Early Internal Control Practices in the United States Army and the Evolution of Internal Control Practices in Businesses

Abstract

This research analyzes, via an examination of documents from a frontier fort, Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory, the internal controls the U.S. Army had in place in the mid-1800s. Findings include: (1) that there are controls in place that safeguard assets, encourage efficient and effective use of funds, and comply with appropriations passed by the U.S. Congress; (2) the army's control system is similar in nature to the effective control system identified by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission; and (3) the army contributed to the evolution of internal controls in business.