Maneuver Damage: DOD Needs to Strengthen U.S. Verification of Claims in Germany
NSIAD-88-191
Published: Aug 09, 1988. Publicly Released: Aug 23, 1988.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Defense's procedures for processing maneuver damage claims stemming from the U.S. Army, Europe's (USAREUR) military training maneuvers in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | In order to strengthen internal controls over the payment of maneuver damage claims in FRG, the Secretary of Defense should ensure that USAREUR fully implements its actions to improve controls over maneuver damage payments and uses qualified personnel to inspect a portion of the more significant claims processed under scope procedures. |
USAREUR has hired five additional people and reversed a scheduled manpower reduction of four slots for USACSEUR. The blanket scope certificate has been eliminated and stringent documentation requirements for claims' validation have been implemented.
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| Department of Defense | In order to strengthen internal controls over the payment maneuver damage claims in FRG, the Secretary of Defense should ensure that the procedures USAREUR is now developing will enable it to collect and document sufficient data so that only valid claims are paid. |
USAREUR has implemented stringent documentation requirements for claims' validation and purchased and installed a computer at USACSEUR to store and monitor the information generated by the new documentation process.
|
| Department of Defense | In order to strengthen internal controls over the payments of maneuver damage claims in FRG, the Secretary of Defense should determine whether the USAREUR plan provide USACSEUR with an engineer proves to be satisfactory for reviewing claims and conducting on-site inspections, especially for higher-cost road damage claims. |
USAREUR has hired a German national as an engineer. His effectiveness will be monitored by USACSEUR. If necessary, additional engineers will be employed by USACSEUR, according to the Department of Defense (DOD).
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Topics
Americans employed abroadArmed forces abroadClaims processingClaims settlementInternational agreementsMilitary cost controlMilitary operationsMilitary trainingProperty damage claimsQuestionable payments