Lesson 1/Learning Event 3
Command Emphasis.
The commander sets the tone for what is and is not
important within his command.
To place command emphasis on maintenance
operations, the commander must show an active interest in maintenance
operations and the material readiness of unit equipment. Command emphasis,
the most important supervisory factor, influences maintenance and the
supervisor may use it to support the mission. Personal examples, words, and
actions are the best means to demonstrate the areas to be emphasized.
Management.
The maintenance supervisor must constantly strive to improve
operations.
Since the management process itself plays a key role in
maintenance operations, the supervisor should always be alert for ways to
improve planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and controlling, as
well as obtaining feedback on results.
Under the stress of day-to-day
operations these elements lose visibility and may not seem to have a direct
bearing on material readiness. However, a small improvement in the "system"
brings greater overall benefits than a "heroic" effort on one or two items.
Supervision.
The commander depends on the first-line supervisor for
accomplishing the mission and ensuring the welfare of the soldiers.
The
supervisor is a vital link in the chain of command. Receiving instructions
and turning them into tangible results and passing along the commander's
requirements are only minor responsibilities. The major challenge lies in
making sure the people being supervised can accomplish the mission.
The
supervisor is the individual soldier's primary source of assistance and
further professional development. Knowing proper maintenance procedures and
being technically proficient in the tasks to be done by the soldiers, the
supervisor also needs to know the standards and objectives set by the chain
of command so that the efforts of the soldiers are guided in the proper
direction.
Being constantly aware of mission requirements and the
capabilities and limitations of the soldiers, the supervisor must look
beyond peacetime day-to-day operations and train soldiers to support the
needs of the battlefield. Next to the mission, the welfare of the soldiers
and their professional development should be most important.
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