Requisitions for M1 Components Are Not Justified by Past Demands

During a review of the fielding of the M1 tank in Europe, GAO examined Army general supply policies and new equipment spare parts provisions actions by the U.S. Army, Europe.

GAO found that two Army units had requisitioned M1 tank components valued at $511,000 which were not justified by past demands. The units requisitioned direct exchange assets to eliminate identified shortages based on inventory control recommended supply levels for the number of tanks fielded. However Army Regulation (A.R.) 710-2 provides that a reparable component must have at least six demands per year to be added to the direct exchange stock list and three demands per year to be retained on the list. A sample of M1 component demand histories identified 21 items that had not experienced the minimum number of requests to be retained on the list. GAO reported that the requisitions were inappropriate based on the M1 tank's record of operational readiness, Army supply policies, and actual parts demands.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Henry W. Connor Team: General Accounting Office: National Security and International Affairs Division Phone: (202) 275-4141