What should be done if a fault is identified on a vehicle during inspection?

When a fault is identified on a vehicle during inspection, it is essential to annotate it on the 5988-E, which is the vehicle maintenance form used in the Army. This form serves as a critical record for tracking the condition of the vehicle and the issues that may need to be addressed. Annotating the fault ensures that the issue is formally documented, facilitating proper communication with maintenance personnel who will review the inspection report and take necessary actions.

Accurate documentation helps maintain vehicle readiness and safety, allowing for timely repairs and minimizing the risk of vehicle malfunction during operations. In this context, ignoring a minor fault can lead to more significant problems down the line, and visual inspections alone do not provide the thoroughness needed to ensure the vehicle's operational integrity. Therefore, recording faults on the 5988-E is a standard procedure designed to promote safety and accountability in vehicle maintenance.