL
Operator Duties: Explain individual operator maintenance responsibilities under AR 600–55.
PMCS Process: Describe the purpose, scope, and technical procedures of Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services.
PMCS Intervals: Identify the required Before, During, and After operating inspection intervals.
Lubrication Orders: Use technical manuals and lubrication orders to identify fluids and leakage classifications.
Safety Messages: Distinguish between technical WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, and NOTES.
Maintenance Forms: Record and report equipment faults on DA Form 5988-E and DA Form 2404.
Test Alignment: Unit I directly covers testable standards for Phase I Exam Questions 18 and 19.
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
SLIDE 3 OF 12
Maintenance Responsibility
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Operators Are Responsible for Assigned Equipment
The operator is the primary guardian of vehicle combat readiness and operational serviceability.
CORE OPERATOR DUTIES
NON-NEGOTIABLE DUTY
“PMCS is not optional. It protects Soldiers, equipment, and the mission.”
LEADER RESPONSIBILITY
Commanders and supervisors must allocate dedicated maintenance time before every vehicle dispatch.
Conduct required PMCS before, during, and after operation using the technical manual.
Identify and accurately document all mechanical faults, fluid leaks, and safety hazards.
Do not operate equipment that is unsafe or non-mission capable (NMC).
Maintain 100% accountability for basic issue items (BII), tools, fire extinguishers, and manuals.
Follow supervisor, Master Driver, and motor pool maintenance team directives.
PMCS PURPOSE
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
SLIDE 4 OF 12
PMCS Standards
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Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services
PMCS is the systematic foundation of equipment readiness and vehicle life cycle management.
Zero Shortcuts: Do not skip steps, pencil-whip inspection forms, or assume the previous driver completed inspections. Every operator performs full checks.
What PMCS Accomplishes
PMCS Execution Standard
MANDATORY STANDARD
“Conduct PMCS exactly as directed by the applicable vehicle technical manual.”
Identifies hidden faults before they create an in-motion accident or roadside breakdown.
Determines conclusively whether equipment is safe to operate on public highways.
Prevents minor defects (loose bolts, low fluids) from turning into catastrophic failures.
Generates accurate maintenance work orders for battalion mechanics to repair.
PMCS INTERVALS
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
SLIDE 5 OF 12
Operating Intervals
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When Is PMCS Conducted?
PMCS is structured into chronological intervals ensuring equipment integrity throughout operations.
Additional Intervals: Weekly, monthly, and semi-annual services are scheduled per TM and unit SOP.
TM PMCS TABLE
1. BEFORE OPERATION
Pre-Movement Checks
2. DURING OPERATION
In-Motion Monitoring
3. AFTER OPERATION
Post-Mission Recovery
• Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, power steering).
• Inspect tires, lug nuts, and wheel assemblies.
• Inspect glass, mirrors, wipers, and horn.
• Verify service brake & steering responsiveness.
• Scan gauges (temp, oil pressure, volt, air).
• Listen for unusual vibrations, squeals, or knocks.
• Monitor brake pedal feel and steering drift.
• Detect burning odors, exhaust leaks, or smoke.
• Refuel fuel tank to prevent condensation.
• Conduct complete 360-degree walk-around.
• Check for new fluid leaks and tire damage.
• Clean cab, stow gear, and complete 5988-E.
TECHNICAL MANUALS & LUBRICATION ORDERS
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
SLIDE 6 OF 12
Technical Publications
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Use the Correct Technical Publication
Never guess maintenance steps or fluid specifications. Every action must align with authorized publications.
Maintenance Requirement | Primary Authoritative Reference |
Vehicle Operation & Controls | Vehicle Technical Manual (TM -10 Operator Level) |
PMCS Step-by-Step Procedures | Vehicle Technical Manual PMCS Table |
Fault Identification & Troubleshooting | Vehicle Technical Manual Troubleshooting Table |
Lubrication Points, Intervals, & Capacities | Lubrication Order (LO) & TM Lubrication Section |
Safety Warnings, Cautions, & Notes | Vehicle Technical Manual (TM) |
Key Safety Doctrine:
FLUID LEAKAGE CLASSES
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
SLIDE 7 OF 12
Testable Standard: Leakage Classes
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Fluid Leakage Classification Standards
Accurately identifying and categorizing fluid leaks is vital to determining whether equipment can move.
THREE STANDARD LEAK CLASSIFICATIONS
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“Where are the definitions of fluid leakage classes found?”
REQUIRED ANSWER
The Lubrication Order (LO).
Phase I Exam Question 18 • Unit I Core Standard
Class I Leakage:
Class II Leakage:
Class III Leakage:
(Mandatory Deadline)
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND NOTES
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
SLIDE 8 OF 12
Testable Standard: Safety Messages
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Safety Headers in Technical Manuals
Operators must read all safety messages before initiating any maintenance or operating procedure.
SAFETY MESSAGE DEFINITIONS
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“A ‘CAUTION’ is an alert to the possibility of equipment being damaged. (True / False)”
REQUIRED ANSWER
TRUE.
Phase I Exam Question 19 • Unit I Core Standard
WARNING
Personal Hazard:
death or serious injury
CAUTION
Equipment Hazard:
equipment being damaged
NOTE
Task Information:
REQUIRED MAINTENANCE FORMS
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
SLIDE 9 OF 12
Maintenance Documentation
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Maintenance Documentation & Fault Status Symbols
Accurate recording of equipment faults provides the maintenance team with vital diagnostic data.
Primary Maintenance Forms
Standard Fault Symbols
DA Form 5988-E (Automated):
DA Form 2404 (Manual):
X
DEADLINE: Non-mission capable; equipment cannot be operated.
⊗
CIRCLE X: Commander override; emergency operation under strict limits.
/
DIAGONAL SLASH: Material defect; equipment is safe to operate.
-
DASH: Required inspection or routine maintenance check is due.
FAULT REPORTING & STATUS
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
SLIDE 10 OF 12
Equipment Status Management
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Fault Reporting Workflow & Deadline Criteria
Prompt fault transmission initiates unit supply requisitions and ensures combat availability.
Fault Reporting Process
Mandatory Deadline Faults (NMC)
Operator spots defect during PMCS and cross-checks TM standard.
Operator records fault item number and clear description on DA 5988-E.
Vehicle commander or squad leader verifies fault and signs form.
Motor pool clerk inputs defect into GCSS-Army to order replacement parts.
Inoperative service brakes or damaged air brake lines.
Steering linkage play exceeding TM limits or binding.
Active dripping Class III fluid leaks in engine, fuel, or transmission.
Missing or inoperative driver seatbelt or primary headlamps.
CHECK ON LEARNING
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
SLIDE 11 OF 12
Knowledge Verification
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Check on Learning: Unit I Knowledge Assessment
Verify student comprehension of PMCS standards, lubrication orders, and maintenance forms.
1.Where are the definitions of fluid leakage classes found?
Answer: The Lubrication Order (LO).
2.A “CAUTION” alerts an operator to what possibility?
Answer: Equipment being damaged (True).
3.What are the three primary operating PMCS intervals?
Answer: Before, During, and After operation.
4.What does a solid “X” status symbol indicate on a DA Form 5988-E?
Answer: Deadline / Non-Mission Capable (NMC).
5.How must PMCS be performed according to Army regulations?
Answer: Exactly as directed by the technical manual.
TRANSITION & NEXT LESSON
Phase I, Unit I: Maintenance Responsibilities & PMCS
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Summary & Course Progression
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Unit I Summary & Course Progression
Consolidate operator maintenance standards before advancing to passenger transportation procedures.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
NEXT LESSON IN PHASE I
Unit J — Procedures for Transporting Personnel
Unit J instructs operators on troop transport safety, passenger capacity, canvas and strap configurations, mount/dismount drills, and emergency rollover egress.
Phase I Examination Progress:
Unit 9 of 13 Complete
PMCS Discipline: Conduct checks exactly per the technical manual before, during, and after operations.
Lubrication Order Authority: Fluid leakage definitions and fluid types reside in the Lubrication Order (LO).
Safety Message Hierarchy: WARNINGS protect personnel; CAUTIONS protect equipment from damage.
Accurate Documentation: Maintain DA 5988-E / 2404 forms and never operate vehicles on unresolved X deadline faults.