FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico — The installation Logistics Readiness Center earned Satisfactory and Commendable ratings in recent Command Maintenance Discipline Program and Command Supply Discipline Program inspections, part of the Army’s mandatory biennial cycle, that measured compliance with regulations governing government property, inventory procedures and maintenance operations.
Inspectors evaluated the Logistics Office, Property Accountability Office and the Maintenance Division using new Army-wide criteria.
Juan B. Carmona Santiago, logistics supervisor and Supply Discipline Program coordinator, said the inspection determines whether the installation maintains proper controls.
“The inspection is a type of audit to see whether we are carrying out the discipline program for everything related to property and the handling of the commander’s property,” Carmona Santiago said.
The Logistics Office earned an 81% Satisfactory rating. Inspectors noted several observations tied to new inventory and property control requirements, and the team began addressing them immediately.
The Property Accountability Office earned a 91% Commendable rating.
“Here we are very proud of what we do, we love what we do, and we put a lot of passion and pride into it,” said accountable property officer José Vázquez.
This evaluation was the first conducted with a standardized inspection form used across the Army, requiring updates to documentation and property management processes.
The Maintenance Division scored 98% in its Command Maintenance Discipline Program inspection. The Maintenance Division supports vehicles and equipment for emergency services, security and public works, and helps prepare for the hurricane season.
“Maintenance involves everything, from the fire department to installation security and all the equipment the guards use,” said Efraín Colón Cruz, chief of the division. “Basically, we provide maintenance to equipment and keep it operational so the workforce can accomplish their mission.”
The Driver Training Program also scored a 98% rating.
Marcuantonio Negrón Rivera, Fleet Manager and Transportation Operations Specialist, said the driver program’s performance stood out despite new inspection requirements.
“The performance achieved was significant because of the recent regulatory changes and the adjustments the personnel had to make to meet the new inspection criteria,” he said.
Inspectors praised the installation’s professionalism and organization.
“During and after inspection, the Accountable Property Officer and S4 representatives were utmost professional and organized,” said Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm Live of the Army Sustainment Command Readiness Division.
“Their preparedness made this inspection effortless for all parties involved,” he added, “The best practice for Fort Buchanan is file management. From what I’ve seen for inspected installations, Fort Buchanan is easily in the top three.”
Live recommended continued oversight improvements through expanded access to property disposition systems.
The 81%, 91% and 98% scores reflect coordinated work across logistics, property accountability, maintenance and the tenant organizations that rely on the installation’s equipment and resources.
“This is a team effort,” Carmona Santiago said. “From the user to the installation commander, everyone has to do their part.”
With an annual budget exceeding $500 million, Fort Buchanan supports about 15,000 active-duty personnel, Army Reserve Soldiers, Puerto Rico National Guard members, Marine Corps Reserve members and Navy Reserve personnel. As the Army’s home in the Caribbean, the installation provides the infrastructure, services and support that enable military forces to train, mobilize and deploy worldwide.