The Government Accountability Office has released a report highlighting the lack of formal procedures within the Department of State for investigating foreign partners’ misuse of U.S. military equipment and training.
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Gaps in Arms Transfer Investigation
According to the report published Tuesday, the State Department has been inconsistent with its investigations regarding the lack of security, and unauthorized use and transfer of military assets acquired from the U.S. government. This is mainly due to the absence of clear guidance for conducting investigations and the proper record-keeping of past violations.
GAO Recommendations
To address these issues, GAO offered the following six recommendations to the State Department:
- Clearly define what incidents qualify as arms transfer violations and establish a timeline to report the violation to the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfer, or PM/RSAT.
- Establish clear procedures and timelines for investigations.
- Update Foreign Affairs Manual ensuring proper assignment of investigative responsibilities.
- Document the status and results of investigations.
- Share the status and findings of its investigations to agencies such as the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and Security Cooperation Organizations.
- Establish a formal guidance for reporting violations to Congress.
