CHAPTER 2 ALFA COMPANY SHOPS SUPERVISOR

In a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB), the equipment maintenance branch is composed of four sections: administrative, automotive repair, heavy equipment repair, and support shops. These sections, or shops, come under the overall supervision of the maintenance supervisor, who is normally a CMCS. As a CM1, you may be assigned as an inspector or a shop supervisor in any one of these shops within the maintenance branch. In small units (CBMUs, BMUs, and so forth) and large detachments, it is common to have a CM1 working as the main- tenance supervisor.

In your role as shop supervisor, inspector, or maintenance supervisor, you will not only need to call upon all of your past experience, but also you will have to be constantly alert for new ideas and ways of accomplishing your mission within the time frames allotted. Of course, skillful predeployment planning is essential; but deployments rarely go according to plan, especially with equipment. Remember, in addition to facing unusual maintenance problems not encountered at a public works duty station, you must be ready to pack your gear and mount out at any given moment.

This chapter describes the composition of different equipment maintenance branch shops and small units. It describes the duties and responsibilities you will be expected to perform. Remember, these duties and responsibilities may vary in each battalion, small unit, or detachment, Assignments are made by the maintenance supervisor.

One of the most important tasks is to stay abreast of developments in equipment main- tenance. Here are some publications to consult that will help you keep up to date: Naval Construction Force Manual, NAVFAC P-315; Naval Construction Force Equipment Management Manual, NAVFAC P-404; Naval Construction Force Safety Manual (COMCB- PAC/COMCBLANTINST 5100.1 series); COM- CBPAC/COMCBLANT and NAVFACINST 11200 series; Civil Engineer Support Office Maintenance Bulletins; Equipment Officer Technical Bulletins; and Equipment Officer Modification Work Orders.

SETTING UP A MAINTENANCE BRANCH

Currently most areas that Naval Construction Force (NCF) units, especially Mobile Construction Battalions (MCBs), deploy to, have maintenance facilities already in place. Normally only upgrading and maintenance of these areas is required. However, during a contingency, your unit could go into an area without any facilities. In this instance you will be required to assist the maintenance supervisor in setting up the maintenance branch. In the event that you are attached to a small unit as the senior CM (maintenance supervisor), it will be up to you to set up the maintenance branch and make it operational.

AREA SELECTION

The number and types of vehicles to be maintained are an important consideration in selecting the area, determining the size of the shop, and in laying out the shop. Placement is most important. If possible, avoid locating the shop in a low-lying area. Select a site large enough to allow for expansion, near the center of activity where there are existing roadways and parking areas. Proper layout will reduce maintenance bottlenecks and induce equipment to flow through the shop. You can obtain more information on the physical arrangement of Facilities Planning Guide, especially in chapter 1. buildings from the NAVFAC P-437,