From: John Stewart-Smith (john_stewartsmith@hotmail.com)
Date: Wed Mar 13 2002 - 06:13:35 PST
Sarge's Story Time.
You ever notice how many lies begin with "You won't believe this sh*t"?
Not so many years ago in Germany we had 24 M49's (M35 chassis, fueler body)
and we were told that our table of allowances only authorized us 12 fuelers.
Twelve of the vehicles were 1981 models, all in perfect condition and with
very low mileage. The other twelve were 1982 models, all with high mileage
and too many problems to list. We told base supply that we would turn in the
twelve 1982 models to DRMO. Base supply told us that the regulation states
that the older vehicles must be turned in and that we must spend the
necessary cash (approximately $1.2 million) and repair the 1982 models. They
were totally inflexible, even when our Colonel tried to explain the logic to
their Colonel.
What does a lowly Master Sergeant do?
Well, there was another regulation about 'cannibalism' that stated that
transfer of parts between vehicles was authorized in order to meet mission
capability. So our team of mechanics swapped (legally) EVERY SINGLE PART of
the 1981 models, except for the data plates, onto the 1982 models. Then we
turned in the 1981 models to DRMO.
Our Colonel was ecstatic at our 'legal' fix. Base supply was happy, but they
did not know exactly how we managed to fix the problem and save the money.
I often thought about the "We have met the enemy, and he is us" quote, but
wondered who made it?
Does the military ever swap data plates? NO. But they sometimes swap all of
the other parts.
Saving your tax dollars,
-Sarge
> Has anyone ever figured out how all of the data plates on the DRMS and now
> GL sales go 'missing'? I mean, is there a collectors underground out
there?
> They are either riveted or held on by 4 screws. It's not like they 'pop'
> off on rough roads. Why would the military remove them while being used?
> How about all you 'lifers', got any ideas that were revealed over
beers?
> Like PFC Schmeddly stating while in an alcoholic stupor, "Ya know guys, to
> get back at the ARMY, I steal the data plates off every deuce I see when
I'm
> off post. FUBARs the whole system...HIC !!" ?
>
> Ronzo
>
>
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