Boston's State Auditor DiZoglio dropped a bombshell on the National Guard, exposing sloppy record-keeping and lackluster internal controls in an audit published yesterday. The Military Division of the Commonwealth, or MIL, came under scrutiny for its handling of the Massachusetts Army and Air Force National Guard Tuition and Fee Reimbursement Program. A detailed investigation into the period from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021, revealed missing documentation, deleted records, and a system full of omissions.
Auditors also flagged the Guard's management of interdepartmental service agreements (ISAs) with key agencies during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of paper trails called into question whether funds dispersed were even used for the intended purposes. It's a red flag that raises more questions than assurances about the MIL's accountability and where exactly taxpayer dollars are flowing.
Responding to the embarrassing findings, the State Auditor's office recommended that MIL beefs up their internal controls pronto. Specifically, that means tightening up operations for the Massachusetts National Guard Tuition System and its tuition and fee waiver process. To restore confidence, MIL is also urged to maintain complete records and establish a set of procedures that ensures financial transactions don't slip through the cracks.
Despite the audit's sting, DiZoglio's office threw the MIL a bone for their willingness to clean up their act. "Our audits help to identify where there may be deficiencies, a lack of oversight, or a need for greater accountability across state government. We commend the MIL for taking responsibility for addressing the areas of concern raised in our audit to ensure they are making necessary improvements," said Auditor DiZoglio, according to a statement. Here's to hoping those words translate into real action.
