Frequently Asked Questions

Reference: AR 20-1, Inspector General Activities and Procedures, sec 1-4b: The IG has the responsibility to "provide assistance on an area basis to commanders, soldiers, family members, civilian employees, retirees, and others who seek help with problems related to the U.S. Army..." The IG also has the responsibility, unless directed otherwise by the commander, to discuss any observations, findings, and assistance requests with subordinate commanders to whom the observations apply. When speaking with subordinate commanders, the IG must be careful not to violate confidentiality.
Reference: AR 20-1, Inspector General Activities and Procedures, sec 1-9d: "The IG are authorized access to all documents and all other evidentiary materials needed to discharge their duties. These documents and materials include normally protected data. Some examples are classified documents, records of board proceedings, acquisition information, medical records, medical quality assurance records, drug and alcohol records, financial records, evaluation reports, back channel messages, security dossiers, criminal investigation reports, copies of personnel restricted fiche (R-fiche), and financial disclosure statements."
Reference: If the IG discovers serious deficiencies involving breaches of integrity, security violations, or criminality, the IG will inform the commander or State AG directing the inspection and recommend an appropriate course of action." We are a fair, impartial, and thorough fact finder. We do not impose punishment. IGs have no directing authority outside IG channels beyond that normally associated with their grade (AR 20-1, sec 1-9c).

 

1. How do I File/ Submit a complaint to an Inspector General?

A complaint, allegation, and/or request for assistance can be presented to an IG in person, by telephone, FAX, or regular mail. In order to protect your confidentiality, we strongly discourage contacting an IG via e-mail (see FAQ #4).  If you would like to fill out a DA Form 1559 before you contact the IG, you can print out the form here.

2. What is an IGAR?

An IGAR is an Inspector General Action Request, DA Form 1559. A complainant completes the IGAR, presents it to an IG, who in turn initiates the appropriate action. You can download a DA Form 1559 on this web site or visit our office and fill one out in person. When completing an IGAR, please include as much DETAIL as possible (who, what, when, where, how, etc.). This enables the IG to conduct a through inquiry.

3. Who can submit an IGAR ?

You do not have to be in or associated with the military to submit an IGAR. Anyone can submit an IGAR as long as it concerns an activity of the U.S. Government, specifically the U.S. Army and/or it’s members.

4. Can I submit an IGAR using e-mail ?

It is not recommended that you email your IGAR! For personal security and to maintain your privacy the Department of the Army IG strongly discourages complainants from filing an IGAR via e-mail, because it is not a secure means of communication.

5. What problems/issues can I present the Inspector General ?

Any problems/issues concerning the U.S. Army and/or its members may be presented to an IG. Law and statue restrict what Inspectors General can do in the areas of Civilian Personnel, Legal, and Equal Opportunity/Equal Employment Opportunity(EO/EEO).

6. Can I talk to an Inspector General "off the record" ?

Information provided to an Inspector General is "NEVER OFF THE RECORD".

7. Can I be disciplined for contacting an Inspector General ?

NO! Contact with an IG is a "protected communication". A supervisor or employee who reprises against an employee for contacting an IG faces possible punishment for violation of the statutory prohibition against reprisal for whistleblowing.

8. Can an Inspector General order my supervisor to fix a problem ?

NO! An Inspector General belongs to the Commander’s Personal Staff. The IG has "NO" command authority. Therefore, we report, and make recommendations to the Commander for his action.

9. Can I obtain the results of an Inspector General's investigation/inquiry that I initiated ?

The initiator of an IG investigation/inquiry will be informed upon the completion of an investigation/inquiry. However, due to concerns regarding confidentiality, they are not allowed to obtain the results of an investigation/inquiry (Privacy Act of 1974 and Army Regulation20-1).