About Government Armored Vehicles Repair

Government armed vehicle repairs are regulated by the Department of State.

The United States Department of State Foreign Affairs is responsible for assuring that government armored vehicles are maintained and repaired to meet Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVS), and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards. Regulations are in the department's Foreign Affairs Manual Volume 12 - Diplomatic Security (12 FAM 380).

Policy and Authority

Maintenance and repair of U.S. government armored vehicles, in the U.S. and abroad, is overseen by the Department of State. Its aim is to protect U.S. chiefs of missions and other principal officers from the threat of terrorism, war and civil disturbance. Its authority comes from the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986. The level of protection is increased during threats or whenever it is deemed necessary.

Repair Issues

All issues regarding maintenance, repair or procurement of parts, whether of the armor or the vehicle, are directed to the Office of Physical Security Programs, Defensive Equipment and Armored Vehicles Division. The DS/PSP/DEAV serves as coordinator and program manager for armed vehicles. It also provides the budget estimates for the Department of State.

Maintenance of Vehicle

Regular maintenance of government armored vehicles is required and must be done by a designated mechanic. The mechanic, who can be local, must be certified and approved, but any certified mechanic may work on the vehicle while being observed by an embassy official. This work may be either mechanical or preventative and may include overcoming stress on the drive train, suspension or brakes due to the weight of the armor. The parts are furnished through the Department of State.

Maintenance of Armor

The Department of State also furnishes material for the repair of armor on government armored vehicles. The armoring on an official DS armored vehicle cannot be removed or repaired without authorization from the Regional Security Officer, who consults with DS/PSP/DEAV. In other government agencies, the Regional Security Officer works with that agency's armored vehicle program. Government armored vehicles must not be altered in any way to make them less effective. Defective parts may only be replaced with approved armor material and by authorized armoring technicians.

Disposal

Department of State armored vehicles that cannot be repaired or put back in use must be disposed of. The disposal is coordinated with the Regional Security Officer and DS/PSP/DEAV. Other government agencies coordinate the disposal of armored vehicles through the Regional Security Officer and the headquarters of their agency. Disposal is dictated by local conditions and restrictions. For security reasons, disposal must be at sea, by demolition, fire, crushing or burial on U.S. government controlled land.

References

• U.S. Department of State: Armored Vehicle Program