Inspection Process of the Army Reset Program for Equipment for Units Returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom

摘要

The subject of this report directly applies to the work of DoD civilian and military personnel responsible for the reset of equipment provided to the warfighter deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This report not only identifies potential guidance shortfalls but also details actions the Army took in order to clarify policies and procedures executed during the reset process. The Army's technical inspection process for the reset of unit equipment returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom was generally effective. However, inconsistencies occurred among redeploying units in the conduct of technical inspections, the granting of exemptions from automatic reset induction, and the reporting of reset equipment. This happened because guidance was: * contradictory on when and where units should perform technical inspections, * nonexistent on exempting equipment from automatic reset induction, and * insufficient on uniform reporting requirements for equipment undergoing the reset As a result, approximately 35 units returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom in the coming years will not use a standard method for initiating repair or replacement. Items needing reset may be delayed in entering the national-level reset pool. Exempting equipment reduces availability and creates difficulties in the redistribution of equipment to higher priority units. Additionally, reset status reporting may not provide decision makers with complete and consistent information.