Physical Security Officer Appointment Memorandum (PSO)
The Physical Security Officer appointment memorandum is an AR 25-50 compliant memorandum used to formally designate a Soldier or DA Civilian to serve as the unit's Physical Security Officer. It documents the appointee, references AR 190-13 (The Army Physical Security Program), and is signed by the commander.
Generate PSO Appointment Memo Free →Regulation reference
When is the PSO memo needed?
Most Army units appoint a Physical Security Officer (PSO) when a new commander takes charge, when the previous appointee PCSes, ETSes, or is reassigned, or when the unit's mission set changes in a way that requires renewed appointment. The memo is also required for unit inspections — including CIP, CCIR, and command climate reviews — where the AR 190-13 program is evaluated.
The appointment memorandum is the foundational document that establishes the appointee's authority under AR 190-13. Without a current, signed appointment memo on file, the unit's Physical Security Officer program is non-compliant — even if the appointee has all required training certificates. Inspectors will look for: a signed memo with current date, a grade that meets Officer or NCO — designated by commander, and training/certification documents matching the appointee on the memo.
On EvalMe, the PSO memo is one of 39 AR 25-50 templates that auto-cites the correct regulation, uses the proper format, and integrates with your unit's address book and signature blocks.
Required training for PSO
Documentation required on file
- Appointment orders signed by commander
- Physical security training documentation
What inspectors look for
Inspector verifies appointment memo. Commander or individual assigned custody of controlled medical substances must appoint a second physical security officer in writing (AR 190-51, para 1-4h(6)).
Additional notes
AR 190-51 may require additional physical security officer appointment for controlled medical substances.
Generate the PSO memo in seconds
EvalMe drafts AR 25-50 compliant appointment memorandums with the correct regulation citation, address block, and signature line — free, no credit card.
Open the Memo Generator →Other appointment memo types
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