Do you know about the reports of survey program?

  • Published
  • By Joe Farmer and Tech. Sgt. Debbie Webber
  • 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, ROS program managers
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  All Air Force members and employees can be held liable for the loss, damage or destruction of government property caused by their negligence, willful misconduct or deliberate unauthorized use. Certain cases can warrant a commander taking disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and is a separate action not related to the assessment or non-assessment of financial liability.

There are four general purposes for a report of survey:
  • Research and investigate the cause of loss, damage or destruction of property and determine if an individual's negligence or abuse was a contributing factor. 
  • Assess monetary liability against the individual who lost, damaged or destroyed government property or relieve them from liability if there is no evidence of negligence, willful misconduct or deliberate unauthorized use of the property. 
  • Provide documentation which can support the adjustment of the accountable records. 
  • Provide commanders with case histories that enable them to take corrective action to prevent recurrence of the incident.
Commanders should use administrative actions when assessment of financial liability by a ROS is not practical or desirable. These measures could include counseling, oral or written reprimands, appropriate remarks in performance evaluations, service to the installation or the community or possibly non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ.

After an item is discovered lost or damaged, the custodian, or person discovering the loss or damage, has 10 calendar days to initiate an ROS. The 10 days include a preliminary investigation, the appointment of an investigating officer and obtaining an ROS control number.

A letter is sent from the custodian to the unit commander or agency chief requesting an ROS be initiated and the appointment of an IO. Once appointed, the IO contacts the ROS program managers to schedule a briefing. The IO then has 30 calendar days from the date of the briefing to complete the investigation and written report.

During the allotted 30 days, the investigation becomes the IO's primary duty. The IO must inform their unit commander or agency chief of any problems that may interfere with the completion of the report.

Below are individuals who were assessed financially liable as a result of an ROS investigation: 
  •  A senior airman was held liable for $1,751.77 for a missing Land Mobile Radio. 
  • A senior airman was found liable for $286.81 for a lost gas mask, carrier, and two second skins. 
  • A staff sergeant was found liable for $900 for damage to an aircraft part. 
  • A staff sergeant was found liable for $227.11 for a lost gas mask, carrier and second skin. 
  • A technical sergeant was found liable for $100 for damage to aircraft part. 
  • A technical sergeant was found liable for $253 for a lost gas mask and two second skins. 
  • A technical sergeant was found liable for $23.14 for a missing ADPE asset. 
  • A technical sergeant was found liable for $1,076.42 for missing ADPE assets. 
  • A retired master sergeant held liable for $1,544.85 for missing ADPE assets. 
  • A civilian was held liable for $172.55 for a missing ADPE asset.
If you have further questions concerning the ROS program, contact the ROS program managers at the 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Joseph Farmer at 759-5600 or Linda Helton at 759-5589.