Small items such as ripcords,
pilot chutes, bungees, etc., could be procured independently from
qualified sources. The AFMC depot and/or operating wing's Supply
function and Maintenance certified parachute riggers would take it from
there and connect the canopies to the right harnesses and packs for the
job, pack for service, and get the parachutes to where they were needed.
I initiated the Purchase Requests, got coordination on technical accuracy
of procurement data from the parachute engineers and Maintenance
technical services. To my knowledge contracts were awarded.
Not long afterward, I learned that several major contractors were
unhappy with acquisition by major components. I was was criticized by
supervision for what I did and notified (informally) that an 'action' might
be taken. As it turned out, I was 'transferred' to the Hq AFMC
Directorate of Maintenance to analyze deficiencies reported from the
field on aircrew (personal) emergency equipment, and to write
maintenance and inspections manuals and technical orders for that type
of equipment.
About a year or so after my transfer from Supply the individual who
took my job in the Supply Directorate told me, in the presence of my
former unit's employees, that my decision had been 'right.
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