What authority holds military members accountable for public property?

The responsibility for public property in the military primarily falls under public property laws. These laws establish the legal framework that governs how military members must manage and safeguard public property. They outline the standards for accountability, including the consequences for loss or damage to the property.

While Air Force regulations and commander's orders play significant roles in providing guidance and specific directives related to property accountability, public property laws serve as the fundamental basis of legal accountability. Service member agreements also define responsibilities but are typically more individualized and may not encompass the full scope of public property management as established by broader public property laws.

Thus, public property laws are the overarching authority that ensures military members are held accountable for public property, framing their duties and obligations within a legal context. This difference is crucial for understanding the chain of accountability in military operations.