Accountability

Accountability.

Websters dictionary describes accountability as “the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable” and the DOD describes it 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 person having this obligation may or may not have actual possession of the property, documents, or funds. Accountability is concerned primarily with records, while responsibility is concerned primarily with custody, care, and safekeeping” and responsibility as “the state or fact of being responsible” respectability. While some actions may be responsible, you are always held accountable for the outcome of such. Accountability can also be described as being dependable.

By being dependable, soldiers arrive to work and appointments on time, meet deadlines, arrive at the right place at the right time, and always do the right thing at the right time. Morning formation is the most important formation of the day. It is vital to maintain accountability of everyone and to put out any pertinent information that is necessary to soldiers. Without accountability formation, it would be difficult for the command to fully brief soldiers about the days activities or important information.

For example, lets say that a young private in the Army, who currently is deployed in a combat zone, were to drive a vehicle, or any other motorized piece of machinery to the fuel point without his weapon, it would be a great risk. When he returned, his weapon could not be there. t could have been stolen. Or if he were to be attacked while driving he would not be able to return fire and defend himself. Either way, whatever the situation it could result in any number of consequences, usually and most definitely negative. If he would have had 'Proper' accountability, he would have had his weapon on his person inside that vehicle/equipment. And if anything were to happen he would...