Inspector General’s office is here to help

Maj. Todd Risk/62nd Airlift Wing Inspector General

The name Inspector General always invokes images of an intrusive inspection team, scurrying around your duty section with checklists and TO’s, highlighting all of our faults.

When I tell someone I work for the Inspector General, I get different reactions ranging from apprehension to bewilderment. What I always tell them is that we are a “kinder, gentler IG.”

At McChord Field we have the luxury of targeting all our attention on complaints and inquiries. A plus for McChord Field is the fact that we have two IGs on base; the 62nd Airlift Wing IG, for active duty concerns and the 446th Airlift Wing IG, for concerns and complaints with our Reserve partners.

Our purpose as stated in AFI 90-301, Inspector General Complaint Resolution, is to “indicate where commander involvement is needed to correct systemic, programmatic or procedural weakness; resolve problems affecting the Air Force mission promptly and objectively; create an atmosphere of trust in which issues can be objectively and fully resolved without fear of retaliation or reprisal.”

In other words, we’re here to help keep the mission moving forward without professional/personal conflicts or bureaucratic hindrance. We help the men and women of the 62nd AW to stay focused on our mission and the defense of this great nation. We like to think of ourselves as the “Hero with the white hats” but in fact our hats are “gray.”

We do not take sides in any conflicts; we are pure and simply “Advocates of Truth.”

We try and see through the emotion and anger, fear and confusion to the crux of the problem and assist all parties come to a working solution. Unfortunately, we sometimes are unable to come to a resolution that makes all involved happy.

Before visiting the IG, ask yourself the following questions: Have I exhausted all means of resolving my issue? Has something illegal really been done or am I just offended? Have I given my chain of command the opportunity to fix my problems?

Chances are your commander or first sergeant have already dealt with similar problems and are a great source of knowledge and experience. Although it is your right to go directly to your local IG, ideally, we hope that you use your chain of command first.

If it comes down to it there are several ways to file a complaint with us; in person, by telephone, by letter, or via e-mail.

You can also file a complaint anonymously. We’ll work the issue with the same urgency. The only difference is we can’t provide a reply for an anonymous complaint.

Bottom line: if there is a complaint out there, there is a way to file and fix it.

Once we receive a complaint, we conduct an analysis to determine a strategy. Your complaint might result in referral, transfer, dismissal, assistance or investigation. Normally, we’ll let you know how your issue will be handled within five business days — Some issues might be resolved on the spot. Sometimes another agency is more appropriate to deal with your issue and we will refer your complaint to that office. If the issue falls under another IG, either on or off base, or under another command, we’ll transfer your complaint to the appropriate IG.

If it’s determined no violation of a standard or procedure occurred or it is frivolous, we’ll dismiss the complaint and provide an explanation why.

Many times we provide an IG assist by simply making phone calls, helping gather information, or getting you started with certain processes.

If your complaint leads to an IG investigation, be prepared for the long haul. An investigation might take two to six months before you’re notified of the outcome.

It is important that every Airman has a clear understanding of the IG’s role, and most importantly, how it relates to accomplishing the mission.

Our goal is to get you back on the line, performing your duties, and being an active member of our Airlift Wing. Please never hesitate to talk to us or seek us out for advice. You are why we are here.