AIT soldiers are required to do which of the following when leaving or returning to the company area?

The requirement for AIT soldiers to sign in and sign out when leaving or returning to the company area is crucial for maintaining accountability and security. This process ensures that leadership knows the whereabouts of their soldiers at all times, which is essential for operational effectiveness. By signing in and out, soldiers provide a clear record of who is present and who is absent, which aids in safety and coordination for activities and responsibilities within the unit. Additionally, this practice reinforces discipline and fosters a structured environment conducive to training and readiness.

The other options, while they may also involve forms of communication or reporting, do not specifically capture the formal procedure that is implemented for tracking personnel movements in a structured military setting.