One way to easily make sure you’re not being duped by soldiers is to ensure you have the Components of End Item (COEI) and Basic Issue Items (BII) lists for each end item on your hand receipt. This will not only give you a list of everything you need, but also provide drawings and pictures so you can get a feel for what you should be looking for beforehand. The list also makes an easy layout standard and your squad leaders will understand what is expected. You can’t really go wrong if you’re going by the TM when starting out. Then place those lists in a binder along with your shortages and sub-hand receipts to keep a solid property book.

You can access Electronic Technical Manuals through https://liw.logsa.army.mil (you will need your XO and commander to grant you access)