Websters dictionary describes accountability as “the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable” and the DOD describes it as “The obligation imposed by law or lawful order or regulation on an officer or other person for keeping accurate record of property, documents, or funds. The person having this obligation may or may not have actual possession of the property, documents, or funds. Accountability is concerned primarily with records, while responsibility is concerned primarily with custody, care, and safekeeping” and responsibility as “the state or fact of being responsible” respectability. While some actions may be responsible, you are always held accountable for the outcome of such. Accountability can also be described as being dependable. By being dependable, soldiers arrive to work and appointments on time, meet deadlines, arrive at the right place at the right time, and always do the right thing at the right time. Morning formation is the most important formation of the day. It is vital to maintain accountability of everyone and to put out any pertinent information that is necessary to soldiers. Without accountability formation, it would be difficult for the command to fully brief soldiers about the days activities or important information.
Accountability makes responsibility meaningful and completes the process of delegation. Responsibility is stated in terms of work to be done, while accountability is stated in terms of performance. Authority is delegated, responsibility is assumed and accountability is imposed. Authority flows downward while accountability for performance flows upward. Authority means some autonomy while accountability is meant to regulate autonomy. Which means that as long as soldiers take account of themselves, autonomy is preserved through sheer force of nature. Responsibility arises from authority