For perspective: I work in a difference armed force but with basically the same issue. We once had a problem with soldiers stealing memory sticks from workstations (unclassified systems). Take only one stick and the machine still works. The theft problem goes unnoticed long enough that we cannot nail down who stole what when. Answer: Give the computers only one memory stick. Thefts will then be noticed quickly. Now, almost two decades later, we are still stuck with that bonehead decision. I requested an upgrade, an extra 4gb of ram on a "new" windows workstation. "Sorry sir, but we don't have any 8gb sticks and are not allowed to give you 2x4gb."
I know of a military computer (simulation display, 4x4K screens) running off a single 64gb stick because they couldn't bring themselves to install 4x16 or even 2x32.
I had something similar happen to me at IBM in the late 90s. I came to my cubicle one morning to find the PC case slightly ajar. I set the monitor aside and opened it. The sole 8 MB RAM stick was gone. I reported it to my boss who explained that someone would've taken it because getting an upgrade was an impossible bureaucratic feat, but getting a fix was trivial. Probably I was picked because I was obviously the youngest person in the office, so I must not have any power. I did indeed have a repaired PC the next day, though.
This was a technique for getting necessary goods back in the USSR. You frequently couldn't get things on demand that your workplace could so if a lightbulb went out at home you'd steal one from work.
I know of a military computer (simulation display, 4x4K screens) running off a single 64gb stick because they couldn't bring themselves to install 4x16 or even 2x32.