The U.S. Naval Academy wasted about $3.5-million in 2008 on a short film and six television commercials, according to an audit released Thursday by the Pentagon’s inspector general. The materials were used for recruiting, but did not adequately describe the academy’s mission or the career paths its graduates pursue, the audit says. It also found the cost of the ads excessive, compared to similar materials produced in 2006 for about $214,000. The audit, which follows up on problems cited in a 2009 report, faults academy officials over the contracting and oversight procedures used in purchasing the ads. Other problems it cites include the failure to properly record and inventory gifts valued at $184,000 and the improper acceptance of more than $340,000 in corporate sponsorship funds. A spokesman for the academy told theAssociated Press that the institution has already adopted new policies to avoid similar problems in the future.
