Quote:
Originally Posted by dave lukins
Where does the Quatermaster come into this equation?..Is he/she not indeed responsible for all Unit Equiptment Issue? I know the "Buck Stops here"(no pun intended) with COs and CoCommanders, but the "missing" Stores must be replaced at some point, ergo..who pays for it??  |
In the American Army, the company commander signs for all of the property in his company from the property book officer. The property book officer is warrant officer with years of experience and technical know how in the realm of property accountability. The quartermaster (or the S4 whcich Shek referred to) does not have responsibility for the property; he has staff oversight to make sure everything the unit needs is available and advises the commanders on all supply and maintenace matters.
When a commander signs for all of his gear (that would be every vehicle, weapon, tool, radio, etc) he furhter sub hand receipts it to his platoon leaders and sections sergeants. Usually all gear is assigned a by name responsibility to the user level...i.e., the machine gunner signs for the tripod, T&E and carry bag, etc.; the mechanic his general mechanics tool box, etc.
Assigning responsibility down to the lowest level of use is one of th eways to make sure gear is cared for....you break it, you buy it. Now a commander can conduct an investigation into the who, what, why and how. If it is fair wear and tear then it is written off as the cost of doing business. However, if it is seen that PFC Joe Bagofdonuts was negligent in the care of his gear, then you have to pay up to the tune of up to a months pay (unless it is a weapon, then you get to buy the whole thing!)
So short story made long, if it is a low cost item, the soldier has money deducted from pay and then the unit purchases a new item to replace the old one...if it is fair wear and tear repalcement comes out of the Army budget.
Like Shek, I was a battalion S4 and mechanized infantry company commander (24 & 18 months). I also was a brigade S4 for a year. Of course that was 20 years ago unlike young Shek.
And currently I am fielding the Army's new property book system to all of those property book officers.