QUESTION

Be sure to add a lot of emphasis on accountability in the army and stress the importance of it. In the military sense, accountability can be perceived as tracking the proper documents, funds, equipment, personnel etc. Also, explain in short, how proper accountability leads to/correlates with good mission readiness.

ANSWER

ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE ARMY
The act or condition of being accountable; responsibility. So, how does accountability pertain to
the Army? The military gives the definition of accountability as the obligation imposed by law or lawful
order or regulation on an officer or other person for keeping accurate record of property, documents, or
funds. The Army has instated regulations to govern accountability and to define security concerns that
may come with failed accountability. Individuals issued arms are responsible for their security at all
times. Each issued weapon will be carried on the person at all times. Weapons will not be entrusted to
the custody of another person. Pistols will be secured with a lanyard. The part of security concerned
with physical measures designed to safeguard personnel, to prevent unauthorized access to equipment,
installations, material, and documents and to safeguard them against espionage, sabotage, damage, and
theft. A lot of the main structure of the Army is placed on accountability. Accountability (noun) Being
responsible or liable for someone or something at the state of event and or situation. A soldier of the
Army has many values that are set forth. The purpose of accountability is placing responsibility on
someone expecting them to take ownership and maintain the same values that were asked of them.
Accountable Property Officers (APOs) are the individuals who, based on their training, knowledge, and
experience, are appointed by proper authority to establish and maintain an organization's accountable
property records and systems. Too often, property management is decentralized and responsibilities are
assigned as collateral duties rather than a primary focus. In response, the Property and Equipment (P&E)
Policy Office, in coordination with the Military Services and DoD Components, is identifying the core
knowledge competencies needed. This provides the foundation necessary for:
 Maintaining strong accountability over equipment in a dynamic environment
 Resolving material or systemic weaknesses. The Army accomplishes the mission at all costs with
the least amount of loss whether it be soldiers or equip Increasing operational efficiency and
mission performance
 Supporting sound decision making
 Mitigating or eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse
Without all of the soldiers or equipment present, the mission may not be able to be
accomplished. Even if only one soldier or piece of equipment is not present the mission may not be fully
capable of being accomplished as the lack of either one would be detrimental to the mission. If a piece
of equipment or a soldier is not on time at the start or finish of a mission, it may determine the outcome
of the mission in regards to it being accomplished and a success or not. Either way, to be accountable
for the pieces of equipment or the lack of soldiers’ present means providing an answer to someone.
Mission readiness is the answer to why accountability is so important.