appoint a controlled material petty officer (CMPO) tohandle these responsibilities in the work center. Aftertraining, that person will inspect, segregate, stow, andissue controlled material in the work center.SHOP CRAFTSMENShop craftsmen are not normally trained in specificQA functions as are the key QA people. Still, they mustdo their work under QA guidelines if they apply. Theywill work closely with their shop supervisors and QAinspectors to be sure the work is done according to QAguidelines and procedures.QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAININGAND QUALIFICATIONThe following paragraphs cover the responsibilitiesfor training as well as training and qualifications of keyQA personnel and others with less specific QAresponsibilities.THE QUALITY ASSURANCE OFFICERThe QAO coordinates the ship’s QA trainingprogram and makes sure it is an integral part of the ship’soverall training program. The QAO qualifies keypersonnel to serve in their collateral duty QA positions.THE DIVISION OFFICERDivision officers ensure that their divisionalpersonnel are trained and qualified in the QA processesand that they maintain those qualifications.QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATORSQACs are senior petty officers who have beenproperly qualified according to the QA manual. Theyhelp train all SQCIs and CMPOs and ensure theirrecertification when necessary. QACs also administerwritten examinations to prospective SQCIs and toSQCIs who require recertification.SHIP QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTORSThe QAO interviews SQCIs to determine generalknowledge of QA and attitude toward the QA discipline.If they are accepted, the QAO and QAC will qualifythem in the requirements set forth in the QA manual andthe command’s QC requirements. Qualificationsinclude formal instruction and OJT, a writtenexamination on general requirements, and may includea practical examination on specific requirements in theSQCI’s specialty and in knowledge of records, reports,and filing. The shop qualification program course forSQCIs will answer this requirement.CONTROLLED MATERIAL PETTYOFFICERSOn ships with level I systems, the QAO interviewsE-4 and E-5 petty officers as prospective CMPOs. Forthose who pass the interviews, the QAO and QAC willtrain and qualify them as CMPOs. This includes writtentests to be sure they are familiar with controlled materialrequirements as outlined in the QA manual and materialidentification control (MIC) manual.OPERATION OF A QUALITYASSURANCE PROGRAMAn effective, ongoing QA program is an all-handseffort. It takes the cooperation of all shop personnel tomake the program work. As a key group supervisor, youwill be responsible for keeping the program rolling.PERSONNEL ORIENTATIONOne of your first steps is to get the support of yourpersonnel. Some of them will oppose the program butthat is usually true of any new approach. The best wayto overcome opposition is to show them how aneffective QA program will help them personally.Explain how it will eliminate or reduce prematurefailures in repaired units and introduce high-reliabilityrepairs. These improvements will reduce the workload,lower frustration, and improve the shop’s or workgroup’s reputation.QUALITY ASSURANCE TERMS ANDDEFINITIONSYou need to talk to your personnel about QA interms they understand. Use words and phrases thatsuggest quality, and relate them to familiar programs.This should improve the clarity in your communicationwith them about QA. To do this, you need to understandthe terms frequently used throughout the QA program.Each TYCOM’s QA manual and MIL-STD-109 has acomplete list of these terms. We have listed the ones usedmost frequently in the next paragraphs, and we willdiscuss the more important ones in more detailfollowing the list.Quality assurance: A system that ensures thatmaterials, data, supplies, and services conform to8-4
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