Small Arms Parts: Poor Controls Invite Widespread Theft

Significant efforts have been undertaken through a multidisciplinary Small Arms Task Force (Army). A comprehensive Business Action Plan was approved on December 6, 1994, and monitoring is planned by the Task Force. In January 1994, the Army issued a message directing commanders to enforce existing logistics and physical security policy on small arms parts. Inspections by the Army Inspector General assessed, among other things, policy compliance in this area. The Command Logistics Review Team of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics has also made this area an item of special interest during its fiscal year (FY) 1994 assistance visits to the field. The Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics also published a "stewardship alert" message in January 1994 highlighting the findings, recommendations, and corrective actions pertaining to the GAO report and emphasizing security and accountability of small arms parts.

In November 1993, the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans provided written guidance to Army major command Provost Marshals and the Chief, National Guard Bureau, reemphasizing the need for physical security inspections on installations with small arms repair activities. Compliance with physical security requirements was an element of the special inspection conducted by the Army Inspector General. Finally, in January 1994, the Army directed commanders to incorporate small arms parts surveillance into their command inspection program.

Army systems are developed with DOD approval of requirements. As improved technology becomes available, better security features are added to minimize the potential for illegal manipulation of systems. When the Army Standard Automated Retail Supply System-1-Interim transitions to off-the-shelf hardware in the fourth quarter of FY 1994, the problems associated with system password control and automatic logoff will be corrected. Furthermore, the Small Arms Task Force's Business Action Plan, approved by the Army Vice Chief of Staff on December 6, 1994, recommended automation changes that would improve the management of ordering and controlling small arms parts. The Task Force will track and validate required actions taken by responsible agencies.

The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and the National Guard Bureau (NGB) reported that corrective actions are in place for all deficiencies noted during the GAO audit. Validation from NGB was completed in August 1994 with a Command Logistics Review Team visit to the Michigan Army National Guard. TRADOC reports that the Fort Benning installation supply warehouse is operating under a waiver condition due to facility shortcomings. FORSCOM reports all corrective actions are in place and have been validated.

The review of the thoroughness and validity of the Financial Managers' Financial Integrity Act annual feeder statements by the 6 active Army and National Guard units specified in the GAO report has been completed by the Army. The NGB concluded that feeder statements submitted by its 3 states were not thorough and provided adequate support for those conditions. This review, along with expanded reporting of the problem in the Army's FY 1993 Annual Statement and the ongoing efforts of the Small Arms Task Force, have resulted in an increased emphasis on the control of small arms parts in these 6 units, their parent organizations, and throughout the Army.