THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

Integrity; A man’s word is his bond.
-- General Jimmy Doolittle
Integrity; A man’s word is his bond.
-- General Jimmy Doolittle
Integrity; A man’s word is his bond.
-- General Jimmy Doolittle

"Integrity; A man's word is his bond." -General Jimmy Doolittle

The IG office is an independent entity responsible for the evaluating and reporting on the readiness, efficiency, discipline and fairness of the Air Force while ensuring effective inspection and investigation systems are in place.

COMPLAINTS RESOLUTION

What We Handle

Areas covered (not all inclusive):

Abuse of authority Favoritism
Fraud, Waste and Abuse Harassment (some types)
Insensitivity Maltreatment
Mental Health referrals Misuse of supplies
Non-compliance with AFI’s Process violations
Reprisal/Restriction – including SARC  

Online Hotline Complaint Form

INSPECTIONS BREAK DOWN

Under the authority of the Wing Commander, the Wing Inspection Program, executed by the Wing IG, aims to validate and verify self-assessments conducted by subordinate commanders for accuracy. The Wing IG independently assesses the effectiveness of subordinate units and programs, utilizing IGEMS for planning, conducting, and finalizing inspections.

Unit inspections, often termed "vertical inspections," are typically carried out at or below the group level. IGs are required to conduct a minimum of one "vertical inspection" per unit per UEI cycle.

Program inspections, known as "horizontal inspections," evaluate program health across the entire Wing, encompassing areas such as fitness programs and training.

Readiness exercises (RE) are Wing-level evaluations of a unit's capability directly linked to Operational Plans (OPLANS), Concept Plans (CONPLANs), Time Phased Force Deployment Data (TPFDD) taskings, Unit Type Codes (UTCs), Mission Directives, Mission Essential Tasks/Mission Essential Task Listing (METs/METL), and/or Command guidance. Commanders should consider recent RE results when updating the Defense Readiness Reporting System (DRRS). Wing IGs must tailor readiness exercises to the organization's structure and mission, approved by the MAJCOM Commander or designee. Incorporating applicable units, including local agencies and supporting organizations, Wing IGs evaluate the unit's ability to meet readiness criteria as specified in OPLANS, CONPLANs, TPFDD taskings, UTCs, Mission Directives, METs/METL, and/or Command guidance. Wing IGs also review DRRS capability reporting for all Wing DRRS-reporting units on behalf of the Wing Commander to ensure consistency with Readiness Exercise event results.

By-Law inspections are specific program inspections mandated by higher-than Air Force policy or authority (or as directed by SecAF/CSAF) and culminate in a report signed by SAF/IG.

SELF-ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

The IG is the eyes and ears of the Commander, but they can’t identify all issues. Self-Assessment is the key to identifying issues and resolving them at the lowest levels. This is done through MICT checklists and identifying issues to the Unit Self-Assessment Program Manager.  The individual airman is the best sensor for what we (the unit) are doing right or wrong.

MICT – should be reviewed quarterly with answers updated. New checklists must be answered in 2 drill periods. MICT is validated when the IG directed validation.

IGEMS – is how the IG tracks deficiencies and ensures units are addressing deficiencies found by either the local Wing IG or the MAJCOM IG. Regular updates to IGEMS keeps Commander, Wing IG and MAJCOM IGs current on progress toward closing deficiencies.

CIMB – Commanders Inspection Management Boards allow Commanders to share with the Wing Commander concerns and issues. This also allows for honest discussions of deficiencies that may cross-cut to many different units.

IG QUICK LINKS

Key Terms

Restriction or Restricted Access

Restriction - Preventing or attempting to prevent members of the Armed Forces from making or preparing lawful communications to members of Congress and/or an IG.

Restricted Access - To place boundaries or barriers upon military members through the use of direct or indirect means that reduce protected communications.

Using words like “we take care of our own” (not in a good way), snitch, tattle tale, troublemaker have chilling effects and can be considered an environment of restriction. 

Reprisal 

Taking or threatening to take an unfavorable personnel action or withholding or threatening to withhold a favorable personnel action on a military member for making or preparing a protected communication This also includes creating an environment that make personnel afraid to report.

Note: This means military personnel cannot get in trouble for filing a complaint (protected communication).

Protected Communication 

Any lawful communication by a member of the armed services to a member of Congress, an IG or IG staff. Any lawful communication by a member of the armed services to a member of a DoD Audit, Inspection, Investigation, or Law Enforcement Organization, MEO or Family Advocacy. Any lawful communication by a member of the armed services to any person in the chain of command, Flt CCs, CCC or CCF or any other person or organization designated pursuant to regulations or other established administrative procedures for such communications; or (C) testimony, or otherwise participating in or assisting in an investigation or proceeding related to a communication under subparagraph (A) or (B), or filing, causing to be filed, participating in, or otherwise assisting in an action brought under this section.