taxi  service  reduces  the  number  of  members requesting  an  assigned  vehicle. Remember, one of your missions is to ensure the maximum  service  life  of  the  equipment.  This  requires managing   the   number   of   CESE   dispatched   and controlling  the  mileage  placed  on  CESE. YARD BOSS The  yard  boss  is  your  equipment  yard  supervisor. This  is  the  key  position  in  a  successful  equipment management   program. The  yard  boss  enforces Operator   Maintenance   Procedures   to   reduce equipment  breakdown. The  yard  boss  is  responsible  for  the  access,  traffic flow,   and   condition   of   the   equipment   yard,   the refueling   facility,   and   supports   the   equipment washrack, the cycling and upkeep of equipment, and daily  transportation  operations. Tool Kit Each Battalion Table of Allowance (TOA) in the NCF contains a Tool Kit, Kit 80111, for the Yard Boss Program.    This kit provides the minimum tools and equipment  resources  necessary  to  support  operator maintenance. Operators requiring tools to perform maintenance should log out the tools through the yard boss. Preventive  Maintenance The   yard   boss   supports   the   Preventive Maintenance   (PM)   Program   by   ensuring   the equipment   is   cleaned,   lubricated,   and   processed through  collateral  equipage.  The  yard  boss  receives  a NAVFAC   9-11240/13   (Hard   Card)   from   the   dis- patcher  who  maintains  a  Hard  Card  log  hook  and issues a Hard Card number for tracking the mainte- nance of the equipment. A  recommended  flow  for  PM  Hard  Cards  is  to have the yard boss submit two Hard Cards stamped PM   and   initialed   by   the   collateral   equipment custodian.  The  equipment,  Hard  Card,  and  cards from the Trouble Reports File for the USN are sent to the  mechanic  equipment  inspector.  The  mechanic inspector  approves  or  rejects  the  equipment, depending  on  cleanliness  and  lubrication. For equipment that is approved, the yard boss has the mechanic inspector sign receipt of the Hard Cards and retains one for the dispatch records. Equipment Cycling The yard boss must be aware of equipment in the yard that is not regularly used. Equipment must be exercised to protect it from deterioration. All parts of the equipment must be operated at the rated capacity for   its   intended   use   to   constitute   one   complete performance. Remember, starting and running the engine cycles the engine but not the equipment. The yard  boss  must  maintain  a  cycle  log  documenting date,   USN,   duration   equipment   cycled,   and   any deficiencies. Equipment must be maintained in a standby status and cycled on a weekly basis. Washing of CESE Part of the preventive maintenance program is the daily  cleaning  of  CESE  that  allows  the  detection  and prevention  of  major  problems.  Dirt  and  grime  can make   an   engine   run   at   excessive   temperatures, increase fuel consumption, ruin hydraulic cylinders, corrode    wiring, and   destroy   components. Additionally, dirt  and  grime  can  add  over  1,000 pounds  of  excess  weight  to  an  earthmover,  clog radiators and possibly bring CESE to a grinding halt. Therefore, it is very important to REMEMBER that dirt   and   grime   cripples   CESE   performance   and increases  operating  costs. The  use  of  a  high-pressure  washer  or  steam  is effective  means  for  removing  the  crusty,  gritty buildup of dirt, grease, and grime from transmissions, track and roller assemblies, engine blocks, and drive trains. The  cleaning  of  equipment  provides  the following  results:  extended  equipment  life;  enhanced efficiency   of   mechanics   when   they   perform equipment  inspections  and  repairs  and  increased efficiency  of  operators  when  they  perform  pre  and post  operational  checks. Thorough  cleaning  of  equipment  cannot  be accomplished   with   water   alone. To  provide  an effective  wash  program,  the  yard  boss  must  maintain a supply of soap, brushes, rags, buckets, serviceable hoses, and a trash can at the washrack. Additionally, when manning allows, the yard boss should assign a washrack  attendant  to  assist  in  maintaining  wash  rack operations. PM-to-Interim Repair Ratio The PM-to-interim repair ratio is the number of scheduled  preventive  maintemmce  actions  compared to unscheduled maintenance actions (interim repairs). 1-12