Is there a regulation that states that I have to sign for equipment?

2017-06-01T00:12:37-04:00

I worry because for my units recent deployment I was signed for a lot of equipment, that equipment was locked in a room that I had no access to. We're having a change of command, so we have to do a inventory. However, that voids the 2062's to me. They want me to sign again, still not having a key, I worry about accountability. What are the consequences if I refuse to sign for items I can't access?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 12:44 AM

2017-06-01T00:44:28-04:00

Here is a link to a previous discussion about the same question that you have:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/property-accountability-can-a-soldier-sign-for-equipment-that-is-in-an-area-or-room-that-he-or-she-is-not-authorized-to-go-into

Property accountability: Can a Soldier sign for equipment that is in an area or room that he or...

Can a Soldier sign for equipment that is in an area or room that he or she is not authorized to go into? Is there a reg that covers this?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 12:45 AM

2017-06-01T00:45:14-04:00

I would also post in the Supply Group.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 12:46 AM

2017-06-01T00:46:59-04:00

I could not tell you of any regulation I've ever heard of, but out of personal experience I would recommend never sign for something you can not see/touch/verify. Where they may get you is that you have already signed for it and a change of command does not void the responsibility you already accepted. The new CO is required to inventory and accept all unit items. He/She will be using your signature as proof that the items were inventoried and accounted for.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 1 at 2017 6:50 AM

2017-06-01T06:50:17-04:00

Do NOT sign unless you have personally accounted for every item and sub component. If they try to force you, do NOT stay silent... Talk to the Command. Do NOT let anyone bully you into signing for something sight unseen. If it's your company, talk to the BN Command Team. Generally the Company doesn't want shady stuff being exposed, so they'll relent before you go anywhere near the BN....

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Jun 1 at 2017 8:13 AM

2017-06-01T08:13:41-04:00

Yes - AR 735-5 and AR 710-2. AR 735-5 shows the property accountability/responsibility "food chain" (photo), and AR 710-2 directs commanders to sub hand receipt equipment down to the user level. We'll use a tool kit for an example.

Your squad leader or platoon sergeant hand receipts all the squad/platoon equipment from the commander as the supervisor. He/she then sub hand receipts specific equipment to the individuals who will be using them - the user.

The tool kit is for your personal use in maintaining your unit's equipment. In order to keep the tools secure, you are allowed to put a lock on it and retain the keys.

However, tool kits and hand tools are considered to be pilferable items, and therefore require additional security. As a result, your platoon sergeant/squad leader requires them to be locked in the platoon/squad storage area at the end of the day. He/she, as the section supervisor, controls access to the storage area, and only lets you pull out your tool kit when it's required.

This also helps protect you - if you complete an inventory before your tool kit is locked up (AND YOU SHOULD, especially since the new toolkits make it simple), then anything thing missing the next time the storage area is opened is not your responsibility - you couldn't access the storage area.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 9:43 AM

2017-06-01T09:43:39-04:00

If your command is wanting you to hand receipt equipment that you CANNOT have access to in order to maintain accountability, then I would recommend you DO NOT sign for said equipment or at least fight tooth and nail to have access before you sign. Because, if you sign for it and it goes missing, even though you don't have access to the room, you will STILL be held accountable.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Jun 1 at 2017 1:14 PM

2017-06-01T13:14:20-04:00

Absolutely you have to sign. Taking command of a unit means TO&E inventory of he units supplies and equipment and taking responsibility for the inventory, including weapons assigned to the unit. As such, when a soldier goes to supply Sargent, signing for that received will require a signature. Too, should equipment not be returned, a report of survey can trace The Who, what, when and determine circumstances of the item.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2017 9:56 PM

2017-06-04T21:56:30-04:00

If it's a change of command then every single item must be verified, down to the individual serial number. I would never recommend signing for items you don't have access to. If you can sign a key out for the location or someone on duty is always available to grant you access then that is different. You should still have a way to secure your items further within the already secured storage area. Whether that is a section cage or quad con, just something you can lock.