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The 435th Vehicle Readiness Squadron manages the largest vehicle fleet in the Air Force, with more than 2,700 vehicles.
A significant increase here in vehicle accidents and abuse has occured in the past two years.
“The number of (government-owned vehicle) accidents within the KMC has skyrocketed from 33 for the fourth quarter of calendar year 2003 to 90 accidents in the same quarter 2004,” said Lt. Col. Richard Peterson, 435th VRS commander. “It is a whopping 272 percent increase.”
An accident is damage done to the vehicle through a collision, impact or abrasion; an abuse is an act or omission that causes damage not attributed to normal use or an accident, said Master Sgt. Mark Isserman, 435th VRS.
During fiscal year 2004, the VRS had 258 accidents and 70 abuses reported by individual units for a cost of more than $150,000.
“So far in (fiscal year) 2005, the amount of money spent on accidents and abuses has already reached a staggering $75,000,” said Sergeant Isserman.
Based on police reports, Colonel Peterson has identified two trends.
“One is failing to have a spotter when backing up, required for all GOVs,” he said. “The other is simply being in a hurry.”
“As everyone knows, civil engineering is upgrading many of Ramstein’s roads and gates, creating a driving environment that is constantly changing,” said Colonel Peterson. “When we get behind the wheel of a vehicle, conditions require us to pay especially close attention to what we are doing at all times.”
The cost for these repairs is paid by the unit that borrows the vehicle from the VRS. Sergeant Isserman said that while a vehicle is being repaired, a replacement may not be readily available, and the manpower used to repair vehicles of accidents or abuses takes away from the unit’s need to conduct routine maintenance.
“Accidents and abuses not only cost the end user but they affect the entire wing,” he said.
Through an investigation, the VRS holds the responsible party accountable for repairs.
If an individual is deemed negligent in an accident, he could lose his license, and more than likely, the cost to repair the damages will be garnished from his wages, according to 1st Lt. Javier Benton, 435th VRS flight commander.
Punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice could happen in the case of damage to GOVs, said Capt. Olga Cornell, 435th Air Base Wing Judge Advocate’s office.
“It’s very likely for commanders to take rank or pay for negligence,” said Capt. Cornell.
Sergeant Isserman offers two pieces of advice for those who drive GOVs.
“First, take care of your government-assigned vehicles as if they were your own,” he said. “Second, make sure the vehicle control officer educates vehicle users on proper care and accountability.”
Bringing the car in for scheduled maintenance, adding the correct fluid and the correct time and ensuring all users are licensed are examples of safeguarding the GOV against abuse, said Lieutenant Benton.
