If a UMC finds accountable mail mixed with ordinary mail, what should be done?

When a UMC (Unit Mail Clerk) encounters accountable mail that is mixed with ordinary mail, the appropriate action is to return it to the servicing post office. Accountable mail includes items such as registered, certified, or insured mail that require special handling and record-keeping to ensure delivery and security.

Returning it to the servicing post office ensures that the accountable mail can be properly processed and delivered according to established regulations and procedures. This step is critical because it prevents any potential loss or mishandling of important mail items, maintaining the integrity of the postal system and respecting the legal aspects associated with accountable mail.

The other options, while they may seem plausible, do not follow the proper protocol for handling accountable mail. For instance, forwarding it to the addressee directly could result in a breach of policy, and disposing of it immediately would jeopardize the delivery of important mail. Delivering it to the unit commander is also not appropriate, as it bypasses postal regulations which dictate that such mail should go through official postal channels.