When should the DA Form 5988 be turned in?

The DA Form 5988, commonly known as the Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Worksheet, serves as a critical tool for documenting the condition of military vehicles and any faults that may need addressing. It is specifically designed to report any deficiencies or issues observed during vehicle inspections.

Turning in the DA Form 5988 when there are faults to report ensures that proper documentation is maintained and that necessary repairs can be prioritized and executed. This form provides a clear record for maintenance personnel to assess what needs to be fixed, track the history of vehicle issues, and assist in keeping the fleet in a safe and operational condition.

In contrast, the other scenarios—such as submitting the form when the vehicle’s inspection is complete, when there are no faults, or when the vehicle is out of service—do not align with the primary purpose of the DA Form 5988. If there are no faults to report or the inspection is complete without issues, submitting the form does not provide any actionable information. Similarly, submitting it when a vehicle is out of service would not be useful unless faults have been noted that require repair upon return to service. Thus, the proper protocol is to submit the form when there are specific faults to address.