What is a key benefit of the Planned Maintenance Program in the 3-M System?

A key benefit of the Planned Maintenance Program in the 3-M System is that it minimizes costs associated with unplanned repairs. This proactive approach to maintenance involves scheduling and carrying out routine inspections and repairs before issues escalate into more significant problems. By maintaining equipment and systems regularly, the program helps to identify potential failures early, significantly reducing emergency repair costs, operational downtime, and the likelihood of equipment failure. This strategy not only ensures that systems remain in peak operating condition but also extends the lifespan of the equipment, leading to long-term cost savings for the Navy.

The focus on planned maintenance sets a structured framework for operations and helps to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. While the other options suggest practices that don’t align with the goals of the Planned Maintenance Program—such as focusing only on administrative tasks or encouraging reactive maintenance—these methods do not effectively support the objective of sustaining operational readiness and minimizing costs associated with maintenance.