diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_AERO_ANALYSIS_GENERATE_BMATRIX b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_AERO_ANALYSIS_GENERATE_BMATRIX
index 1495be3bcbb..7ac092ed616 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_AERO_ANALYSIS_GENERATE_BMATRIX
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_AERO_ANALYSIS_GENERATE_BMATRIX
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASAEROBMATPY:-${SCRglobal}/exgdas_aero_analysis_generate_bmatrix.py
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate bmatrix for aerosol analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ fi
 cd "${DATAROOT}" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to change directory to ${DATAROOT}"
 fi
 if [[ "${KEEPDATA}" == "NO" ]]; then
     rm -rf "${DATA}"
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_CHGRES_FORENKF b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_CHGRES_FORENKF
index aca0092a406..13d03bc7f3d 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_CHGRES_FORENKF
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_CHGRES_FORENKF
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ declare -rx COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_MEM="${ROTDIR}/${RUN}.${PDY}/${cyc}/mem001/model
 ${CHGRESFCSTSH:-${SCRglobal}/exgdas_atmos_chgres_forenkf.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run chgres for the ensemble"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_GEMPAK b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_GEMPAK
index be336132c3f..ce9e33045df 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_GEMPAK
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_GEMPAK
@@ -42,18 +42,18 @@ done
 
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate AWIPS products at 1 degree resolution for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
 fi
 
 ########################################################
-# Execute the script for quater-degree grib
+# Execute the script for quarter-degree grib
 ########################################################
 
 "${SCRglobal}/exgdas_atmos_nawips.sh" "0p25" "${FHR3}" "GDAS_GEMPAK" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_0p25}" && true
 
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate AWIPS products at 0.25 degree resolution for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
 fi
 
 ############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_META_NCDC b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_META_NCDC
index ec44aaf00f4..62d6f0dd1c5 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_META_NCDC
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_META_NCDC
@@ -66,26 +66,27 @@ export pgmout=OUTPUT.$$
 "${HOMEglobal}/gempak/ush/gdas_meta_na.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate North American meta gempak products"
 fi
 
 "${HOMEglobal}/gempak/ush/gdas_meta_loop.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate looped image meta gempak products"
 fi
 
 if [[ "${cyc}" == '06' ]]; then
+    # TODO remove ECMWF and UKMET meta generation once the products are no longer needed
     "${HOMEglobal}/gempak/ush/gdas_ecmwf_meta_ver.sh" && true
     export err=$?
     if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-        err_exit
+        err_exit "Failed to generate ECMWF meta gempak products"
     fi
 
     "${HOMEglobal}/gempak/ush/gdas_ukmet_meta_ver.sh" && true
     export err=$?
     if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-        err_exit
+        err_exit "Failed to generate UKMET meta gempak products"
     fi
 fi
 ########################################################
@@ -101,7 +102,7 @@ if ((cyc % 12 == 0)); then
 fi
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate NCDC GIFs from GDAS GEMPAK products"
 fi
 ########################################################
 
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_VERFOZN b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_VERFOZN
index d763dcd0aff..42bb14b7d13 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_VERFOZN
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_VERFOZN
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ if [[ ! -d ${TANKverf_ozn} ]]; then mkdir -p "${TANKverf_ozn}"; fi
 "${SCRglobal}/exgdas_atmos_verfozn.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate ozone monitor products"
 fi
 
 ################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_VERFRAD b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_VERFRAD
index b04d4e5ed29..843c1ca478c 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_VERFRAD
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ATMOS_VERFRAD
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ if [[ ! -d ${TANKverf_rad} ]]; then mkdir -p "${TANKverf_rad}"; fi
 "${SCRglobal}/exgdas_atmos_verfrad.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate radiance monitor products"
 fi
 
 ################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ENKF_POST b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ENKF_POST
index 5c0cb7e5f9e..f2638793dd4 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ENKF_POST
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGDAS_ENKF_POST
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ export LEVS=$((LEVS - 1))
 ${ENKFPOSTSH:-${SCRglobal}/exgdas_enkf_post.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run ensemble post processing"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_AWIPS_20KM_1P0DEG b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_AWIPS_20KM_1P0DEG
index 6646924e204..6ee688659a0 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_AWIPS_20KM_1P0DEG
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_AWIPS_20KM_1P0DEG
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ export pgmout=OUTPUT.$$
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_awips_20km_1p0deg.sh" "${fcsthr}" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate AWIPS products at 20km resolution for forecast hour ${fcsthr}"
 fi
 ########################################################
 
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_CYCLONE_GENESIS b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_CYCLONE_GENESIS
index ad3a809bdb4..92ce696a12b 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_CYCLONE_GENESIS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_CYCLONE_GENESIS
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ source "${USHglobal}/unset_strict.sh"
 export err=$?
 source "${USHglobal}/set_strict.sh"
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run the tropical cyclone genesis script"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_CYCLONE_TRACKER b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_CYCLONE_TRACKER
index 522c6b8844b..99e49699d47 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_CYCLONE_TRACKER
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_CYCLONE_TRACKER
@@ -60,14 +60,14 @@ export loopnum=1
 "${USHens_tracker}/data_check_gfs.sh"
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Data check failed for GFS input data. Cannot run the tracker script."
 fi
 #------------------------------------------------
 
 "${USHens_tracker}/extrkr_gfs.sh" "${loopnum}" "${cmodel}" "${PDY}${cyc}" "${pert}" "${DATA}"
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Tropical cyclone tracking failed"
 fi
 
 #  cat ${DATA}/trak.avnx.atcfunix.${PDY}${cyc} | \
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_FBWIND b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_FBWIND
index 47b376921ef..7b403f0b134 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_FBWIND
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_FBWIND
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ fi
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_fbwind.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate Pacific WMO wind products"
 fi
 ########################################################
 
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK
index 5ceabbe49b6..51ce0f23072 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ if [[ "${fhr}" -ge "${fhmin}" ]] && [[ "${fhr}" -le "${fhmax}" ]]; then
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "1p00" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 1 degree GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
     fi
 fi
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ if [[ "${fhr}" -ge "${fhmin}" ]] && [[ "${fhr}" -le "${fhmax}" ]]; then
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "1p00" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_1p00}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 1 degree GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
     fi
 fi
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ if [[ "${fhr}" -ge "${fhmin}" ]] && [[ "${fhr}" -le "${fhmax}" ]]; then
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "0p50" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_0p50}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 0.5 degree GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
     fi
 fi
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ if [[ "${fhr}" -ge "${fhmin}" ]] && [[ "${fhr}" -le "${fhmax}" ]]; then
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "0p50" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_0p50}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 0.5 degree GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
     fi
 fi
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ if [[ "${fhr}" -ge "${fhmin}" ]] && [[ "${fhr}" -le "${fhmax}" ]]; then
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "0p50" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_0p50}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 0.5 degree GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
     fi
 fi
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ if [[ "${fhr}" -ge "${fhmin}" ]] && [[ "${fhr}" -le "${fhmax}" ]]; then
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "0p25" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_0p25}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 0.25 degree GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
     fi
 fi
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ if [[ "${fhr}" -ge "${fhmin}" ]] && [[ "${fhr}" -le "${fhmax}" ]]; then
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "0p25" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_0p25}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 0.25 degree GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
     fi
 fi
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ if [[ "${fhr}" -ge "${fhmin}" ]] && [[ "${fhr}" -le "${fhmax}" ]]; then
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "0p25" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_0p25}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 0.25 degree GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
     fi
 fi
@@ -161,19 +161,19 @@ if [[ "${fhr}" -ge "${fhmin}" ]] && [[ "${fhr}" -le "${fhmax}" ]]; then
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "35km_pac" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK_WWB" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_35km_pac}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 35km Pacific GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
 
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "35km_atl" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK_WWB" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_35km_atl}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 35km Atlantic GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
 
         "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh" "40km" "${FHR3}" "GFS_GEMPAK_WWB" "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_40km}" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate 40km global ocean GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
         fi
     fi
 fi
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_META b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_META
index d8d7f541c22..8bd51020d3d 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_META
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_META
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ mkdir -m 775 -p "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GEMPAK_META}"
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_gempak_meta.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate at least one GFS GEMPAK meta product"
 fi
 ########################################################
 
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_NCDC_UPAPGIF b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_NCDC_UPAPGIF
index 266804dd0fd..234f59a7bab 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_NCDC_UPAPGIF
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_NCDC_UPAPGIF
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ export pgmout=OUTPUT.$$
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_gempak_gif_ncdc_skew_t.sh"
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate NCDC skew-T GIFs from GFS GEMPAK products"
 fi
 ########################################################
 
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_PGRB2_SPEC b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_PGRB2_SPEC
index ad946026155..d5e343c37d5 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_PGRB2_SPEC
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_GEMPAK_PGRB2_SPEC
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ export EXT=".grd221"
 
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to simulate GOES data from GFS GEMPAK products for forecast hour ${FHR3}"
 fi
 
 cd "${DATA}" || exit 1
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_PGRB2_SPEC_NPOESS b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_PGRB2_SPEC_NPOESS
index c3b51d30094..26c0fe42009 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_PGRB2_SPEC_NPOESS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_PGRB2_SPEC_NPOESS
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ mkdir -m 775 -p "${COMOUT_ATMOS_GOES}"
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_grib2_special_npoess.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to simulate NPOESS data from GFS GRIB2 products"
 fi
 #############################################################
 
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_POSTSND b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_POSTSND
index 08fd0610dcd..6b33cd06ff9 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_POSTSND
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGFS_ATMOS_POSTSND
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ fi
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_atmos_postsnd.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate GFS BUFR soundings and/or associated WMO products"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
index 9960fe7d8b8..0307fb644ed 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASAEROFINALPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_aero_analysis_finalize.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to finalize aerosol analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ fi
 cd "${DATAROOT}" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to navigate to DATAROOT!"
 fi
 if [[ "${KEEPDATA}" == "NO" ]]; then
     rm -rf "${DATA}"
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
index 7e4808e4315..f4bbc3d646a 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASAEROINITPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_aero_analysis_initialize.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to initialize aerosol analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL
index 9a34c709300..5c5d411dfa5 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_AERO_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASAEROVARSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_aero_analysis_variational.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run variational aerosol analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ANALYSIS_STATS b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ANALYSIS_STATS
index 3ce66673011..6c0dd633eee 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ANALYSIS_STATS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ANALYSIS_STATS
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${ANLSTATSPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_analysis_stats.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate analysis statistics for ${RUN} ${PDY}${cyc}"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
index 444039be353..672992950e5 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMENSFINALPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmens_analysis_finalize.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to finalize the atmospheric ensemble analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_FV3_INCREMENT b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_FV3_INCREMENT
index 31e58354858..fc1791571a4 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_FV3_INCREMENT
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_FV3_INCREMENT
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMENSRUNSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmens_analysis_fv3_increment.
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate the atmospheric ensemble analysis FV3 increment"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
index fb23246ab8e..b93c5b0d433 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMENSINITPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmens_analysis_initialize.py
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to initialize the atmospheric ensemble analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_LETKF b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_LETKF
index 0c2b98ea585..366fa65bc84 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_LETKF
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_LETKF
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMENSRUNSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmens_analysis_letkf.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run the atmospheric ensemble LETKF analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_OBS b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_OBS
index cbf8a42b3e4..c3d81c118e1 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_OBS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_OBS
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMENSOBSSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmens_analysis_obs.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to complete the observer for the atmospheric ensemble analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_SOL b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_SOL
index 375a81cb25f..985abe17692 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_SOL
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMENS_ANALYSIS_SOL
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMENSSOLSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmens_analysis_sol.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to complete the atmospheric ensemble analysis solver"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS
index fa2a2305cff..9261f0ffcc7 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ export LEVS
 LEVS=$(${NCLEN} "${ATMGES}" pfull) && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to get LEVS from ${ATMGES}"
 fi
 
 if [[ "${DOHYBVAR}" == "YES" ]]; then
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ fi
 ${ANALYSISSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmos_analysis.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run the GSI atmospheric analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_CALC b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_CALC
index 05e69958b6b..f76695ab210 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_CALC
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_CALC
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ export LEVS
 LEVS=$(${NCLEN} "${ATMGES}" pfull) && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to get LEVS from ${ATMGES}"
 fi
 
 # Generate Gaussian surface analysis  # TODO: Should this be removed now that sfcanl is its own job?
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ export DOGAUSFCANL=${DOGAUSFCANL:-"YES"}
 ${ANALCALCSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmos_analysis_calc.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate gaussian gridded analysis for ${RUN} ${PDY}${cyc}"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_CALC_FV3JEDI b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_CALC_FV3JEDI
index d19c688a616..b8678035b2e 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_CALC_FV3JEDI
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_CALC_FV3JEDI
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMRUNPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmos_analysis_calc_fv3jedi.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to calculate the atmospheric analysis with fv3jedi"
 fi
 
 # Write analysis log file
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_DIAG b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_DIAG
index e993909c78c..0c2653f7e18 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_DIAG
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ANALYSIS_DIAG
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ export pCOMIN_ATMOS_ANALYSIS
 ${ANALDIAGSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_diag.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate GSI diagnostics from the atmospheric analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ENSSTAT b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ENSSTAT
index daa9773335f..756ea2c54c2 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ENSSTAT
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_ENSSTAT
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ done
 "${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmos_ensstat.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to calculate the atmospheric ensemble statistics"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_PRODUCTS b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_PRODUCTS
index a500aeb538f..5988193736c 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_PRODUCTS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_PRODUCTS
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ export PREFIX="${RUN}.t${cyc}z."
 "${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmos_products.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate atmospheric GRIB2 products"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_SFCANL b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_SFCANL
index c99787fabb9..f8a2911ee5a 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_SFCANL
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_SFCANL
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ export USE_CFP=YES
 ${SFCANALSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmos_sfcanl.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to calculate the surface analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_TROPCY_QC_RELOC b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_TROPCY_QC_RELOC
index 12100b22a9f..60685d7dcd9 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_TROPCY_QC_RELOC
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_TROPCY_QC_RELOC
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ export BKGFREQ=1 # for hourly relocation
 ${TROPCYQCRELOSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmos_tropcy_qc_reloc.sh}
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run tropical cyclone QC and/or relocation"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_UPP b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_UPP
index d7755db6f54..477b033c3d5 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_UPP
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_UPP
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ mkdir -p "${COMOUT_ATMOS_MASTER}"
 "${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmos_upp.py" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate atmospheric GRIB2 master files"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_VMINMON b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_VMINMON
index c933f918c80..ed2f627ca72 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_VMINMON
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATMOS_VMINMON
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ mkdir -p "${M_TANKverf}"
 "${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atmos_vminmon.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run the GSI minimization monitor"
 fi
 
 ################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
index 632776838da..5adf6f20066 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMFINALPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atm_analysis_finalize.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to finalize the atmospheric analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_FV3_INCREMENT b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_FV3_INCREMENT
index 21b88e1f812..2e632b1a803 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_FV3_INCREMENT
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_FV3_INCREMENT
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMRUNSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atm_analysis_fv3_increment.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to calculate the atmospheric FV3 increment"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
index af4d6badd07..45a41dd0740 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMINITPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atm_analysis_initialize.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to initialize the atmospheric analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL
index b35d5587c5c..a0db8fc9c94 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ATM_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMRUNSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_atm_analysis_variational.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to calculate the atmospheric variational analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_CLEANUP b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_CLEANUP
index 976ff97ac57..0da89cfb005 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_CLEANUP
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_CLEANUP
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ source "${USHglobal}/set_strict.sh"
 "${SCRglobal}/exglobal_cleanup.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to cleanup for ${RUN} at ${PDY}${cyc}"
 fi
 
 #################################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_DIAG b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_DIAG
index acbf00b1492..14f5c9ffeab 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_DIAG
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_DIAG
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ export DIAG_COMPRESS="NO"
 ${ANALDIAGSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_diag.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate GSI diagnostics from the atmospheric ensemble analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_ECEN b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_ECEN
index 867c940d90f..a587a1f59f2 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_ECEN
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_ECEN
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ declare -rx COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV="${ROTDIR}/${GDUMP}.${gPDY}/${gcyc}/en
 ${ENKFRECENSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_enkf_ecen.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to recenter the ensemble mean"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_ECEN_FV3JEDI b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_ECEN_FV3JEDI
index 44ba9c2b2ca..d1c1195e378 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_ECEN_FV3JEDI
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_ECEN_FV3JEDI
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASATMRUNPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_enkf_ecen_fv3jedi.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to recenter the JEDI ensemble mean"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_SELECT_OBS b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_SELECT_OBS
index a9eca8151b9..8ad44e454be 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_SELECT_OBS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_SELECT_OBS
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ done
 ${INVOBSSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_enkf_select_obs.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run the observer for the GSI ensemble mean analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_SFC b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_SFC
index e4f3749f389..dfdc4271414 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_SFC
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_SFC
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ export USE_CFP=YES
 ${ENKFRESFCSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_enkf_sfc.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to calculate the ensemble surface analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_UPDATE b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_UPDATE
index 38564406d8c..0455ef0fd9e 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_UPDATE
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_ENKF_UPDATE
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ declare -rx COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY_STAT_PREV="${ROTDIR}/enkfgdas.${GDATE:0:8}/${GDA
 ${ENKFUPDSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_enkf_update.sh} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to update the ensemble"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_FORECAST b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_FORECAST
index 467bac7bf63..21f245712b4 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_FORECAST
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_FORECAST
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ fi
 "${FORECASTSH}" && true # The && true prevents the shell from exiting when set -e
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run the ${RUN} forecast for ${PDY}${cyc}"
 fi
 
 # Send DBN alerts for EnKF
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_CHECKPOINT b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_CHECKPOINT
index 185f778406a..8b5a25a18b6 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_CHECKPOINT
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_CHECKPOINT
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASMARINEANALYSIS:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_marine_analysis_checkpoint.
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to update the ocean increment and/or ice restarts"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_ECEN b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_ECEN
index b0c379f1771..a7e46e1608f 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_ECEN
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_ECEN
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASOCNCENPY:-${HOMEglobal}/scripts/exglobal_marine_analysis_ecen.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to recenter the ocean and/or ice analyses"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ fi
 cd "${DATAROOT/enkf/}" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to change directory to navigate to DATAROOT!"
 fi
 
 exit 0
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
index 384b6036936..20568337210 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_FINALIZE
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASMARINEANALYSIS:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_marine_analysis_finalize.py
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to finalize the ocean and/or ice analyses"
 fi
 
 ##########################################
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ fi
 cd "${DATAROOT}" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to change directory to ${DATAROOT} to remove temporary data"
 fi
 
 if [[ "${KEEPDATA}" == "NO" ]]; then
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
index 13cb08372f8..e7ed785c8e3 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_INITIALIZE
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASMARINEANALYSIS:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_marine_analysis_initialize.
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to initialize the ocean and/or ice analyses"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_LETKF b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_LETKF
index 4c02d403367..74792a9c433 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_LETKF
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_LETKF
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASOCNLETKFPY:-${HOMEglobal}/scripts/exglobal_marine_analysis_letkf.
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run the marine LETKF analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ fi
 cd "${DATAROOT/enkf/}" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to change directory to navigate to DATAROOT!"
 fi
 
 exit 0
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL
index 349a7096c53..77efac111a4 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_ANALYSIS_VARIATIONAL
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASMARINERUNSH:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_marine_analysis_variational.py
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to run the variational marine analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_BMAT b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_BMAT
index e499590e62f..d992a784ecb 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_BMAT
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_BMAT
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASMARINEBMATRUNPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_marinebmat.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to calculate the marine background error covariance matrix"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_BMAT_INITIALIZE b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_BMAT_INITIALIZE
index df272897b26..196988ffad2 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_BMAT_INITIALIZE
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_MARINE_BMAT_INITIALIZE
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASMARINEBMATRUNPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_marinebmat_initialize.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to initialize the marine background error covariance matrix"
 fi
 ##############################################
 # End JOB SPECIFIC work
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_OCEANICE_PRODUCTS b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_OCEANICE_PRODUCTS
index a54aa565ceb..7ceef78360e 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_OCEANICE_PRODUCTS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_OCEANICE_PRODUCTS
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ fi
 "${SCRglobal}/exglobal_oceanice_products.py" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate ${COMPONENT} products."
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_PREP_OCEAN_OBS b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_PREP_OCEAN_OBS
index d3c1125fea8..2e0c7cc2c8b 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_PREP_OCEAN_OBS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_PREP_OCEAN_OBS
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${GDASPREPOCNOBSPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_prep_ocean_obs.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to prepare ocean observations for assimilation"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_SNOWENS_ANALYSIS b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_SNOWENS_ANALYSIS
index eb0a788c83e..9464074ebeb 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_SNOWENS_ANALYSIS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_SNOWENS_ANALYSIS
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${SNOWANLPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_snowens_analysis.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to caluclate the ensemble snow analysis"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ fi
 cd "${DATAROOT}" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to change directory to DATAROOT!"
 fi
 if [[ "${KEEPDATA}" == "NO" ]]; then
     rm -rf "${DATA}"
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_SNOW_ANALYSIS b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_SNOW_ANALYSIS
index 10e0b171063..536fb0879ab 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_SNOW_ANALYSIS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_SNOW_ANALYSIS
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ EXSCRIPT=${SNOWANLPY:-${SCRglobal}/exglobal_snow_analysis.py}
 ${EXSCRIPT} && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to calculate the snow analysis for ${RUN} at ${PDY}${cyc}"
 fi
 
 ##############################################
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ fi
 cd "${DATAROOT}" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to change directory to ${DATAROOT}"
 fi
 if [[ "${KEEPDATA}" == "NO" ]]; then
     rm -rf "${DATA}"
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_GEMPAK b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_GEMPAK
index f897627a599..068e1a20da5 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_GEMPAK
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_GEMPAK
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ if [[ ! -d ${COMOUT_WAVE_GEMPAK} ]]; then mkdir -p "${COMOUT_WAVE_GEMPAK}"; fi
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_wave_nawips.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate wave gempak/AWIPS products."
 fi
 ###################################
 
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_INIT b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_INIT
index 8698264b037..00f41c5f577 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_INIT
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_INIT
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ export wave_mpmd=${wave_mpmd:-"cfp"}
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_wave_init.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate wave grids for model initialization."
 fi
 
 ##########################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_POST_BNDPNTBLL b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_POST_BNDPNTBLL
index 76c3d1bd798..e98c768a3de 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_POST_BNDPNTBLL
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_POST_BNDPNTBLL
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ export DOBNDPNT_WAV='YES' # Boundary points
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_wave_post_pnt.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate wave boundary point bulletins."
 fi
 
 ##########################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PRDGEN_BULLS b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PRDGEN_BULLS
index aaedfff0566..d77e3d4687b 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PRDGEN_BULLS
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PRDGEN_BULLS
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ mkdir -p "${COMOUT_WAVE_WMO}"
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_wave_prdgen_bulls.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate wave WMO bulletins."
 fi
 
 ###################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PRDGEN_GRIDDED b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PRDGEN_GRIDDED
index 1ce1e0b1c53..bc97dd4dc90 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PRDGEN_GRIDDED
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PRDGEN_GRIDDED
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ fi
 "${SCRglobal}/exgfs_wave_prdgen_gridded.sh" && true
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to generate wave gridded WMO bulletins."
 fi
 
 ###################################
diff --git a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PREP b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PREP
index 4f9ea245586..c94c7bc8863 100755
--- a/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PREP
+++ b/dev/jobs/JGLOBAL_WAVE_PREP
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ mkdir -p "${COMOUT_WAVE_PREP}"
 
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to prepare RTOFS data for WW3 inputs!"
 fi
 
 ##########################################
diff --git a/dev/parm/config/gfs/config.resources b/dev/parm/config/gfs/config.resources
index 1881765275c..06a6bd37d5e 100644
--- a/dev/parm/config/gfs/config.resources
+++ b/dev/parm/config/gfs/config.resources
@@ -1381,7 +1381,7 @@ case ${step} in
 
   "gempak")
     # Walltime is per forecast hour; will be multipled by group size
-    walltime="00:05:00"
+    walltime="00:10:00"
     threads_per_task=1
     if [[ "${RUN}" = *gdas ]]; then
       ntasks=2
diff --git a/dev/scripts/exgdas_atmos_chgres_forenkf.sh b/dev/scripts/exgdas_atmos_chgres_forenkf.sh
index 3c9d54d4de8..0f0ad6517e1 100755
--- a/dev/scripts/exgdas_atmos_chgres_forenkf.sh
+++ b/dev/scripts/exgdas_atmos_chgres_forenkf.sh
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ EOF
     "${USHglobal}/run_mpmd.sh" "${DATA}/mp_chgres.sh" && true
     export err=$?
     if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-        err_exit
+        err_exit "Failed to run chgres on one or more forecast hours!"
     fi
 else
     echo "DO_CALC_ANALYSIS != YES, doing nothing"
diff --git a/dev/scripts/exgdas_atmos_gempak_gif_ncdc.sh b/dev/scripts/exgdas_atmos_gempak_gif_ncdc.sh
index 8ce2628c72e..66587bdde5d 100755
--- a/dev/scripts/exgdas_atmos_gempak_gif_ncdc.sh
+++ b/dev/scripts/exgdas_atmos_gempak_gif_ncdc.sh
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ if [[ ${MODEL} == GDAS ]]; then
         "${HOMEglobal}/gempak/ush/gempak_${RUN}_f${fhr3}_gif.sh" && true
         export err=$?
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            err_exit
+            err_exit "Failed to generate GIF for forecast hour ${fhr3}"
         fi
     done
 fi
diff --git a/dev/scripts/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh b/dev/scripts/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh
index f6039628b5f..b00a05c6ce9 100755
--- a/dev/scripts/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh
+++ b/dev/scripts/exgfs_atmos_nawips.sh
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ EOF
 
 export err=$?
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    err_exit
+    err_exit "Failed to convert ${grid} grid from GRIB to GEMPAK for forecast hour ${fhr3}"
 fi
 
 "${GEMEXE}/gpend"
diff --git a/dev/scripts/exgfs_atmos_postsnd.sh b/dev/scripts/exgfs_atmos_postsnd.sh
index 596c9ed287f..25c37e81eb1 100755
--- a/dev/scripts/exgfs_atmos_postsnd.sh
+++ b/dev/scripts/exgfs_atmos_postsnd.sh
@@ -147,7 +147,11 @@ if [[ $((10#${fhr})) -eq 0 ]]; then
 else
     export F00FLAG="NO"
 fi
-${runscript} "${fhr}" "${fhr_p}" "${FINT}" "${F00FLAG}" "${DATA}"
+${runscript} "${fhr}" "${fhr_p}" "${FINT}" "${F00FLAG}" "${DATA}" && true
+export err=$?
+if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
+    err_exit "Failed to generate BUFR sounding files for forecast hour ${fhr}!"
+fi
 
 ############################################
 # Tar and gzip the bufr files created so far
diff --git a/ush/gfs_bufr.sh b/ush/gfs_bufr.sh
index ca6f588ff08..bd3dd84babf 100755
--- a/ush/gfs_bufr.sh
+++ b/ush/gfs_bufr.sh
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
     echo "FATAL ERROR: GFS postsnd job error, Please check files "
     echo "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.${cycle}.atm.f${fhr}.${atmfm}"
     echo "${COMIN_ATMOS_HISTORY}/${RUN}.${cycle}.sfc.f${fhr}.${atmfm}"
-    err_exit
+    exit 1
 fi
 
 exit 0
diff --git a/ush/tropcy_relocate.sh b/ush/tropcy_relocate.sh
index 17c2645c302..13a6bd6babc 100755
--- a/ush/tropcy_relocate.sh
+++ b/ush/tropcy_relocate.sh
@@ -187,7 +187,8 @@ if [[ "${err0}" -ne 0 ]]; then
     #  problem with obtaining date record so exit
     export err="${err0}"
     msg="FATAL ERROR: problem with obtaining date record"
-    err_exit "${msg}"
+    echo "${msg}"
+    exit "${err}"
 fi
 
 modhr=$((cyc % 3))
@@ -232,9 +233,8 @@ if [[ "${modhr}" -ne 0 ]]; then
 
     #  if center date/time for relocation processing isn't a multiple of 3-hrs, exit
     #  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-    export err=9
-    msg="FATAL ERROR: cannot perform tropical cyclone processing because cycle hour is not a multiple of 3-hrs"
-    err_exit "${msg}"
+    echo "FATAL ERROR: cannot perform tropical cyclone processing because cycle hour is not a multiple of 3-hrs"
+    exit 9
 fi
 
 for fhr in 6 12; do
@@ -312,9 +312,8 @@ EOF
         errges=$?
         if [[ "${errges}" -ne 0 ]]; then
             #  problem obtaining global sigma first guess so exit
-            export err="${errges}"
-            msg="FATAL ERROR: problem obtaining global sigma guess valid ${fhr} hrs relative to center relocation date/time"
-            err_exit "${msg}"
+            echo "FATAL ERROR: problem obtaining global sigma guess valid ${fhr} hrs relative to center relocation date/time"
+            exit "${errges}"
         fi
 
         #  For center time sigma guess file obtained via getges, store pathname from
@@ -355,9 +354,8 @@ EOF
         errges=$?
         if [[ "${errges}" -ne 0 ]]; then
             #  problem obtaining global pressure grib guess so exit
-            export err="${errges}"
-            msg="FATAL ERROR: problem obtaining global pressure grib guess valid ${fhr} hrs relative to center relocation date/time;"
-            err_exit "${msg}"
+            echo "FATAL ERROR: problem obtaining global pressure grib guess valid ${fhr} hrs relative to center relocation date/time;"
+            exit "${errges}"
         fi
         cat << EOF
 
@@ -427,9 +425,8 @@ else
 
         #  problem: script tropcy_relocate_extrkr.sh failed
         #  ------------------------------------------------
-        export err
         echo "FATAL ERROR: ${USHglobal}/tropcy_relocate_extrkr.sh failed"
-        err_exit "${msg}"
+        exit "${err}"
     fi
 
     #  relocate model tropical cyclone vortices in ges sigma files
@@ -501,7 +498,7 @@ else
     echo
     if [[ "${errSTATUS}" -gt '0' ]]; then
         export err="${errSTATUS}"
-        err_exit
+        exit "${err}"
     fi
 
     #  further check for success
@@ -525,9 +522,8 @@ else
             #  problem: $sges.relocate does not exist
             #  --------------------------------------
 
-            export err=9
-            msg="FATAL ERROR: The file ${sges}.relocate does not exist"
-            err_exit "${msg}"
+            echo "FATAL ERROR: The file ${sges}.relocate does not exist"
+            exit 9
         fi
     done
 
diff --git a/ush/tropcy_relocate_extrkr.sh b/ush/tropcy_relocate_extrkr.sh
index 16eec1543f0..aa7ba8432c0 100755
--- a/ush/tropcy_relocate_extrkr.sh
+++ b/ush/tropcy_relocate_extrkr.sh
@@ -315,7 +315,8 @@ Model= ---> ${cmodel} <--- ..... Please submit the script again....
 EOF
         )
         err=8
-        err_exit "${msg}"
+        echo "${msg}"
+        exit "${err}"
         ;;
 
 esac
@@ -374,7 +375,8 @@ replace the forecast hour characters 00 with XX.  Please check the
 name in the kickoff script and qsub it again.
 EOF
         err=8
-        err_exit "${msg}"
+        echo "${msg}"
+        exit "${err}"
     fi
 
     fflag='y'
@@ -425,7 +427,8 @@ EOF
 EOF
         )
         err=8
-        err_exit "${msg}"
+        echo "${msg}"
+        exit "${err}"
     fi
 
     cat << EOF
@@ -510,7 +513,8 @@ if [[ ${numvitrecs} -eq 0 ]]; then
 EOF
     )
     err=8
-    err_exit "${msg}"
+    echo "${msg}"
+    exit "${err}"
 fi
 
 # - - - - - - - - - - - - -
@@ -600,7 +604,8 @@ else
 EOF
     )
     err=9
-    err_exit "${msg}"
+    echo "${msg}"
+    exit "${err}"
 fi
 
 #------------------------------------------------------------------#
@@ -621,7 +626,7 @@ if [[ "${numvitrecs}" -eq 0 ]]; then
 
 EOF
     err=8
-    err_exit
+    exit "${err}"
 fi
 
 cat << EOF | tee stormlist
@@ -770,7 +775,8 @@ EOF
 EOF
             )
             err=8
-            err_exit "${msg}"
+            echo "${msg}"
+            exit "${err}"
         fi
 
         cat "${TMPDIR}/ngmllu850.grb.f${fhour}" "${TMPDIR}/ngmllu700.grb.f${fhour}" \
@@ -866,7 +872,7 @@ EOF
 
 EOF
             err=8
-            err_exit
+            exit "${err}"
         fi
 
         cat "${TMPDIR}/namllu850.grb.f${fhour}" "${TMPDIR}/namllu700.grb.f${fhour}" \
@@ -915,7 +921,8 @@ if [[ "${model}" -eq 4 ]]; then
 EOF
         )
         err=8
-        err_exit "${msg}"
+        echo "${msg}"
+        exit "${err}"
     fi
 
     ${GRBINDEX:?} "${ecmwfdir}/${ecmwfgfile}" "${TMPDIR}/${ecmwfgfile}.ix"
@@ -1182,7 +1189,8 @@ if [[ "${model}" -eq 7 ]]; then
 EOF
         )
         err=8
-        err_exit "${msg}"
+        echo "${msg}"
+        exit "${err}"
     fi
 
     gfile="${ngpsdir}/${ngpsgfile}"
@@ -1323,7 +1331,8 @@ EOF
 EOF
                 )
                 err=8
-                err_exit "${msg}"
+                echo "${msg}"
+                exit "${err}"
             fi
 
             cat "${TMPDIR}/otherllu850.grb.f${fhour}" "${TMPDIR}/otherllu700.grb.f${fhour}" \
@@ -1457,7 +1466,7 @@ EOF
 
 if [[ "${err}" -gt 0 ]]; then
     err=9
-    err_exit
+    exit "${err}"
 fi
 
 rm -f fort.*
diff --git a/ush/wave_prnc_cur.sh b/ush/wave_prnc_cur.sh
index cc12f788d5e..3ff37ce2f34 100755
--- a/ush/wave_prnc_cur.sh
+++ b/ush/wave_prnc_cur.sh
@@ -76,7 +76,6 @@ source prep_step
 
 "${EXECglobal}/${pgm}" 1> "prnc_${WAVECUR_FID}_${ymdh_rtofs}.out" 2>&1
 export err=$?
-err_chk
 if [[ "${err}" -ne 0 ]]; then
     cat "prnc_${WAVECUR_FID}_${ymdh_rtofs}.out"
     echo "WARNING: NON-FATAL ERROR IN ${pgm}."
diff --git a/ush/wave_tar.sh b/ush/wave_tar.sh
index e23162dd47e..60d9bc52162 100755
--- a/ush/wave_tar.sh
+++ b/ush/wave_tar.sh
@@ -35,8 +35,8 @@ export err
 
 if [[ "$#" -lt '3' ]]; then
     msg='FATAL ERROR: VARIABLES IN ww3_tar.sh NOT SET'
-    err=1
-    err_exit "${msg}"
+    echo "${msg}"
+    exit 1
 else
     ID=$1
     type=$2
@@ -72,9 +72,8 @@ mkdir "TAR_${filext}_${ID}"
 #     The tested variables should be exported by the postprocessor script.
 
 if [[ -z "${COMOUT_WAVE_STATION+x}" || -z "${SENDDBN+x}" || -z "${STA_DIR+x}" ]]; then
-    msg='FATAL ERROR: EXPORTED VARIABLES IN ww3_tar.sh NOT SET'
-    err=2
-    err_exit "${msg}"
+    echo 'FATAL ERROR: EXPORTED VARIABLES IN ww3_tar.sh NOT SET'
+    exit 2
 fi
 
 # --------------------------------------------------------------------------- #
@@ -95,16 +94,14 @@ while [[ "${tardone}" == "no" ]]; do
         err=$?
 
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            msg='FATAL ERROR: TAR CREATION FAILED *** '
-            err=3
-            err_exit "${msg}"
+            echo 'FATAL ERROR: TAR CREATION FAILED *** '
+            exit 3
         fi
 
         filename="${ID}.${type}.tar"
         if ! wait_for_file "${filename}" "${sleep_interval}" "${countMAX}"; then
-            msg="FATAL ERROR: File ${filename} not found after waiting $((sleep_interval * (countMAX + 1))) secs"
-            err=3
-            err_exit "${msg}"
+            echo "FATAL ERROR: File ${filename} not found after waiting $((sleep_interval * (countMAX + 1))) secs"
+            exit 3
         fi
 
         if [[ -f "${ID}.${type}.tar" ]]; then
@@ -115,21 +112,24 @@ while [[ "${tardone}" == "no" ]]; do
 done
 
 if [[ "${tardone}" == 'no' ]]; then
-    msg='FATAL ERROR: TAR CREATION FAILED *** '
-    err=3
-    err_exit "${msg}"
+    echo 'FATAL ERROR: TAR CREATION FAILED *** '
+    exit 4
 fi
 
 if [[ "${type}" == 'spec' ]]; then
     if [[ -s "${ID}.${type}.tar" ]]; then
         file_name="${ID}.${type}.tar.gz"
-        /usr/bin/gzip -c "${ID}.${type}.tar" > "${file_name}"
+        # Check if gzip is available
+        if ! command -v gzip &> /dev/null; then
+            echo "FATAL ERROR: gzip command not found!"
+            exit 5
+        fi
+        gzip -c "${ID}.${type}.tar" > "${file_name}"
         err=$?
 
         if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-            msg='FATAL ERROR: SPECTRAL TAR COMPRESSION FAILED *** '
-            err=4
-            err_exit
+            echo 'FATAL ERROR: SPECTRAL TAR COMPRESSION FAILED *** '
+            exit 6
         fi
     fi
 else
@@ -146,9 +146,8 @@ cpfs "${file_name}" "${COMOUT_WAVE_STATION}/."
 err=$?
 
 if [[ ${err} -ne 0 ]]; then
-    msg='FATAL ERROR: TAR COPY FAILED *** '
-    export err=4
-    err_exit "${msg}"
+    echo 'FATAL ERROR: TAR COPY FAILED *** '
+    export err=6
 fi
 
 if [[ "${SENDDBN}" == "YES" ]]; then