Couldn't agree more. I think it's an utterly stupid level 1 action to mandate. I don't know of any corporate IT processes (especially those adhering to ITIL) that list "re-image asset" as the first step in a resolution plan.

More likely they need something for the interns to do. What better way to get your feet wet in the corporate sector on the way to your A+ certification than spending 6 months of 8 hour days doing nothing but re-imaging harddrives before sending the device to level 2.