I’m taking a Platoon in a couple days and signing for a Stryker Plt’s worth of equipment. What advice, do’s and don’ts does everyone have?

2018-11-27T17:01:43-05:00

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 5:06 PM

2018-11-27T17:06:06-05:00

Verify verify verify. If they say "oh it's in the connex"....make sure they show you. Put eyes on everything and verify serial #s.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 5:08 PM

2018-11-27T17:08:46-05:00

Have a no-kidding layout, organized, showing everything at once so one set can’t be used to cover deficiencies in another. Do not accept any “it’s in the connex sir” at all, even if you have to reschedule the layout to have it done right.
Overlooking good supply discipline is actually the thing that hems up most young officers and newer senior NCOs.
Take your own notes on where you see/find everything, notably the sensitive items.
Slow is smooth, smooth keeps you from
Paying for it later. (Slow is smooth, smooth is fast is the real phrase, but my alternate ending here is the truth too)

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Nov 27 at 2018 5:09 PM

2018-11-27T17:09:29-05:00

If your signing for it, you make sure every single thing is there in front of you. Don't take any ones word for it until you see it. Congrats, and good luck

Response by Marciano Galarza made Nov 27 at 2018 5:13 PM

2018-11-27T17:13:17-05:00

Ensure you have a complete layout of all equipment.... inventory all like items and inventory your equipment using the component hand receipt that should be provided by the company supply Sergeant. PHYSICALLY touch everything you are about to sign for and verify all serial numbers. Record all discrepancies and report them to your company CDR so he can get everything updated and orders in G-Army. After you have 100% accuracy of all equipment, sign down your equipment to your platoon Sargeant and ensure all equipment is signed down to the user level. If someone signs for something, they take ownership of the equipment and tend to care for the equipment way better than if that Soldier is just “using” the equipment without any responsibility for it. Good luck with your inventories and with your platoon.... Also, pay attention to your PLT sergeant, that platoon Sergeant knows what’s going on and should be molding you to become a better LT and leader....

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 27 at 2018 5:29 PM

2018-11-27T17:29:09-05:00

Make sure everything is there that's on the list, and return everything when done.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 5:30 PM

2018-11-27T17:30:13-05:00

Check all equipment serial numbers, check BII, is it functional, if they say something is under repair then check the work order. Annotate all descrepencies. Keep a copy of what you signed for reference. I'd have my assigned armory guys lay out the equipment by type and model and read off serial numbers while I checked them off my notepad. Ensure everything is hand receipted out when you go to the field. Don't mass hand receipt it to yourself and hand it out. I've seen that before.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 5:46 PM

2018-11-27T17:46:07-05:00

Congratulations on this achievement. I assume there is a Change of Command and with that event is the task of the Out-Going Platoon Leader to conduct a 100% HR inventory. So, you will be signing for whatever he has on hand. First recommendation is to talk with whomever conducted the outgoing inventory. I'd want that paperwork, especially if a Durable item was listed on it as being not on-hand. Then I'd want to see every item that is On Order with a valid requisition # to include the funding that was approved. I'd then speak with the Platoon Sergeant and ask how the unit fights. I'd then break down the HRs to the end item users that way. In the end you will have everything signed down to the correct Stryker section. I have some Stryker identification ppts if you need any.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 5:54 PM

2018-11-27T17:54:04-05:00

1- In addition to everything said about equipment... I would get the PSG involved with your inventory, that way he understands its importance to you, which will carry over when equipment gets sub-handreceipted down.

2- Find out how your PLT fits into the big picture when talking to your Rater and Senior Rater. Candidly ask of its rating before you take over and what the expectations are for you as the new PL.

3- Ensure you and the PSG update your Leaders Book.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 27 at 2018 6:44 PM

2018-11-27T18:44:11-05:00

don't wreck it. document every scratch, dent, ding, tear, rip. if it is not acceptable, don't sign for it until it is. don't sign for anything you don't lay eyes and hands on. supply clerks will probably see a butter bar CPT Private RallyPoint Member and think they can pull one over on you. remember you will probably outrank them. don't be afraid to use that rank to ensure your inventory is 100% accurate, down to the last bolt and round of ammo

Response by SSG Michael Mullen made Nov 27 at 2018 7:03 PM

2018-11-27T19:03:17-05:00

Get to know your senior NCO and follow his lead until you really learn what you are supposed to do and how to be a good leader. The butter bar does not make you a leader but learning from an experienced leader will really help ;you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 27 at 2018 7:22 PM

2018-11-27T19:22:15-05:00

Have the Supply SGT with you. Get the assistance of a soldier. Make sure components can be built into a full system.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 8:02 PM

2018-11-27T20:02:07-05:00

Make sure you have eyes on and inventory your equipment before you sign then sub hand receipt it to your PSG and you are G2G!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 8:28 PM

2018-11-27T20:28:18-05:00

Do a 100% layout. It might take all day or two days, but at least you've put eyes on everything your signing for. They told us the story back in the day about an Artillery Company commander, who didn't do a 100% layout & he signed for everything. When his tour was up- the next CPT wanted too see everything. They were missing some medical kits or other equipment that couldn't be found. After not finding anything- he had a $30K statement of charges & bad OER & got out of the Army.

Then, like 10 years later that same unit was clearing out of some barracks & found those med kits or whatever equipment it was. I think the guy probably got his money back eventually, but his career was over.

If it's not there- say so on the inventory before you sign. The Supply Sergeant can adjust for things that are missing or damaged. It's your career!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 8:32 PM

2018-11-27T20:32:12-05:00

Pull out the TM for all components associated to that Stryker. If items are missing, figure out why and if it's on order

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 27 at 2018 10:01 PM

2018-11-27T22:01:12-05:00

Make sure you understand:
- Component inventories IAW the supply catalogue (SC)
- shortage annexes and what has been deemed non-essential (in writing from the BC)
- items should be inventoried by LIN, all at the same time, so you count five you know you have five, unless they are uniquely serial numbered like torque wrenches.
- flesh to metal, verify serial numbers
- consult your commander on banded and sealed items (like an officially sealed box of bayonets in the Arms room)
- you are responsible and accountable for all items until you subhand receipt them down. Work with the supply Sergeant on how to do that as you inventory so when you leave you have pushed it down.
- the AR735-5 definitions of responsibility and accountability and the different types
- key control and securing the property.
- if they can't find it or come up with it before the inventory is done, initiate the FLIPL.
- ensure your inventories are on the training schedule

If you sign everything down to end users or subhand receipt holders, signed for the "right stuff" per the TM/SC, conduct cyclic inventories, secure the property, and don't do anything grossly negligent you will be reasonably protected from FLIPLs.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 10:18 PM

2018-11-27T22:18:46-05:00

Insist on a complete layout of EVERY item of equipment for inspection/inventory, and that every sub hand receipt holder be present for the inspection/inventory, and insist that those be immediately updated as you sign yours.
*Get this on the training schedule, ensure the supply NCO is available, and have any appts rescheduled for key personnel. Have an inclement weather plan.
*Obtain a copy of TM 9-6920-916-10, and become the PLTs SME on it. Initially, KNOW 2.1.1 Equipment Inventory and Inspection Notes Inventory and inspect equipment prior to installation to ensure you have all equipment required and that it is serviceable. Refer to Table 2-2 (MILES XXI CVS STRYKER COMMON KIT (ALL VARIANTS), 2031790-1) and Table 2-3 (ICV, CV, RV and FSV SERIES “DELTA” VEHICLE KIT). Use the inspection procedures described in Appendix C.
*Same for any other items of equipment.*
*Compare your hand receipt to what supply has on the property book, before you inspect or sign.
*Check keys with key control logs.
*If you can't physically place your hands on it, in general, it's short.
*If someone claims an item is on order, insist on the proper documentation, annotate it, and continue to follow up until it comes in.
*Take the PBO WO in your current unit to lunch and ask advice on inventory/inspection, property book docs, what to check, pitfalls, etc.
*Obtain current property regulations and pamphlets and read them cover to cover, and understand the different liabilities with regard to property. Just because you don't sign for something doesn't mean you're not liable for it.
*Coordinate with a PL in a different unit for hands on time with the equipment you'll be signing for so you are familiar enough not to have to keep referring to the TMs. If time and equipment availability permit, go through the inspection/inventory referenced above. Same for all equipment.
*This is the first look your NCOs and Soldiers will have of you. Be professional, be organized, stay on task, be the SME on what equipment you're supposed to have and appropriate supply regulations, have copies of the TMs, supply regs/pams, and a working surface.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2018 10:37 PM

2018-11-27T22:37:54-05:00

Just to add to the already great comments - just because it is on a shortage annex...does not mean it is on order. Ensure there is a document number for each item on the shortage annex. See all like items at the same time - this prevents “borrowing” the same item from another vehicle / section.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Nov 28 at 2018 1:43 AM

2018-11-28T01:43:14-05:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Focus on your unit - your team. It is not about you. Make sure you understand and live Responsibility and Accountability. Know, Model and Live Army Values. Be a professional, be an expert, and be a sponge (learn all you can). Be a servant leader. Lead by example, focussing on excellence always. After you do your 100% physical inventory, and then once you sign for everything, make sure you immediately sub hand receipt it directly to the user (Vehicle Commanders); In God we Trust all other sign a DA form 2062. Don't worry about your OER(s). If you are doing what is right, and doing it right, OERs take care of themselves. Have a sense of humor. Enjoy the ride. PL and CO CDR are the best jobs in the Army; they don't last long...

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 28 at 2018 7:43 AM

2018-11-28T07:43:49-05:00

What these guys say is absolutely the way to go. You can't put your hands on it, don't count it. Then hand receipt it down.
Remember that the Army has a deep pockets policy and Survey's seem to always implicate the command.
On the Guard side of things, I got hit with a survey on a Full Timer that I had tried to fire twice for missing command inventories. Don't think that it will be fair.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Nov 28 at 2018 8:22 AM

2018-11-28T08:22:26-05:00

I have to echo what another post said. VERIFY EVERYTHING!!! Then sub hand receipt down everything YOU don't need. Ex- each striker/equipment would get signed downto the NCO responsible for it who in turn would distribute it to his driver, gunner, or dismounts as appropriate.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Nov 28 at 2018 6:03 PM

2018-11-28T18:03:10-05:00

Inventory will make or break your bank account. And possibly your rank. I have seen officers delegate inventory to NCOs and junior enlisted, without the officer present. If everything is accounted for you look great, if not its your a** in the wind. Great officers have hit big bumps in their career because they were missing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment and no proof of loss. By the same token, I have done inventory with officers who cared about their careers enough to hit that supply room with those who volunteer (or voluntold) to help.

Make your inventory an airtight process. If your hand receipt has a serial number for an item as 123456, but the 6 looks like an 8, you need some way to cover yourself. And the best way I have seen that is have multiple copies of a receipt for yourself. Get another pair of eyeballs on a SN or a number you aren't sure about. I have seen older COs and officers whose vision was catching up to their age and needed to be sure what they had is what they were signing for. Serial numbers get damaged. NSN numbers change from year to year. Descriptions change.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2018 8:47 AM

2018-11-29T08:47:16-05:00

Lots of good advice. Only a couple of things I would add:

Understand the difference between Components of End Item (COEI), Basic Issue Items (BII) and Additional Authorization List (AAL). The first two you are required to have. The third is based on leader decisions.

Make sure all component lists, TMs, etc are in fact the current version and document what version and date was used for your inventory. Those lists above do change and if an item is added in an updated list it can be the difference between paying and not.

Finally. I saw a recommendation to sign 100% to your PSG when done. While not bad advice, I would counter that it is better to sign over to your squad leaders. They are YOUR SLs, and this emphasizes their position in the chain of command and also avoids the impression that you are just passing it off and don’t really care all that much. Your PSG doesn’t have to be signed for 100% to care about supply accountability. He should care because you care.

Best of Luck!

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Dec 1 at 2018 3:22 AM

2018-12-01T03:22:11-05:00

O.k. sir, I was signed for a ton of stuff. All they way up to Battalion property. Here's my advice: Get with your Supply Sergeant. Make sure you know how to identify each piece of property by the manuel. The main component isn't usually the issue. It's all the BII that kill you. And take as much time with your layouts. Rushing to sign for stuff can lead to bad things. Eyes on is a must. If you don't see it, consider that it doesn't exist yet.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Dec 1 at 2018 4:04 PM

2018-12-01T16:04:29-05:00

Ensure you know all the assigned BII that comes with it. When you sign for it you are also signing for all the BII

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2018 4:34 PM

2018-12-01T16:34:17-05:00

Start with easy layouts first to get your system figured. Do not assume the previous PL did things correctly. He may have done it incorrectly or be attempting to cover up missing gear.

Get the TM for EVERY item from your supply sergeant, or on your own on ETM.
I did every layout with 3 2062s and the TM. The 2062s were in order by item from the TM for both BII and COEI. One was my copy for notes and to be able to create a shortage annex. The other two were to sign the property down right then and there to my section leaders or whoever was signing for the gear. My entire property book was signed down before I actually signed the books.

If an item is missing and should be present for the layout (not already a shortage or admitted loss), stop the layout and do it when everything is accounted for. Once the items are accounted for, start from the beginning again. The last layout I did for my Strykers was redone several times when we resuffled the platoon and had to resign out the Strykers. Do not accept anything if it is not there.

Good luck and congratulations. Being a PL is the best job out there. My time as a PL is almost over and I assure you that it goes far quicker than you could imagine.

Response by SSG Timothy Stevenson made Dec 1 at 2018 8:34 PM

2018-12-01T20:34:22-05:00

If you can’t touch it or see it, then they don’t have it. I watched a Signal Cpt take a HUGE statement of. Harvest for missing equipment.
Sign it all down to your NCO’s

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2018 1:30 PM

2018-12-02T13:30:59-05:00

As a mechanic in a Styker brigade I can give you a few pieces of advice. First when you take over make sure to have eyes AND hands on all items. If it isn't there and someone says "Oh it's attached to the truck" or anything along those lines either make them get it off and bring it to you or it doesn't exist. Stryker operators have a tenancy of claiming they have all their BII yet when it comes time they don't.

As for day to day, make friends with your maintenance. Make sure your NCO's make their soldiers fill out their 5988's properly. It will make you look a lot better if on Motorpool Mondays all your 5988's are in order.

The biggest issue we have is soldiers just putting no new faults down and walking away. So we assume the vehicle is FMC and take it out to the fields. Then lo and behold, their heater doesn't work and it's snowing so all the soldiers are freezing inside.

Also, make sure those appointed under you follow safety. When on top of a vehicle ACH worn. Both a front and rear ground guide at all times, day or night, field or motorpool. We recently had a training incident where a soldier was killed by a Stryker backing up without a rear ground guide.

Welcome to the Stryker lifestyle sir.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Dec 17 at 2018 11:46 AM

2018-12-17T11:46:08-05:00

Verify all equipment. If something is in maintenance make sure it is really there and verify when it’s going to be repaired and returned. If they say it is unrepairable get it off your books and a new one ordered. Talk to all of your people make sure they are all MOS Qualified and that those who aren’t are scheduled for the schools that need to be qualified

Response by LTC Anthony Justi made Dec 19 at 2018 8:18 PM

2018-12-19T20:18:15-05:00

If they say "we never had that." It still needs to be on order. If they say "it's on order" make sure you see a document number. In the end you should see every single item you're required to have, or a valid order.

Response by 1LT Donna Curran made Dec 21 at 2018 10:42 AM

2018-12-21T10:42:29-05:00

Don't sign for it if you can't see it.

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Mullett made Dec 27 at 2018 4:19 PM

2018-12-27T16:19:07-05:00

If you don't know about Supply Discipline, take the time and work directly with your 92Y. You are signing for everything, so you need to have a working knowledge of what you have. Knowing supply will help you immensely in the future, in any command assignment you take.
A little "obsessive - compulsive" is a good thing. You will be sub-hand receipting everything, but you need to know what you are getting back, have your Supply NCO verify, but you need to confirm.
Don't take the word of others for granted, don't act like you are questioning their integrity, but verify anyway.
I have never been a 92Y, but I have been in plenty of units that didn't have one, so, baptism by fire, I had to learn the job. That included knowing where the hand-receipts are located, and how often you need to do a layout. BII is easy to discount, since part of it is expendable. Other units co-located with you may try to "acquire" missing equipment you have, so you need to make sure your Soldiers are securing it.
Of all of my duties, supply took the most time. So, you need to have a trustworthy 92Y.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 29 at 2018 4:43 AM

2018-12-29T04:43:13-05:00

1) Most of it has been said, so I will just tell you the intro speech the best PL I ever had gave his subordinate leaders. He pulled PSG and SLs in the office and told us the following:
Guys, I don't know shit. I expect you to teach me and guide me. When we are in this office, tell me when I am f*cking up. Tell me what I am doing wrong, when I step into your lane, or when I leave something undone. BUT. But, I make the final decision, and the moment we leave this office, there better be no one who even begins to doubt that I am in charge.

And that is how he ran his Platoon. He was willing and eager to learn. Ample opportunity to disagree and offer suggestions behind closed doors. Once we left the office everyone was lockstep on "the LTs plan" regardless of personal opinion. And it was ALWAYS "the LTs plan," even if not a single idea came from him. Man, I miss that PL.

Also: Praise publicly, Criticize privately
Never pass up an opportunity to learn
Never pass up an opportunity to recognize your Soldiers
Never pass up an opportunity to train
Tough, but fair
Don't be afraid to ask - ask your PSG, your peers, the 1SG, the CO.
Counsel your PSG and SLs formally every quarter. Counsel them informally every day.
Trust, but verify.
And lastly, enjoy it. Almost every field grade or GO I have ever talked to said they had the most fun of their career as a PL.

Response by COL John McClellan made Dec 29 at 2018 7:59 AM

2018-12-29T07:59:46-05:00

Remember: You will likely sign a major-end item sub-hand receipt (i.e. Vehicle, Stryker, 4 ea), while your soldiers will sign line-item hand-receipts... so: check those Shortage Annexes!! You need the most up-to-date version of the -10 manual to make sure that all the BII and any (unit) authorized ASL are hand as well. Don't walk in and "buy" all the shortages from the last guy!! Good Luck!

Response by SSG Ricky Johnson made Dec 31 at 2018 1:59 PM

2018-12-31T13:59:42-05:00

1. Make sure your have touched every single item you sign for. 2. If someone says its in maint, get a copy of the workorder. 3. If the item is sub-handreceipted, either make them bring the item(s) to you, or go to them. If they cannot produce, Reoprt of Survey time. Follow through. 4. If items are on scheduled maintenance, make sure its done. 5. Lastly, ensure your sub-hand receipt holders are in fact using SHR. A little training is a lot easier than Report of Surveys.

Response by Brad Miller made Jan 6 at 2019 11:22 PM

2019-01-06T23:22:34-05:00

Do a touch-count inventory. Physically touch (if possible) every single item you are signing for. Don't just accept the carton, unless it is sealed, and the right weight.

Response by SPC James Seigars made Jan 6 at 2019 11:24 PM

2019-01-06T23:24:54-05:00

As a former Supply Sergeant who oversaw Millions of dollars of equipment in my time (one unit had sign for 25 uparmored Hummers and ITAS systems worth just under $25 million not counting everything else in the unit) the one piece of advice I can give is to verify everything by sight & subreciept the equipment to your squads ASAP. If you don’t you may end up owing the army for things you never actually had in the first place.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 7 at 2019 5:44 PM

2019-01-07T17:44:11-05:00

Make sure the supply SGT is there and get you a helper. Hand receipt it down.

Response by MAJ Robert Apostolos made Jan 9 at 2019 9:47 AM

2019-01-09T09:47:47-05:00

Inventory everything on the hand receipt with the current PBO or existing HR holder. Then sub-hand receipt everything to your team leaders using the same procedure. This is SOP.
Experience PBO and PAM

Response by MSgt Rolland Laver made Jan 23 at 2019 1:13 AM

2019-01-23T01:13:00-05:00

As all these other guys have said, verify, verify, verify. Don't take anybody's word for anything. If there is one item they cannot produce, sign for nothing. This is the benefit of 24 years in the Air Force, equipment custodian for 20 of them, and equipment deployed around the world. (One account was $1.5 million.)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2019 8:12 AM

2019-01-26T08:12:36-05:00

1st things 1st, have TMs on hand for every item you are signing for. Use the BII and COEI list to verify you have all items that are supposed to be with the end item. For instance the stryker would be end item, so you should have tools, cvcs, water cans etc. If you dont then the company commander owes you a shortage annex. Basically a DA2062 listing the items you are missing and its from him to you. This covers you so u dont ens up paying for things when u leave and transfer your books to someone else. Sign up for a LOGSA acct. You will need this more than you know. Its where you can find anything property related like TMs (ETMs) usin LIW. Another and most important thing, zero out you own HR except for what u are going to maintain posession of. For example, you should have 2 sections SGTs responsible for two strykers each. They are typically the 3 and 3 vics as the PL/PSG are 1 and 4 vics. They own the two in there section. They the sub HR it down to either DVR or Gunner or both in some cases. This ensures you are not directly responsible for the end item or its components. The next thing is any other items get disbursed through out PLT from PSG to PVT based on who uses it. This is always a good opportunity to teach property accountability to younger troops so when they become PSGs and get a new PL they can square him away since they dont teach any of this in BOLC. If you have more questions feel free to ask. I am a 11B who served az a 92Y4O for 15 months learned alot along the way.

Response by Sgt Stonewall Jackson III made Jan 30 at 2019 10:34 AM

2019-01-30T10:34:39-05:00

As a new Platoon Leader, you are responsible for Everything!
But you are there to learn, as well as Lead.
Trust your Platoon Sargent.
Don't sign an inventory you didn't Personally confirm.
Be open. Be fair. Be honest.
But you are NOT their friend.
You ARE the LT!

Response by MSG Kevin Elliott made Feb 7 at 2019 9:56 PM

2019-02-07T21:56:02-05:00

I agree with the verify comments. We used to use paint pens to mark the bumper numbers on all equipment, and most of it was over the etched bumper number. This stopped other platoons from borrowing items for their layouts/inventories.
Make sure you sub-hand receipt all your items. The vehicle commanders should be signing the vehicle hand receipt, and they should sub the tools/pioneer equipment to the drivers. You should do the same with your driver.
I did this throughout my career, as a vehicle commander, Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant/Leader, and Operations NCO/SGM. A full-blown TOC, with vehicles, tents, generators, tables, chairs, and 66 camo systems was a fun layout and transfer.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2019 4:04 AM

2019-02-27T04:04:31-05:00

Make sure every component of end item and all BII is there or has a valid shortage annex with the correct classification.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Jan 13 at 2020 7:01 PM

2020-01-13T19:01:03-05:00

Touch it touch it touch it

Response by SFC Jim Farr made Jan 13 at 2020 9:11 PM

2020-01-13T21:11:09-05:00

VERIFY EVERYTHING, TO INCLUDE EQUIP IN FOR MAINT / REPAIR

Response by COL William Oseles made Jan 8 at 2021 1:27 PM

2021-01-08T13:27:51-05:00

Inventory, Inventory, Inventory. And have sub-receipts prepared for and signed by all the squad leaders and equipment holders.
Once you sign for it you own it if it is there or not.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2021 1:36 PM

2021-01-08T13:36:07-05:00

do the work and make sure everything listed is there or accounted for otherwise you might end up with a very large bill in your name

Response by SPC Larry Crowe made Jan 8 at 2021 1:58 PM

2021-01-08T13:58:45-05:00

As a former 92A (original 76C), make sure any equipment that is tracked by ULLS has all deficiencies noted and parts on order, maintenance has been performed according to schedule. And as stated above verify everything by serial number and make sure quantity is correct.

Response by SSG Darrell Peters made Jan 10 at 2021 12:06 AM

2021-01-10T00:06:26-05:00

Inventory EVERYTHING in the Property Book. Do not get in a rush. Take your time Verify Everything you Sign for is there. Then Subhand receipt the items to each Squad Leader or each member of the platoon items they are responsible for. If anything is out for Maintenance verify the Maitainence paperwork If possible go where the item is and lay eyes on it. As you inventory, any unserviceable items are discovered ensure the repair or replacement paperwork is done by the previous "owner" before you sign for that item. Do not become suddenly responsible for broken or unserviceable equipment.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2021 2:58 PM

2021-01-10T14:58:15-05:00

Inventory as if it was your own gear, because once you sign for it you own it in terms of accountability. Make sure that anything other than a major end item - truck, tank, generator etc. - is laid out to verify contents. If not you might have just signed for an empty steel box. SL-3 gear (road gear, anything that comes with an end item) should be laid out. Best to give the current RO a heads up and lead time, so they aren't hunting for stuff. Just check each one off, once you verify it. It can change time spent to a few hours rather than a few days, depending on equipment density in account. Ensure Supply is present, besides current owner and you. If you delegate inventory to someone be careful. You can delegate authority but not responsibility.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Jan 10 at 2021 5:37 PM

2021-01-10T17:37:27-05:00

When I got to Nam our company had a Cpt. CO, and on a different compound there was a LT. The only officers so NCO's had to sign for their departments. I had the MAR's Station as a extra duty. Going through it I found I was signing for a Collins radio that no one knew where it was. Was told to go ahead and sign, we would find it later. I was only a Buck Sgt but not that stupid.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 10 at 2021 6:26 PM

2021-01-10T18:26:11-05:00

Pre-filled hand receipts are nice to have around. The items are already listed.

Response by Brad Miller made Jan 10 at 2021 7:12 PM

2021-01-10T19:12:40-05:00

Do a physical touch inventory of every piece of equipment; double check serial numbers and *actual* condition; do the whole check before anything moves away from the pile.

This is from personal experience on the civilian side, but seems likely to work for you too.

Response by SPC Andrew K. made Jan 10 at 2021 9:29 PM

2021-01-10T21:29:14-05:00

Don’t give any until they give to you and they are checked out by yourself

Response by TSgt Charles Jones made Jan 10 at 2021 10:26 PM

2021-01-10T22:26:19-05:00

So make sure you see each and every piece of equipment. Take pictures of all pieces equipment. Make sure you document any unit markins and take a picture of each and every ID plate showing a serial number. I did this down range when I signed for an account. It took us 4 days to find everything. Then I bought new locks and made sure I kept track if everything. My SNCO's tried to screw and sent a very expensive piece of equipment down range with out signing for it. I had to threaten to report stolen equipment to get the equipment returned from the Marine unit that borrowed it. So it seems like allot if work but 8 months later when when I turned over the equipment I knew were and what each piece of equipment was. I took my book of pictures and the equipment list and I had the new guy sign each photo page printed out and had him initial next to each item on the official List. It took less than a day to go through all 6 conrxes with all the equipment in. I then had him sign for the equipment. Gave him a copy of everything including the picture book with his signature by it, I kept a copy tools copied, and turned in the final copy to equipment management. As I was out processing for retirement they tried to hold up me from retiring because of the account and stuff missing from it. I solved the issue on my side by showing all the documentation I had for all the equipment. Not saying people do it but I have seen guys get pushed into signing for stuff that is in PMEL or Maintenance when it is actually missing. I took over an account at Lajes FLD that was neglected for 5 years from the first time I had owned the account and no annotation had been accomplished in those years. Annotation without a piece of documenting paper of location its not valid with proper supporting documentation. It will leave you on the hook for it and in aircraft that usually transmits 6 digits.... I did so many ROS (report of survey how we investigate mission, stolen, or damaged equipment in USAF) at Lajes the Base commander new me by name and She asked me to please space then out a little so she want explaining so many at every monthly HHQ staff meetings.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 10 at 2021 10:54 PM

2021-01-10T22:54:24-05:00

Do what I said. Pre-fill the items on the hand receipt. It will save u a lot of time.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 10 at 2021 11:23 PM

2021-01-10T23:23:22-05:00

Make sure all items on inventory are present and shortage annexes complete for missing items. Then sub hand receipt out equipment to the squad leaders who most often use said equipment. Then do inventories periodically, especially after FTX.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jan 11 at 2021 7:04 AM

2021-01-11T07:04:16-05:00

I know I am replying to a 3 yr old post, mostly for anyone else that is looking for advice in this thread.

First and foremost, scrub your property hand receipt from the Commander, familarize your self with NSN numbers, look for photos of the equipment online by NSN number, when it comes to layout, make sure the equipment is laid out according to the TM, make sure for any item missing, their is a shortage annex, and either a replacement on order, or a FLIPL, afterwards, get with your company XO and Supply Sergeant to reconcile any discrepancies, and then, and only then, do you sign the hand receipt. When that is accomplished, you can then sub hand receipt the equipment down to your Squad leaders, who will then sub hand receipt it down to the Users.

Ensure that there is a property maintenance plan for all the platoons equipment, to include service schedules, suspense dates on things like fire extinguishers and other items that have an expiration date.

In my experience, and this is by means not a fool proof plan, is that the PL holds the actual hand receipt, the PSG creates and is responsible for the maintenence schedule of the platoons equipment, the Squad leaders are signed for the squads equipment on a DA 2062, who then 2062 the equipment down to the end users. I believe that you can only 2062 equipment down twice, which is why the PSG does not sign for a lot of stuff. It also keeps one of the NCOER ratings (Accountability) distributed to all your NCO's. It works smoothly in units I have been in, and I myself, when I was a PSG, utilized this method with minimal property loss, or deadlines. ( by loss I mean things like a screw driver, or wrench)

And last, do occasionally check to make sure your 5988's are accurate, and reflect the status of your vehicles. There is nothing more embarrassing then getting ready to move to training, and getting stopped by quality assurance personell, and finding out that all your extinguishers are deadlined.

Response by SFC Stephen Everett made Feb 10 at 2021 10:11 PM

2021-02-10T22:11:22-05:00

Keep your equipment locked up. If you need to provide some type of equipment to soldier make sure you trust that other leader by using a temporary hand receipt. Even for training purpose. Lastly, your Supply Sergeant is your best Buddy. We do like a good lunch. “Wink”. Good luck, big Sarge.

Response by SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM made Mar 1 at 2021 10:34 AM

2021-03-01T10:34:33-05:00

Make sure there are no "secret" accounts they didn't tell you about. I was a Commo Site Chief and when I signed on I had a complete list and it checked just fine... on the Army side of things... THEN a couple months later here comes an Air Force guy saying he wanted to see the inventory I supposedly had from the Air Force!! (and to complicate things it was COMSEC circuit boards, too!). Needless to say that lead to a LOT of work and paperwork/investigation to even determine if what I had was Army or Air Force items. Heaven only knows when the stuff was "lost".

Seems the inventory checks were always done at different times, so when Army supply came by, those 3 items were shown as Army property... and then when the Air Force came by my predecessors showed those SAME 3 items as Air Force property... Until I came along and I just don't play those sorts of games! Report of Survey time! Took a good 6 months to get through the crap but they ended up being dropped from inventory and reported as lost COMSEC inventory - unknown disposition.

Response by SSG Paul Carrier made Mar 2 at 2021 5:27 PM

2021-03-02T17:27:30-05:00

Former Supply Sergeant and Property Book Team Chief here.
Touch everything.
Verify serial numbers.
Is BII on hand or on a valid requisition ?
If you are told it is "in maintenance" then ask for a copy of the paperwork.

Response by LTC Brian Knox made Mar 25 at 2021 9:43 AM

2021-03-25T09:43:12-04:00

Be aware of the -10 manual and any included equipment that goes with the vehicle. I was a brand new 2LT and signed for some equipment and new nothing about the included tools generally that you sign for when you sign for the major equipment. the -10 manual used to show all tools/equipment included.

Response by SSgt Michael Bowen made Apr 5 at 2021 10:40 PM

2021-04-05T22:40:46-04:00

Get and keep a hand receipt for every piece you give or turn over to someone else .

Response by GySgt Thomas Lieb made Apr 6 at 2021 11:53 AM

2021-04-06T11:53:52-04:00

Yup. Double check ....!but do it by the numbers and by the book. Fire team leader to Squad leader to platoon sgt to company gunny ..... then inspect it