What happens to property that is lost due to negligence?

When property is lost due to negligence, the responsible individual may indeed be held financially liable for the loss. This principle is rooted in the accountability standards outlined in AR 735-5, which governs property accountability within the Department of Defense. The regulations emphasize that individuals who have custody of government property are responsible for its care and safety. If it is determined that negligence contributed to the loss, those individuals can face financial repercussions, including being required to reimburse the government for the value of the lost property.

This financial liability serves as a deterrent to carelessness and ensures that servicemembers take proper measures to safeguard government property. The intent of this policy is to reinforce accountability among personnel and to foster a culture of responsibility regarding the use of government resources.