Technical manuals prepared in accordance with this specification are intended to be used for accomplishing operation, inspection, maintenance, storage, and other specialized tasks on Air Force equipment.

The objective of the WP concept is to present a self-contained set of procedures based on of work area requirements to support significant operation and maintenance tasks. Division of O&M information into specific WPs depends on the operational modes and complexity of the O&M actions and the level of O&M to be covered. Each WP or SWP is an independent, task/process oriented unit using a minimum amount of references within a TM. Text is factual, concise, comprehensive, and readily understandable to personnel with a minimum of training and experience in the area where the data will be used.

The WP/SWP concept applies to the operation and maintenance of system components removed from their host system or from their higher assembly (i.e., off-equipment). A WP may also be used for a total system when the system is small enough to make it cost effective. Complexities and maintenance concepts dictates how WPs and SWPs will be developed for given equipment. Relatively simple, non complex equipment may require a TM with only a few WPs containing all of the O&M procedures. Complex equipment however, may require a set of TMs, each manual with a full set of WPs and, when applicable, a number of SWPs to further manage and focus the information for specific maintenance work stations or specific operations.