You might think that being deployed in Southwest Asia would make it difficult for Soldiers to exchange broken tools for brand new ones. If so, think again!
In March 2007, the Product Manager for Sets, Kits, Outfits and Tools of the Project Office Joint Combat Support Systems and the Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support, opened a tool store at Victory Base Camp Area 51, to fill warranty claims for deployed Soldiers in Iraq. The store provides Soldiers a one-for-one exchange on high density, warranted PM SKOT tools.
Due to the successful effort in Baghdad, the 402nd Army Forward Support Brigade and Army Sustainment Command requested a second tool store. In November 2007 a second tool store was opened at Logistics Support Activity Anaconda, Balad, Iraq. Also, a third tool store to be located at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan is set to open mid-March of 2008.
Since opening its tool store at VBC, PM SKOT has issued over 1,400 tools to Soldiers in Iraq. The store is open seven days a week, 12 hours each day starting at 9 a.m.
The tool stores are extensions of the PM SKOT warranty and replacement Web site designed to provide convenience to deployed Soldiers and eliminate in-transit time.
Through the Web site a Soldier can either submit a warranty claim for a broken tool, or order a replacement tool using a credit card for payment. Claims and orders are processed within two business days and are normally in the hands of the customer between two and seven days.
There have been over 15,600 warranty claims processed since May 2005 and over 400 purchase orders filled since January 2007.
The tools available in the tool store are components of the PM SKOT managed high demand General Mechanics Tool Kit, Multi-capable Maintainers Tool Kit and Forward Repair System.
PM SKOT stands behind its products and services to its most important customer - the Soldier in the field.
"The tool store is a combat multiplier and will help to improve readiness in the AOR. The tool store will quickly provide replacement and warranty equipment to the maintainers that support the Warfighter. PM SKOT is committed to providing the best equipment to our forces when and where they need it," said Lt. Col. Brian Tachias, the product manager for the Army's Sets, Kits, Outfits, and Tools.
Soldiers anywhere in the world may access the PM SKOT Tool Replacement/Warranty program on the web at https://pmskot.army.mil.
Once on the web site, users should click "Tool Replacement/Warranty," which gives options to enter the program. An online tutorial is then available to help guide Soldiers through the process.
There is also a toll-free number to call for information: 1-877-4-PM-SKOT (1-877-476-7568).
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