When QA inspects a composite tool kit (CTK) and tool accountability, they verify tools are marked and inventoried against a master list, that shift and pre-use inventories happen, annual kit reviews are documented and signed, lost-tool investigations are initiated, and that no uncontrolled tools reach the flightline. Requirements apply equally to all decentralized CTKs, tools, and equipment.
Readers asked this on CheckMyRegs and CheckMyAFI 18 times — this page answers it from the official catalogs and the publications’ own text.
| Branch | Controlling publication | Dated | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force | DAFI 21-101 Current CTK design, marking, inventory and accountability requirements | 2023-12-20 | Official link |
| Army | AR 750-1 Current Army materiel maintenance policy | 2026-04-29 | Official link |
| Navy | OPNAVINST 4790.2K Current Naval aviation maintenance tool control | 2025-04-25 | Official link |
| Marine Corps | MCO 4790.25 Current Ground equipment maintenance program | 2014-01-12 | Official link |
| Air Force | HOLLOMANAFBI 21-380 Current Local CTK/ITK inventory timing and control | 2019-11-08 | Official link |
| Air Force | WRIGHTPATTERSONAFBI 21-201 Current Master inventory list validation and signed annual review | 2022-09-13 | Official link |
| Air Force | 36WGI21-110 Current Lost tool reporting and FOD/DOP accountability | 2025-06-03 | Official link |
| Air Force | 452AMWI21-102 Current CTK program, warranty tools, tool pouches | 2021-05-21 | Official link |
| Air Force | DAFI 21-106 AMC Sup TRAVISAFB Sup Current Lost tool investigations and equipment accountability | 2024-09-01 | Official link |
Confirm CTKs are designed for quick inventory and that kits and tools are clearly marked with the Equipment Identification Designator.
“8.3.3. Design CTKs to provide for quick inventory and accountability of tools. CTKs and tools will be clearly marked with the Equipment Identification Designator ( EID) (follow guidance below). (T-3)”
Check that every tool in the kit reconciles against the tool accountability system's Master Inventory List for validity and verification.
“3.1.1. Tools assigned to the CTK will be checked against TCMax, or a MAJCOM approved or locally approved tool accountability systems Master Inventory List ( MIL) for validity and verification.”
Verify CTKs are inventoried at shift start or before entering the airfield, and inspected prior to each use if stored on the airfield.
“2.2.2. Composite Tool Kit (CTK) and Individual Tool Kit (ITK) will be inventoried either at the start of the shift or before entering airfield environment. If the CTK/ITK is already located on the airfield (continuously stored in a locked shelter) and is not used on a daily basis, it will be inspected prior to each use.”
Ensure each kit has a documented, signed annual review and that the most current signed inventory is kept inside the CTK.
“3.1.2. Annual review for each kit will be documented and signed in TCMax, or a MAJCOM approved or locally approved tool accountability system. The most current signed MIL inventory will be kept in CTK’s and Tool Kits.”
Confirm personnel initiate a lost-tool investigation for any missing tool, CTK, or item lost in a maintenance area.
“3.7.1. All personnel will initiate a lost tool investigation for any lost or missing tools, CTKs, test equipment, aircraft/equipment parts, technical data, PPE, or any personal issue items, etc. lost anywhere in an aircraft maintenance area.”
Check that no personal or uncontrolled tools are present on the flightline or in maintenance areas.
“2.2.3. Tools not controlled through CTK procedures are not authorized on the flightline or in any maintenance area. EXAMPLE: personal Mini Maglite flashlights, Leatherman, Buck Knives. Chapter 3 INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS”
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Updated 2026-08-01. CheckMyRegs is an unofficial index — always cite the official publication.