The Army's Approach to Property Accountability: A Strategic Assessment
Abstract
Beginning with its wartime property accountability policy in 2003 and through a sustained period of high operational tempo, the Army has struggled to establish accountability of its property at all levels. Over the last five years alone the Army has lost accountability for over 17,000 items. Beginning in 2005, the Army initiated the first of two separate campaigns to re-establish a culture of supply discipline within the force. While little progress was made with the first campaign, signs of success are appearing with the 2010 campaign. The urgency to capture accurate supply data transcends several critical areas of concern to include budgetary constriction, strategic decisions related to force deployments and training sets, leader development, and congressional oversight. This paper examines the effectiveness of the Army's strategic message in the context of property accountability during a period of tremendous change in the 21st Century's first decade and identifies the Army's approach to the officer leadership and training in regards to property accountability. The paper will recommend ways to enhance the campaign plan through adjustments to the Army's professional military education and through elevation of command emphasis above the company level.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA561798
Entities
People
- Thomas Rivard
Organizations
- United States Army War College