Lesson 1/Learning Event 4
Learning Event 4
STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURE
A standing operating procedure provides the foundation of the unit
maintenance program.
The SOP is the standing order of the commanding
officer. It carries the same weight and authority as any other lawful order
of the commander. Failure to comply with the SOP may subject individuals to
disciplinary action.
The SOP is developed for common and repetitive
situations.
It frees the supervisor to work on nonroutine projects or
problem areas.
A sound maintenance SOP is essential to the success of
tactical operations and administrative and logistical procedures. The SOP
provides a guide for inexperienced personnel. Copies of the SOP should be
available for ready reference. New personnel should be briefed on the unit
program and either provided a copy of the SOP or shown where they can get
one.
The SOP is a "living" document. It should be tailored to the needs of the
unit.
Duties and responsibilities of maintenance personnel need to be
spelled out. The soldiers need to know how they are expected to contribute
to the overall program. The SOP should be printed in the most effective and
convenient form. When a better way is found to do an operation, it should
be included in the SOP. Changes to the maintenance program should be posted
in the unit SOP. If it is impractical to post the changes to all copies,
one or two complete record copies should be maintained. When pen and ink
changes interfere with clarity or continuity, a new printing is needed. The
commander must ensure that changes to the SOP are coordinated and that
everyone understands the new procedures.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR AN SOP
1.
The SOP must provide a functional organization for maintenance and
recognize the need for mission accomplishment, quality workmanship,
and tool control.
2.
Command policies should be brief statements of what will be done.
3.
Appendixes should be used for detailed organization and procedures.
4.
Terms that are not common should be defined.
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