You need it, they buy it

Staff Sgt. Jared Clutter, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Maintenance Flight materiel control journeyman, talks to a vendor about acquiring a part on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 28. The materiel control section handles the ordering of all equipment and office supplies for the vehicle maintenance flight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)

You need it, they buy it

Airman 1st Class Jacob Wilcox, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Maintenance Flight general purpose apprentice, places a chip inside a controlled tool kit on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 28. Wilcox placed a chit inside the tool box to show the item is currently in use. The 2 LRS VMF materiel control section keeps track of office supplies and tools that are not used on a daily basis by vehicle maintainers. The area is inspected daily to ensure every item is accounted for. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)

You need it, they buy it

Requests and receipts for vehicle maintenance equipment are organized on a desk on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 28. Airmen from the 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Maintenance Flight materiel control section are responsible for ordering the equipment the vehicle maintainers need to do their job. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier)

You need it, they buy it

Published Nov. 30, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Maintenance Flight has a section dedicated to ordering parts needed for vehicle maintainers to complete their mission.

"Materiel control is the supply portion of vehicle maintenance," said Staff Sgt. Jared Clutter, 2nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Maintenance Flight materiel control journeyman. "Our section is responsible for buying supplies Airmen need to do their job. We acquire supplies from the base supply system or an off-base vendor."

To do this, materiel control works with the sections that need a certain part to ensure units are properly equipped with the tools they need.

"When we need parts, a vehicle maintenance parts request form is filled out," said Tyler Cagnina, 2 LRS VMF mechanic. "The materiel control section gives us more time to focus on vehicle maintenance as opposed to spending time on the phone and picking up parts."

Supplies ordered range from coveralls to engines and screws to wrenches.

"When searching for parts, we get three different price estimates," Clutter said. "We either order the least expensive or most time-compliant part. If a part is needed for a vehicle that is constantly on the flightline, we go with the most time-compliant one."

Some items can be pricey, so Airmen watch the budget closely.

"We maintain the budget, and ensure money is not overspent," Clutter said. "Equipment is acquired by using two methods: a government purchase card, which is used for buying supplies, and through the 2 LRS supply section."

Once supplies are purchased, the materiel control Airmen either pick it up, or have it delivered. When the part is acquired, Airmen ensure there has been no tampering, and that it is tax exempt.

"There is a lot that goes into consideration when buying parts," Clutter said. "We ensure the parts absolutely necessary for the mission are delivered to the vehicle maintainers as fast as possible."

Without the materiel control Airmen, vehicles needing repairs would remain in the lot waiting for that specific part.