wartime.   Our   electronic   equipment   and   systems sometimes do not “cooperate” with us, resulting in a down or reduced status that decreases our ability to complete  our  mission.   Electronic   equipment   and systems  are  vast,  with  different  types,  configurations, and  quantities  of  equipment,  using  a  tremendous number of different components, modules, and other items.  Because  the  equipment  and  systems  are  so numerous and complex, you sometimes will not have enough present or properly trained personnel or the required parts on board to repair a casualty; or you may need technical assistance to correct the casualty. These situations are some of the many reasons the Navy has developed a system of casualty reporting (CASREP) and monitoring. With this system, you as a supervisor and technician, can let the Navy managers know where you need help (such as parts or assistance) so you can have your equipment or system on line and combat ready. THE CASREP SYSTEM The  casualty  report  (CASREP)  has  been  designed to support the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and fleet  commanders  in  the  management  of  assigned forces. The effective use and support of U.S. Navy units and  organizations  require  an  up-to-date,  accurate operational  status  for  each  unit.  An  important  part  of operational  status  is  equipment  casualty  information. When casualties are reported, operational commanders and support personnel are made aware of significant equipment  malfunctions  that  may  degrade  a  unit’s readiness.  The  CASREP  also  identifies  the  unit’s  need for technical assistance or replacement parts to correct the casualty. Once a CASREPis reported, the CNO, fleet commanders in chief (FLTCINCs), and the Ship’s Parts Control  Center  (SPCC)  receive  a  hard  copy  of  the CASREP message. Additionally, the CASREP message is automatically entered into the Navy status of forces database at each FLTCINC site, and corrected messages are forwarded to the CNO’s database. As  initial,  update,  correction,  and  cancellation CASREPs are submitted, managers are able to monitor the current status of each outstanding casualty. Through the use of high-speed computers, managers are able to collect data concerning the history of malfunctions and effects  on  readiness.  This  data  is  essential  to  the maintenance  and  support  of  units  dispersed  throughout the  world. Unit  commanders  must  be  aware  that  alerting seniors  to  their  unit’s  operational  limitations,  brought about  by  equipment  casualties,  is  as  important  as expediting   the   receipt   of   replacement   parts   and obtaining  technical  assistance.  Both  of  these  CASREP functions are needed to provide the information required to  command  and  control  U.S.  Navy  forces  and  to maintain the units in a truly combat ready status. Support from  every  level,  including  intermediate  and  unit commanders, is essential to maintaining the highest level of combat readiness throughout the Navy. GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR CASREPs A casualty is defined as an equipment malfunction or  deficiency  that  cannot  be  corrected  within  48  hours and that fits any of the following categories: Reduces the unit’s ability to perform a primary mission. Reduces the unit’s ability to perform a secondary mission. Reduces a training command’s ability to perform its mission, or a significant segment of its mission, and cannot  be  corrected  or  adequately  accommodated locally by rescheduling or double-shifting lessons or classes. TYPES OF CASREPS The  CASREP  system  contains  four  different  types of  reports:  INITIAL,  UPDATE,  CORRECT,  and CANCEL.  These  reports  are  submitted  using  a combination  of  two  or  more  messages,  depending  on  the situation and contributing factors. The four types of reports  are  described  as  follows: 1.   The   INITIAL   CASREP   identifies,   to   an appropriate level of detail, the status of the casualty and parts  or  assistance  requirements.  Operational  staff authorities need this information to set proper priorities for the use of resources. 2. The UPDATE CASREP contains information similar to that submitted in the Initial report and is used to  submit  changes  to  previously  submitted  information, 3.  The  CORRECT  CASREP  is  submitted  when equipment that has been the subject of casualty reporting is repaired and back in operational condition. 4.  The  CANCEL  CASREP  is  submitted  at  the beginning of an availability period when equipment that has been previously reported is scheduled to be repaired during  the  availability.  Outstanding  casualties  that  will not  be  repaired  during  the  availability  will  not  be 5-6