In the support structure of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the abbreviation AFV is one of the key ones that determines the logistics ability of units to carry out combat missions. The term comes from the phrase “gasoline, motor gasoline” or is more broadly interpreted as gasoline, gasoline, oils, however, in modern realities this concept most often means the entire complex fuels and lubricants (fuel and lubricants), necessary for the operation of wheeled and tracked vehicles. Without a clear understanding of the operating principles of the fuel and lubricants service, it is impossible to imagine the functioning of any military unit.
In fact, AFV is the circulatory system of the army, requiring the strictest control, accounting and compliance with security measures. The lifespan of expensive equipment depends on the quality of fuel and oils, and the mobilization of troops depends on the timeliness of supplies. In the article we will analyze in detail how accounting is carried out, what consumption standards exist and why even the slightest error in documentation can lead to serious disciplinary consequences for those responsible.
It is important to note that the fuel and lubricants accounting system in the army is based on strict regulations that are periodically updated. Therefore, military personnel responsible for logistics must constantly consult current Department of Defense directives. The main document regulating fuel consumption is the Manual on the Automotive Service of the RF Armed Forces, which sets out the maximum standards for each type of equipment depending on operating conditions.
Decoding and classification of fuels and lubricants in military units
In the military environment, the abbreviation BBM often means not just gasoline, but a wide range of petroleum products. The main types of fuel supplied include various grades of diesel fuel (L, Z, A), gasoline (A-92, A-95, A-98) and aviation kerosene. A separate category consists lubricants: motor, transmission and hydraulic oils, as well as special fluids and lubricants. Each type of product has its own code and requires special storage conditions.
Classification is made not only by chemical composition, but also by seasonality of use. For example, the transition to winter grades of diesel fuel is carried out according to special schedules approved by the district or fleet command. An untimely transition can lead to freezing of fuel in tanks and paralysis of equipment. Control over the quality of incoming fuels and lubricants is assigned to the heads of services and laboratory control, since the use of low-quality fuel is equated to sabotage.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly prohibited to mix different brands of fuel and oils in the same containers without prior laboratory testing for compatibility, as this can lead to sedimentation and failure of fuel equipment.
To systematize accounting, all types of fuels and lubricants are divided into groups depending on their purpose and danger. This affects how they are stored in army warehouses and how they are transported. Flammable liquids require special fire safety precautions, while solid lubricants can be stored under less stringent conditions. Understanding this classification is necessary for every driver and garage manager.
Rationing fuel and lubricant consumption
The fundamental principle of the army is to save resources, so the consumption of armored fighting vehicles is strictly regulated. Consumption rates are established for each type of equipment (tanks, armored personnel carriers, Ural, Kamaz, VAZ vehicles) and depend on many factors: type of terrain, time of year, vehicle load and road surface condition. Basic rate determined by the manufacturer and adjusted by increasing or decreasing factors.
The required amount of fuel is calculated in advance, before the convoy leaves or the start of the training period. The unit commander approves the limits, exceeding which without a valid reason (for example, a breakdown or combat necessity) is considered a violation. Drivers are required to keep waybills that record the actual mileage and amount of fuel consumed. The difference between planned and actual consumption is analyzed at the end of each month.
There are special tables that allow you to quickly determine the allowable flow rate. Below is a simplified table of standards for some types of equipment in the summer:
| Type of equipment | Fuel brand | Consumption rate (l/100 km) | Difficulty factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Ural-4320 | Diesel (L, W) | 38.0 - 42.0 | 1.1 (off-road) |
| Kamaz-43114 car | Diesel (L, W) | 32.0 - 35.0 | 1.0 (highway) |
| Tank T-72B3 | Diesel | 450.0 - 500.0 (motor hours) | 1.2 (rough terrain) |
| Car GAZ-66 | Diesel/Petrol | 24.0 - 28.0 | 1.15 (mountainous areas) |
It is important to understand that consumption rates are not a static value. They may be revised depending on the wear and tear of the equipment. Old engines consume more oil and fuel, which must be documented in technical condition reports. Ignoring the real state of the vehicle fleet leads to a constant “under-delivery” of fuel and lubricants and the emergence of a shortage at the most inopportune moment.
When planning your route, always reserve additional fuel (5-10%) in case the situation changes or you avoid damaged sections of the road, even if this goes beyond standard standards.
Procedures for dispensing and receiving fuel
The process of receiving an armored fighting vehicle at a military unit’s warehouse is regulated by strict instructions. The basis for dispensing fuel is demand-invoice, written out in triplicate and signed by the responsible person of the unit. The document indicates the type of fuel, quantity, brand and recipient. Without properly completed documentation, not a single gram of fuel will leave the storage facility.
Fuel acceptance is carried out visually (for the presence of mechanical impurities and water) and using measuring devices. The sealing of tanks and the serviceability of drainage devices must be checked. In winter, special attention is paid to fuel temperature, since refueling with cold diesel can lead to crystallization of paraffin in equipment filters. All operations are recorded in the fuel and lubricants receipt and issue log.
If a shortage or low-quality fuel is detected, a report is drawn up and signed by the commission. Responsibility for quality and quantity is transferred from the supplier to the recipient at the moment the fuel is drained into the tanks of the equipment or tanks of the unit. Therefore, rushing during acceptance is unacceptable - it is better to spend an extra 15 minutes on checking than to later be responsible for damaged engines.
☑️ Check when receiving fuel
Storage and fire safety
Fuel and lubricants warehouses are considered high-risk facilities, therefore the requirements for their arrangement and operation are extremely high. The warehouse area must be fenced, illuminated and equipped with fire extinguishing equipment. Prohibited storing fuel containers in the open air without shelters, as the sun's rays heat the containers, increasing vapor pressure and the risk of fire.
Each warehouse must maintain a fire log, which records daily walk-throughs and inspections. All electrical devices must be explosion-proof. Smoking and the use of open fire on the territory of a fuel and lubricants warehouse are strictly prohibited and are punishable to the fullest extent of the statute and the criminal code. Personnel are required to undergo regular training.
⚠️ Attention: If a fuel leak is detected or the smell of gasoline/diesel vapor appears, you must immediately stop all work, evacuate equipment and people, and notify management. Cleaning up large spills on your own without special equipment is prohibited.
Particular attention is paid to grounding tanks and drainage devices. Static electricity generated when fluid moves through pipes can cause a spark. Therefore, before starting to drain, be sure to add grounding cable. Violation of this rule is one of the most common causes of fires at military installations.
What to do in case of a fire at a fuel and lubricants warehouse?
In the event of a fire in a fuel and lubricants warehouse, it is necessary to turn on the foam fire extinguishing system (if any), use OP or OU fire extinguishers, fill small fires with sand and immediately call the fire brigade. You cannot extinguish oil products with water, since they are lighter than water and will continue to burn on its surface, spreading.
Documentary accounting and reporting
Paper work in the army is no less important than practical work. Accounting for armored fighting vehicles is maintained in special journals of the established form, which are strict reporting documents. Each entry must be made in ink, without blots or corrections. Monthly a report on the movement of fuel and lubricants is compiled, which is compared with the balances in the warehouse and in the tanks of the equipment.
The waybills that drivers fill out reflect their daily consumption. These data are summarized and compared with standard indicators. Identification of overspending requires a written explanation from the driver and unit commander. If the overexpenditure is caused by technical malfunctions, a corresponding malfunction report must be issued for the equipment.
Modern parts are increasingly switching to automated accounting systems, but paper copies remain mandatory. Electronic databases allow you to quickly track balances and plan purchases, but the reliability of a paper journal in the absence of electricity or software failure has not been canceled. The head of the fuel and lubricants service of the unit is responsible for maintaining documentation.
Problems and typical violations when accounting for armored fighting vehicles
Despite strict control, problems related to fuel and lubricants periodically arise in the troops. One of the most common is “draining” fuel, that is, theft. To combat this, satellite monitoring systems and fuel level sensors are being introduced, but the human factor remains the weak link. Unaccounted expense often disguised as technical malfunctions or excessive consumption rates.
Another problem is the storage of substandard fuel. Under conditions of long-term parking or improper storage, bacteria can multiply in a diesel engine, forming mucus that clogs the filters. Gasoline loses its octane number when stored for a long time. Regular quality checks and compliance with shelf life (stock cycling) are critical to combat readiness.
Common accounting errors also include:
- 🛑 Journal entry in pencil or erasable ink, which makes the document invalid.
- 🛑 Lack of signatures of financially responsible persons when transferring fuel.
- 🛑 Ignoring temperature expansions when measuring fuel levels in tanks in summer and winter.
- 🛑 Use of unapproved volume conversion factors.
Proper accounting of armored fighting vehicles is not just bureaucracy, but a way to identify the real needs of the unit, prevent theft and provide equipment with high-quality fuel in any situation.
What to do if there is low-quality fuel in the tank?
It is necessary to immediately drain the fuel into a separate container without starting the engine (or stopping it if work is still in progress). Then flush the fuel system and filters. Draw up a report on the identification of low-quality fuel and lubricants, indicating the place and time of refueling, take a sample for laboratory analysis and notify management to file a claim with the supplier.
How often is an inventory of fuels and lubricants carried out in the army?
A complete inventory of fuel and lubricants reserves is carried out, as a rule, once a year (on January 1), as well as when financially responsible persons change. However, current control of balances is carried out monthly when reports are compiled.
Is it possible to mix different brands of gasoline in an emergency?
In emergency combat or emergency situations, mixing gasoline of a higher octane number with a lower one is allowed for refueling, but this can lead to engine detonation. Mixing diesel fuel with gasoline is strictly prohibited, as this will damage the fuel equipment.