Ground Vehicles: Removing Shippers Chalk Writing
By | Jan. 27, 2024
A unit writes to MSG Half-Mast about removing the shipper’s chalk writing on their vehicles. He replies with various remedies. Find out how they can solve the problem here…...
Stryker FOV: Stop Circuit Breaker Tripping
By | Nov. 16, 2023
Turning on the MFoCS2 processor power switch before powering on the auxiliary power bus will keep circuit breaker 81 on the FBCB2 from tripping. Read on for more info…...
Ground Vehicles: 6TAGM MILSPEC Batteries Can be Mixed
By | July 19, 2023
PulseTech® Products Corporation recently released the U.S. Army Battery Maintenance Management Program (BMMP) (May 23). The BMMP describes the three batteries that you could receive with NSN 6140-01-485-1472, and they’re...
I Own This Campaign: Nominate a Deserving Warfighter
By | May 5, 2023
Taking ownership and pride in assigned vehicles and equipment is vital to ensuring personal, unit and fleet readiness. Without this personal investment and active involvement, Warfighters fail to ensure preventive and...
Ground Vehicles: Want to Order in Bulk?
By | April 14, 2023
There are items you can order in bulk for your vehicles and equipment. Ordering in bulk can save units money and ensure high-usage items are available when needed. Here’s how to find what you can order in bulk...
Lead-Acid Batteries: WP Update for TM 9-6140-200-13
By | March 28, 2023
AR 750-1 was recently updated which caused a need for an update in work package (WP) 0020 of TM 9-6140-200-13, Operator and Field Maintenance for Automotive Lead-Acid Storage Batteries (May 11). Get the correct info here...
Ground Vehicles: Remove Battery Corrosion
By | March 9, 2023
When cleaning and removing corrosion from your vehicle’s lead-acid batteries, follow the guidance in WP 0027 of TM 9-6140-200-13 (May 11) and your vehicle’s operator and field maintenance TMs. Get more info...
Stryker: Check Vehicle Fluids the Right Way
By | Feb. 23, 2023
Check ALL Stryker fluids regularly both before and after missions to keep the vehicle combat ready. The TMs say to check fluids after each mission. But checking them before a mission is never a bad idea. Keep reading for more...
Half-Mast Sends: Keep on Trucking
By | Jan. 26, 2023
The war in Ukraine is offering a lot of lessons. The question is: Are we learning them? An informative CNN article offers some insights on the importance of maintenance and logistics basics that are worth heeding. And we...
PS Magazine Year-In-Review: Top 10 Website Downloads
By | Jan. 13, 2023
The PS Magazine website features helpful documents, posters and charts that were downloaded over 80,000 times. You might be interested to learn what the most downloaded items were. Read on to find out...
Safety: Are You and Your Vehicles Ready for Winter?
By | Nov. 22, 2022
This article initially appeared in PS 792 (Nov 18), p. 12. Maintenance leaders, winter is here and requires more preparation and maintenance for vehicles. But that’s not all, read on…...
PMCS: Good PM Takes More Than Just the TM
By | Nov. 22, 2022
This article initially appeared in PS 774 (May 17), p. 1. Use your eyes, ears, nose and hands to help you uncover problems that could deadline your vehicle. Read on for more info…...
Ground Vehicles: Lead-Acid Battery Storage
By | Sept. 1, 2022
Flooded cell and absorbed glass material (AGM) batteries can be stored and charged in the same container as long as you follow the guidelines in TM 9-6140-200-13 (May 11). We’ve got the details here…...
Tactical Vehicles: Shocking Truth behind Defective Batteries
By | Aug. 3, 2022
Warfighters, new batteries are often returned to the Army supply system as unserviceable after only a few days or weeks. Did you know that very few of these new batteries prove to be defective at all? As shocking as that...
Ground Vehicles: Don’t Use Tire Shine Products
By | June 24, 2022
Operators, we warned you about using tire shine products in our story on Page 15 of PS 791 (Oct 18). Sure, you want your ride to sparkle; however, using tire shine products to get that sparkle isn’t authorized. That’s because...
Stryker: Field-Level Welding Repair Program
By | April 21, 2022
There’s a new field-level welding repair program for Strykers called the Unit Welding Immersion Program (UWIP) that’s intended to help shorten the current turnaround time for welding-related faults. Click >> MORE...
AOAP: Temporary Gap in Service and Workarounds
By | March 1, 2022
Starting on Feb 20, 2022, the contract that supports the Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP) will experience a gap in service. Read on to learn more about its impact...
Corrosion: New Documents Published
By | Feb. 25, 2022
Corrosion is an ongoing battle. To ensure this menace never wins the day, two new corrosion policy and procedures publications are available...
Ground Vehicles: Arctic Oil Replacement
By | Feb. 9, 2022
A new multi-functional, heavy-duty, arctic engine oil called synthetic multi-purpose lubricant (OE/HDO-SMPL-I) is now replacing the old OEA-30...
Combat Vehicles: 2021 Year-in-Review
By | Jan. 25, 2022
Another year, another 525,600 minutes of preventive maintenance. Although it’s hard to pinpoint a definitive trend when it comes to maintenance issues among combat vehicle fleets in 2021, one clear trend was the need to...
Stryker: Calibrate and Maintain Height Management System
By | Jan. 24, 2022
Stryker maintainer, the most important thing you can do to maintain a high level of readiness is to properly calibrate the height management system (HMS). Proper calibration requires use of the height management unit (HMU),...
Combat and Tactical Vehicles: Improved BDAR Tire Repair Kit
By | Nov. 29, 2021
Listen up! The battle damage assessment and repair (BDAR) kit’s ground combat tire repair stand-alone kit, NSN 5180-01-542-8146, has been updated. The tire repair kit is now smaller, lighter, tougher and costs less...
Stryker: Height Management System PM
By | Nov. 23, 2021
Operators, preventive maintenance is very important for making sure your Stryker’s height management system (HMS) works like it should. So follow these tips to keep your Stryker’s HMS functioning so it doesn’t end up on a DA...
Maintenance Mgmt: Ground Guiding is Serious Business
By | Sept. 20, 2021
Army equipment is often large and awkward to move. Safely maneuvering large equipment, especially in tight spaces, requires properly trained and positioned ground guides. Learn more here...
Maintenance Mgmt: Leaders Teach & Train PMCS
By | Sept. 20, 2021
Listen up! The next time a vehicle goes into the shop with an apparent low tire psi, ask the operator if they have a tire gauge. Then ask them how to check the tire’s psi. You might be surprised to find out what they don't...
Maintenance Mgmt: The Cold Reality about PMCS
By | Sept. 20, 2021
Army equipment gets used in some of the worst conditions imaginable. It’s common sense that equipment works “best” when operated daily, weekly and on a monthly basis...
Stryker: Maintain RWS to Get Most Bang for the Buck
By | Sept. 7, 2021
One sound you never want to hear while in a firefight or qualifying at the live-fire range is a “click” instead of a “bang.” That “click” sound means something is wrong with your Stryker’s remote weapon station (RWS)! But by...
Ground Vehicles: QR Codes for PMCS Not TACOM-Endorsed
By | Aug. 26, 2021
Dear MSG Half-Mast, I work on a Command Maintenance Evaluation/Maintenance Assistance Instruction (COMET/MAIT) team and keep seeing quick response (QR) codes used to access the PMCS tables of a vehicle’s TMs. Can they be...
Combat Vehicles: LRU Troubleshooting and NGATS/DSESTS
By | Aug. 3, 2021
Some units are turning in line replaceable units (LRUs) as unserviceable when they’re actually in good working condition. Turning in serviceable LRUs drives up costs and makes units spend money unnecessarily. Not to mention...
Strykers: Maintaining the Mortar Carrier Vehicle’s RMS6-L
By | July 29, 2021
Crewmen, your M1129A1 MCV, M1251A1 MCVV and M1252 MCVV Stryker’s RMS6-L 120mm mortar system needs a lot of attention to stay combat ready. Keep the following Do’s and Don’ts in mind so that your mortar does its job:...
PS Magazine: A Trusted Source for Readiness Information
By | July 20, 2021
For 70 years, Soldiers—as well as other service personnel—have relied on PS Magazine to get the late-breaking, correct information they need to keep their fleets combat ready. Still, a question continues to pop up in motor...
AFES: Safety Videos Available
By | July 8, 2021
There’s a four-part safety video available that shows what happens when you discharge an unrestrained automatic fire extinguishing system (AFES) bottle without the anti-recoil plug installed...
Maintaining it Means Using It
By | July 1, 2021
It’s common sense that equipment works “best” when operated daily, weekly and on a monthly basis, right? The cold reality is common sense flies out the window when a vehicle is allowed to sit idle for a long time...
Yellow Safety Paint
By | June 15, 2021
This article initially appeared in PS 766 (Sep 16), p. 61. Get a 5-gal container of yellow safety paint with NSN 8010-01-019-1776. This water-based latex is used to paint guide marks and warning lines inside your motor pool...
Combat Vehicles: Always Heed These AFES Safety Tips
By | May 27, 2021
Crewmen, the automatic fire extinguishing system (AFES) is critical to the safety of your fellow Soldiers and your vehicle. But serious injuries, or worse, can happen if you mess around with the high-pressure AFES bottles...
Combat Vehicles: Turn in Unserviceable Wiring Harnesses
By | May 26, 2021
Commanders, senior NCOs, and maintenance managers, the organic industrial base (OIB) has heard your call for assistance with ground combat systems’ (the M1A2 tank, M2A2 Bradley, M3A3 BFIST and M109A6 Paladin) wiring harness...
Stryker: Only You Can Prevent Fires!
By | May 19, 2021
There are far too many Stryker fires happening across the fleet. Damage done just since 2013 has added up to really big bucks! Let’s look at a few things that could help prevent fires from happening...
Stryker: Prevent Component “Snorkeling”
By | April 29, 2021
Strykers across the fleet are experiencing height management system (HMS), central tire inflation system (CTIS) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunctions due to fluids and water accumulating in Stryker hull cavities...
Strykers: Prevent N2 Gauge Damage with Simple Fix
By | March 15, 2021
All M1129A1 MCV, M1251A1 MCVV and M1252A1 MCVVA1 Stryker mortar carriers have been upgraded with an N2 gauge that allows Soldiers to monitor gas levels in the 120mm mortar’s RMS6-L recuperator. The N2 gauge helps make sure...
Don’t Spin Our Wheels!
By | Feb. 23, 2021
This article initially appeared in PS 759 (May 16), p. 1. PS Magazine gets lots of maintenance and supply questions each month. Sometimes we can send out an immediate answer. Other times, those answers take a couple days to a...
Stryker: Charging System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
By | Feb. 16, 2021
Strykers across the fleet are experiencing battery charging problems. This leads to vehicles being non-mission capable (NMC) and readiness taking a big hit. Soldiers can take action now to prevent these problems, mainly by...
Maintenance Training: Find Every Chance to Teach
By | Jan. 22, 2021
Listen up! The next time a vehicle comes into the shop with an apparent low tire psi, ask the operator if they have a tire gauge. Then ask them how to check the tire’s psi. You might be surprised to find out what they don't...
PS Magazine: Help Us Help You
By | Dec. 23, 2020
Each day, emails from Soldiers and DoD civilians all over the world come into PS Magazine seeking answers to challenges they're facing while maintaining their vehicles and equipment. And each day, Half-Mast or a member of his...
Battery Box Coating Compound
By | Dec. 9, 2020
This article initially appeared in PS 745 (May 17), p. 61. If the interior coating on your vehicle’s battery box is wearing out, you’ll need to recoat it. Use a wire brush to scrape off rust and old paint. Then, after...
UTAP: You’re Just a Click Away!
By | Nov. 17, 2020
This article initially appeared in PS 798 (May 19), p. 20-21. TACOM’s Unit Training Assistance Program, UTAP, provides approved training materials for a variety of TACOM-managed equipment...
Stryker: Protect Vehicle from Extreme Cold
By | Oct. 21, 2020
Parking your Stryker overnight or longer in below zero temps can take a toll on your vehicle. Here are some things you can do to protect your Stryker from biting cold temps and make sure it’s ready for the next mission...
M1135 NBCRV Stryker: BAWS PMCS Change
By | Oct. 14, 2020
Does your unit have M1135 NBCRV Strykers? If so, be aware that there’s a change to Item 19 in WP 0103-17 in the quarterly PMCS tables in TM 3-6665-397-13&P (Sep 15). It relates to servicing the biological agent warfare system...
M153 CROWS II: Cover NSNs
By | Oct. 2, 2020
Protect your common remotely operated weapons station (CROWS) II from the elements by keeping it covered with the tan cover, NSN 5340-25-162-1081, or the green cover, NSN 5340-25-162-0697...
Stryker: Extended Fuel/Water Can Bracket NSNs
By | Sept. 24, 2020
For extended water and fuel cans on Strykers, get right-side brackets with NSN 2590-20-012-4032 and left-side brackets with NSN 2590-20-012-5574. If you didn’t know, the “extended” refers to the brackets being able to hold...
Strykers: Stay on Top of Cannon Tube Record Keeping
By | Sept. 8, 2020
Units should keep in mind that good recordkeeping is essential for making sure their M1129A1 MCV, M1251A1 MCVV and M1252 MCVV Stryker’s mortar carrier RMS6-L cannon tubes are ready for training and combat duty...
Stryker: Inspect and Tighten Commander’s Hatch Hinge Bolts
By | July 17, 2020
Crewmen, the outboard side of the 1128 MGS Stryker commander’s hatch hinge has four (4) bolts that can loosen from vibrations during normal vehicle operations. Loose bolts can fall out, shear off or be stripped from their...
Wheeled Vehicles: HTV Computer-Based Training Available
By | June 23, 2020
Soldiers, the Product Manager Heavy Tactical Vehicles (PM HTV) Distance Learning Center provides computer-based sustainment training for many systems, including HEMTT A4, M1120A4 load handling system (LHS), M983A4 light...
M1252 Stryker: Clean and Lube Cannon Tube
By | June 16, 2020
Crewmen, the recoilless mortar system (RMS6-L) on your M1252 Stryker mortar carrier needs a lot of care so it can keep throwing rounds down range. One thing you do that the current TM doesn’t mention is removing the 120mm...
CIPs: Telling Friend from Foe Requires Proper Care
By | May 29, 2020
Combat is dangerous enough without having to worry about being shot at by someone on your own side! That’s where combat identification panels (CIPs) come in. CIPs are 24 x 30-in panels that help protect you from friendly...
Stryker: Extended Water and Fuel Can Bracket NSNs
By | May 21, 2020
Extended water and fuel can brackets are now available for the Stryker. The new brackets replace the shorter version of the brackets currently installed on each side of the rear ramp. They attach in the same position using...
M1134, M1253 Stryker: Avoid a Missile Mishap!
By | May 5, 2020
Crewmen, be sure to always conduct the pre-mission GRIPS tests and correct firing sequences for your anti-tank guided missile system (ATGM) Stryker. If you don’t, it’s possible you could launch an approximately $200,000...
Stryker: Avoid Ramp Crunch with Proper Washer Placement
By | April 28, 2020
Mechanics, putting the flat washers in the wrong place when reattaching the ramp chains after maintenance could end up damaging the pulley housing. There are two flat washers, NSN 5310-01-510-5385. Don’t assume that both...
A20 Personnel Heater: Regular Inspections Keep Heat On
By | April 28, 2020
The A20 personnel heater doesn’t need scheduled maintenance to work properly. But regularly inspecting the heater will improve its life and performance. Here’s how to make sure the A20 heater does its job of keeping Soldiers...
Stryker: Turn In Unserviceable Taillights
By | April 20, 2020
The repair program for the existing Stryker taillight is in short supply. So if you have any unserviceable taillights, NSN 6220-20-006-6025, turn them in right away...
M1087A1 Expansible Van: Keep Floor Tracks Clear and Free
By | Feb. 11, 2020
When extending or compressing your M1087A1 van, make sure there isn’t any dirt or debris in the floor tracks. Extending or compressing the van while the floor tracks are blocked can seriously damage the van...
Stryker: Un-Brake Engine Compartment Fires!
By | Feb. 6, 2020
A fire recently broke out in a Stryker’s engine compartment during an exercise in Poland. And that’s not the first time that an engine compartment fire has recently damaged a Stryker. At least some of the fires were caused...
M1128 MGS Stryker: A/C PM Keeps Vehicle Combat Ready
By | Jan. 31, 2020
Refrigerant leaks and bad hydraulic fan motor seals can put the air handling units (AHUs) inside the crew compartment of your M1128 MGS Stryker out of action. And that makes your vehicle NMC! Check out TM 9-2355-321-13&P...
Combat Vehicles: Always Know the LO
By | Jan. 30, 2020
All lube, engine oil and hydraulic fluid are pretty much the same, right? Actually, no! And getting it wrong can cause some serious damage to your vehicle...
Stryker: Start-Up and Shutdown by the Book
By | Jan. 21, 2020
Drivers, your Stryker needs you to do your job so it can do its job. And part of your job is starting up and shutting down your vehicle the right way. That makes sure no critical components are damaged. Here’s how... ...
Stryker: Route Your Way to Good DVE Cable PM
By | Jan. 15, 2020
Your Stryker’s driver’s vision enhancer (DVE) helps you see your way through tough driving conditions. But if you don’t take care of the cable for the DVE, your Stryker becomes NMC!. Heeding this article and spending $3 could...
Stryker: Water in Hull? Drain It!
By | Dec. 16, 2019
Crewmen, be sure to drain the rain and washwater from the hull of your Stryker. If you don’t, components sitting underneath the floor plates could be in for a hard time. Water causes all kinds of problems, including...
M153 CROWS II: Lock It Down Before Moving Out
By | Dec. 13, 2019
Crewmen, it’s critical that you keep your common remotely operated weapons station (CROWS) II locked whenever your vehicle is on the move. If you don’t, the main frame assembly (MFA) on the CROWS can end up with serious...
A20 Personnel Heater: Start-up Procedure Done Right
By | Dec. 12, 2019
Crewmen, your combat vehicle’s A20 personnel heater, NSN 2540-01-396-2826, will keep you warm when the temps drop. But neglect the proper start-up procedures and your heater will give you the big chill! ...
Stryker: Service Kits NSNs
By | Nov. 29, 2019
Sometimes it can be hard to track down the right NSNs for service kits. That’s a problem when it’s time to do the required semi-annual and annual service for your unit’s Strykers. But no worries! Make things easy on yourself...
BDAR Kit: Get One Today!
By | Nov. 26, 2019
The TRADOC Project Office (TPO) for Battlefield Recovery/BDAR has developed a new and improved battle damage and repair kit for all ground combat and tactical systems. The improved kit, NSN 2590-01-659-5620, has all the...
M1128 MSG Stryker: Override Rammer Damage
By | Nov. 26, 2019
Crewmen, it gets hectic inside your M1128 MGS Stryker during gunnery tables. But do not fire the main gun without making sure the autoloader’s rammer assembly is in the HOME position. The central control panel (CCP) alerts...
Combat Vehicles: What’s the CVE Program?
By | Nov. 25, 2019
An important component of Army readiness is TACOM’s Combat Vehicle Evaluation (CVE) Program. Under CVE, more than 9,000 combat vehicles are inspected and evaluated each year to determine if they should be sent to depot for...
Stryker: Out of Kilter? Level It!
By | Oct. 7, 2019
Crewmen, when your Stryker’s height management system (HMS) gets out of kilter, it’s time to level your vehicle. Here's how:...
Stryker: Hatch Safety Heads Off Headaches
By | Oct. 1, 2019
Crewmen, a big headache could be in your future if you drive your Stryker without securing the driver’s hatch. Your vehicle has two safety devices to keep the hatch in place. But you’ve got to actually use them if you don’t...
Stryker: Faulty Headset? Now Hear This!
By | Sept. 25, 2019
Mechanics, having a problem with the Stryker’s Bose® improved tactical headset (ITH)? If so, don’t be so quick to toss it aside and order a one. Instead, save your unit money by troubleshooting and repairing it...
Stryker: Replace Seals, Not Whole Wheel Assembly
By | Sept. 25, 2019
Dear Editor, we’ve had trouble with the inner hub seals going out on the Stryker’s wheel assemblies. We thought the only fix was to replace the whole wheel assembly at a cost of $40,000 a pop. But then we discovered that just...
M1135 NBCRV Stryker: Ways to Keep it Detecting
By | Sept. 5, 2019
The M1135 NBCRV Stryker is critical in an environment with CBRN threats. If it doesn’t do its detecting job, the results could be fatal. Here are some ways to keep you and your NBCRV Stryker on the detecting trail: 1. Run...