KABUL, Afghanistan – The debrief program, designed to enhance post-mission interface between maintainers and aircrew became an Afghan-run process at Kandahar Air Wing recently.
Officials indicate by taking over the process, Afghan Air Force members have taken another step towards professionalizing efforts to support aircraft production.
The debrief process not only increases communications, but also ensures proper documentation and follow-up maintenance inspections are complete as well as providing maintainers critical information about aircraft performance following a mission advisers said.
According to maintenance professionals, accurate documentation of log books allows for proper oversight and management of aircraft maintenance requirements.
For instance, said advisers, automobile manufactures require oil, tires, brakes and other equipment be changed at specific intervals; the same is true for an aircraft. Log books contain the entire historical information for each aircraft. Proper documentation of log books ensures aircrew lives and safety of flight.
“When I arrived in early September 2011, I identified the need for the AAF members to solely manage the maintenance debrief program,” explained Master Sgt. Charles Jenkins, an adviser with the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group. “I noticed that the Afghans whom I work with had the capacity and motivation to fulfill this important mission and they have successfully created autonomy.”
Although the length of a typical debrief varies, it is important for the aircrew and maintainers to discuss possible complications with the aircraft reiterated Jenkins. If an aircraft encountered difficulty during a particular mission, maintenance will take that information and being the process of repair he said.
“This program is vital because it is the only opportunity the aircrew has the interface with maintenance concerning the performance of the aircraft prior to the aircrafts next mission,” Jenkins, of Baltimore said. “Documentation of aircraft records is the key to ensuring inspections are properly monitored. If the maintenance is not documented then it did not happen.”
Although advisers agree the training mission is a challenge, one full of successes and setbacks, breakthroughs are becoming more common both at KAW and around the wing.
“Mentoring a junior Afghan officer on how to manage an office is challenging and rewarding,” Jenkins said. “Culturally, we are different, however work is universal and when there are not enough personnel to accomplish the mission, cultural walls break down and management techniques flourish.”
And, Afghan airmen in charge of the new debrief program agree … training and mentoring will only increase the Afghan capacity to serve its people and military.
"Thank you for working with us, your help will make our country great," said 1st Lt. Amenullah, KAW plans and scheduling, maintenance operations center and maintenance debrief section officer in charge.
| Date Taken: |
11.21.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
11.21.2011 07:25 |
| Story ID: |
80316 |
| Location: |
KABUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AF |
| Web Views: |
79 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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This work, KAW debrief program comes under Afghan control, by Capt. Jamie Humphries, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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