TM 55-2840-254-23
b. The assigned levels of maintenance authorized to perform a maintenance function are indicated.
c. A maintenance function assigned to a maintenance category will automatically be authorized to be
performed at any higher maintenance category.
d. A maintenance function that cannot be performed at the assigned category of maintenance for any
reason may be evacuated to the next higher maintenance category. Higher maintenance categories will
perform the maintenance functions of lower maintenance categories when required or directed by the
commander that has the authority to direct such tasking.
e. The assignment of a maintenance function will not be construed as authorization to carry the related
repair parts or spares in stock. Information to requisition or otherwise secure the necessary repair parts
will be as specified in the associated Repair Parts and Special Tools List (RPSTL).
f. Normally there will be no deviation from the assigned level of maintenance. In cases of operational
necessity, maintenance functions assigned to a maintenance level may, on a one-time basis and at the
request of the lower maintenance level, be specifically authorized by the maintenance officer of the level
of maintenance to which the function is assigned. The special tools, equipment, etc., required by the lower
level of maintenance to perform this function will be furnished by the maintenance level to which the
function is assigned. This transfer of a maintenance function to a lower maintenance level does not relieve
the higher maintenance level of the responsibility for the function. The higher level of maintenance will
provide technical supervision and inspection of the function being performed at the lower level.
g. Changes to the Maintenance Allocation Chart will be based on continuing evaluation and analysis by
responsible technical personnel and on reports received from field activities.
B-3 MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS
Maintenance functions wiII be limited to and defined as follows:
a. Inspect. To determine the serviceability of an item by comparing its physical, mechanical, and/or
electrical characteristics with established standards through examination (e.g., by sight, sound, or feel).
b. Test. To verify serviceability by measuring the mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical
characteristics of an item and comparing those characteristics with prescribed standards.
c. Service. Operations required periodically to keep an item in proper operating condition, i.e., to clean
(includes decontaminate, when required), to preserve, to drain, to paint, or to replenish fuel, lubricants,
chemical fluids, or gases.
d. Adjust. To maintain or regulate, within prescribed limits, by bringing into proper or exact position,
or by setting the operating characteristics to specified parameters.
e. Align. To adjust specified variable elements of an item to bring about optimum or desired perfor-
mance.
f. Calibrate. To determine and cause corrections to be made or to be adjusted on instruments or test,
measuring, and diagnostic equipment used in precision measurement. Consists of comparisons of two
instruments, one of which is a certified standard of known accuracy, to detect and adjust any discrepancy
in the accuracy of the instrument being compared.
B-3
