How often should property inventories be conducted?

Conducting property inventories at least annually, or as dictated by the unit's policies, is essential for maintaining accurate records and ensuring accountability of government property. This requirement aligns with the principles outlined in AR 735-5, which emphasizes the importance of regular checks to prevent loss, misappropriation, or theft of property. Annual inventories help organizations track their assets effectively and confirm that all items are accounted for.

This practice not only aids in routine management but also plays a critical role during audits and inspections where verifying the existence and condition of property is necessary. The unit's policies may dictate a more frequent inventory schedule depending on the type of property or operational needs, which reinforces the flexibility built into this requirement to adapt to specific circumstances.

The other options suggest methods that either do not align with the established guidelines or lack the necessary regularity to ensure effective property management. Therefore, the best approach is to adhere to an annual inventory schedule as a standard practice, while remaining open to more frequent assessments as warranted by specific situational needs.