scope:

This regulation prescribes policy, goals, and responsibilities for the Joint Oil Analysis Program (JOAP). The purpose of the JOAP is to ensure timely and accurate oil and other fluid-wetted component analysis support to Army, Navy, and Air Force customers through the strategic location of all oil analysis laboratories and through standardization of procedures, data elements, analytical instrumentation, and diagnostic techniques. The JOAP is a combined effort of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to establish and maintain a standard program. The JOAP uses oil analysis as a maintenance diagnostic tool for the following purposes-

a. To determine the internal condition of aeronautical and non-aeronautical engines, transmissions, and gearboxes, and their oil-wetted components, through the analysis of used lubricating oils, grease, and fluids, that has as its goal flight safety, enhanced equipment readiness, reduced maintenance costs, and the extension of component life.

b. To determine the suitability of lubricants and fluids for continued use, that results in savings and early detection of harmful conditions that, if not corrected, could promote premature component failure.

Applicability. This regulation applies to both the Active Service and the Reserve Components of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This publication is not applicable during mobilization.