When a sailor's personnel documents are missing or misfiled, what is the correct PS2 action sequence?

• A. Delete the records and re-create from memory.
• B. Locate the documents, recover, verify, re-file, and implement controls to prevent recurrence; notify chain of command.
• C. Archive them and wait for a supervisor's instruction.
• D. Notify only the chain of command without taking further action.

Answer: (B)

When documents go missing or are misfiled, the proper response is to actively recover and safeguard the records while putting measures in place to prevent it from happening again. The steps are to locate the documents, recover them, verify that they are the correct records and that the information is accurate, re-file them in the proper place, and implement controls to prevent recurrence; and to notify the chain of command about the incident and the actions taken. This approach ensures the records remain complete and reliable, which is essential for pay, eligibility, and personnel actions, while also providing accountability and a path to avoid repeat problems.

Deleting records and recreating from memory risks data loss and inaccuracy and violates proper record-keeping protocols. Simply archiving and waiting for someone to instruct you introduces delays that can harm a sailor’s benefits and assignments. Notifying the chain of command without taking corrective action leaves the records unresolved and does not address the root cause.