DA Form 2402. Maintenance Tag

The DA Form 2402 is a Maintenance Tag used by the U.S. Army to track equipment maintenance and repairs. The form consists of several parts, including the top portion which is completed by the maintenance personnel and the bottom portion which remains with the equipment being serviced.

Important fields on the form include the date, equipment type, serial number, and a detailed description of the maintenance needed or performed. The form is typically used by both maintenance personnel and the equipment owner.

When filling out the form, it is important to accurately document all maintenance and repairs performed or needed to ensure that equipment is properly maintained and safe to use. Additional documents that may need to be attached include work orders, purchase orders, and any other relevant paperwork.

Examples of application and use cases for the DA Form 2402 include routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes or inspections, as well as more complex repairs such as engine overhauls or component replacements. It is also used to keep track of equipment status during periods of storage or transport.

Strengths of the form include its ability to provide a clear and concise record of equipment maintenance and repairs, allowing for easier tracking and monitoring of equipment performance. Weaknesses may include the potential for errors or omissions if not filled out accurately or completely.

Alternative forms or analogues to the DA Form 2402 may include other military service-specific maintenance tags or civilian industry maintenance logs. These may differ in format or specific information required.

The proper completion of the DA Form 2402 can have significant implications for the future of both the equipment and the personnel involved. Accurate maintenance records can help ensure that equipment remains safe and operable, while incomplete or inaccurate records may lead to equipment failure or even injury or loss of life.

Once completed, the form is typically submitted to the appropriate maintenance or logistics unit and stored in the equipment's maintenance history file.