[AT] Right to repair

[Stephen Offiler]

Thank you Carl.  I think you lend a good perspective to counterbalance that
NYT article.

SO


On Fri, Nov 22, 2019 at 10:12 AM <szabelski at wildblue.net> wrote:

> Not all equipment can be fixed in the field. Some of it takes specialized
> equipment/hardware to repair, and some of that repair equipment stuff is
> very expensive. It also doesn’t make sense to have one of those pieces of
> repair equipment in the field just because it might be needed to repair
> something. Then there is the training that is needed to use that equipment
> properly as well as the cleanliness of the repair area. Next is the fact
> that some things are classified and you don’t just open them up in the
> field where anybody can get a look at the technology. Some equipment can
> only be serviced by people (soldier or civilian) who have special
> clearances, and then only in secured rooms/areas.
>
> During Desert Storm I was part of a team that was modifying two Abrams
> main battle tanks for a special purpose. This was being done in parallel
> with an Israeli team of engineers who were putting some systems of theirs
> on our tanks. Even though we are allies, they were never allowed to look
> inside our tanks, were never allowed to see what we were putting in the
> tanks, or ask any questions. They were also never left alone with our
> tanks. Likewise, we could not ask them anything about their stuff, even
> though we had an understanding of what it was and why were installing it.
> They told us what we had to install and we did the figuring of how to get
> it in. If something didn’t work correctly in the trial runs they could only
> tell use what to check. If we couldn’t get it to work, we removed it and
> they would have to test it on a bench to figure things out.
>
> During both wars in Iraq we, as did other military suppliers, sent our
> mechanics to the field to do most of the maintenance/repair on the
> equipment. Even then we would swap items out instead of repairing them, and
> have the items needing repair sent back here for repair and possible
> upgrades. This significantly reduced the down time.
>
> Working in places like Iraq, especially in wide open areas, is really
> difficult to do. Some of the sand there is so fine that the slightest
> breeze will deposit a coating on everything. It’s finer than talc and would
> get into everything. Not a good thing for precision made bearings and other
> highly sensitive parts. Even trying to do repairs in tents and huts does
> not help.
>
> Carl
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: James Peck <jamesgpeck at hotmail.com>
> To: Antique Tractor Email Discussion Group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
> Sent: Fri, 22 Nov 2019 00:43:31 -0500 (EST)
> Subject: Re: [AT] Right to repair
>
> I am suspicious that this article is not  truly "rogue", but reflects
> chafing under an official policy.
>
> I speculate that this problem is caused by a number of different factors.
> I would ask, did anyone on the project team who selected the equipment
> represent the people who had the responsibility to maintain the equipment?
>
> Bradford AT List Member <bloomis at charter.net>; Not being a farmer but a
> maintenance mechanic who repairs all manner of items I've read with
> interest the comments on this list about "Right to repair" and the big
> manufacturers. Today's NY Times has an editorial on just that as it relates
> to the military. Our tax dollars at work, against us. Not sure, you may
> need a subscription to read but jeez, what a mess. Send equipment back to
> the States from the battlefield because the Marines can't repair their
> equipment.
>
> https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/20/opinion/military-right-to-repair.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_191121?campaign_id=2&instance_id=13923&segment_id=18966&user_id=57181594d83579e309e3a0907875e753&regi_id=26359631121
> Brad
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