Maintenance Blitz for Reserve Vehicles

By: Corporal Bill Gomm

WINNIPEG, Mb – Saturdays are normally considered a day off for most people in the Forces, but on this Saturday it was a day of non stop inspections and repairs.

Corporal Brent Thompson removes the tire from a Medium Lift Vehicle Wheeled

17 Wing military and civilian mechanics along with Reserve soldiers from local Winnipeg units took part in a maintenance blitz at the 17 Wing Transport Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (TEME) Squadron (Sqn).

“The primary goal was to catch up on the maintenance of 38 Canadian Brigade Group Winnipeg based vehicles,” said Major Stephane Parent, G4 Maintenance for 38 CBG.

The Brigades Vehicles Off Road (VOR) rate is 62%.

With 17 Wing TEME Sqn badly understaffed at 28% of authorised manning, a blitz dedicated to these vehicles was considered the best way to catch up.

As the day started there were three priorities of work.

1. Catch up on inspections 90% complete.
2. Catch up on minor repairs.
3. Confirm which parts are needed for major repairs and order them.

“It went very well,” said Maj. Parent. “But there is no light at the end of the tunnel.”

By the end of the day eight vehicles and five trailers were serviceable.

Corporal Bill Gomm is the photojournalist for 38 CBG

http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/38cbg_hq/