'Big brother is watching' - Motor T installs tracking systems in gov vehicles

[thedrifter]

'Big brother is watching' - Motor T installs tracking systems in gov vehicles
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 2004115121842
Story by Lance Cpl. Jess Levens



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(January 16, 2004) -- Depot Motor Transport began installing new Global Positioning Systems in government vehicles in December 2003 to better manage its light and medium vehicles, according to Vince Sablan, motor transport fleet manager.

GPS is managed through the online connection www.networkcar.com, and only people of specific clearance are allowed to use this GPS.

"All you have to do is go to the site and log in," said Sablan. "From this site, you can check every small detail of a specific vehicle."

With this system, an individual can locate a stolen car or call for roadside assistance.

It also monitors a vehicle's remote diagnostics and gives real-time performance reports that can pinpoint the car's speed and location to the exact address.

The Navy Region Southwest purchased 20 systems for the Depot and installation should be completed by the end of the month, according to Sablan.

"Once we've installed the first 20, we hope to also install them in our larger trucks and busses," said Sablan.

The units are quite simple and take between 15 and 20 minutes to install. Four parts make up the system; a cellular linkup that connects magnetically near the antenna, the GPS linkup, a cord that connects the system to the engine diagnostics and a piece called the brain.

"The GPS can locate one of its vehicles anywhere within the GPS radius," said Sablan. "Basically, that's anywhere in the world."

The engine diagnostics reports show exactly how the car is running and are broken down into several categories. Speeds can also be monitored.

If a vehicle is tracked is somewhere it shouldn't be or is going too fast, the driver's supervisor will receive a printed report for disciplinary measures, according to Sablan.

"These new systems are just to ensure our vehicles and Marines stay safe and no misuse occurs," said Sablan. "Remember, big brother is watching."



http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...2?opendocument

Sempers,

Roger