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Mission

To serve as an extension of the eyes, ears, voice and conscience of the Commanding General through the four tenants of the Inspector General Office: Teach and Train, Assistance, Investigation and Inspection. This supports the Commanding General and subordinate commanders in achieving disciplined and combat ready units that will maintain the operational effectiveness and preparedness of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command.  

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Role of U.S. Army IGs

    IGs are confidential advisers and impartial fact-finders for their commander, also known as a directing authority. Whenever possible, IGs work through and within the chain of command to maintain their viability, effectiveness, and relevancy.

  • Who May File Army IG complaints?

    If you have a concern and are unsure if you should file a complaint, contact your local IG office for guidance. Any Army military or civilian member may file an IG complaint. However, many Department of the Army (DA) civilian complaints (e.g., discrimination, sexual harassment, and conditions of employment) must be addressed by agencies other than the IG. Anyone, including civilians with no Army affiliation, may file Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) disclosures. Depending on the circumstances, the IG may also accept complaints from dependents or relatives of active duty members and retirees and their dependents. However, it is always best for the actual "victim" or person who witnessed the alleged wrongdoing to file the complaint.

  • When are IG complaints appropriate
    Individuals should attempt to resolve Fraud, Waste, and Abuse issues and personal complaints at the lowest possible level, using command channels before elevating them to the next higher level or the Office of the Inspector General. Further, complaints must be promptly filed within IG, command, or other grievance channels. IG's may dismiss a complaint if there is no FWA, recognizable wrong or violation of law, regulation, or policy. Also, complaints should be received in a timely manner.
  • What type of complaints are appropriate?

    Any Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) and violations of law, Army instructions, or policy should be reported through the appropriate grievances channels. The subject of your complaint must be an Army program or person. Bear in mind, however, the fact that you may disagree with your supervisor(s) over management styles or have what you believe is a "personality conflict", does not constitute an injustice or mismanagement. If you are not sure your concern is a reportable matter, contact your local IG office for guidance or advice.

  • What types of complaints are NOT appropriate?

    The following issues and allegations are ordinarily not appropriate for IG intervention:

    - Criminal allegations

    - Issues that have other means of redress (If the appropriate redress procedures were used, IGs will advise complainants that IG involvement focuses on ensuring that the complainant received due process and the protection of rights as intended by law and regulation)

    - Courts-martial actions

    - Nonjudicial punishment

    - Officer evaluation reports

    - NCO evaluation reports

    - Enlisted reductions

    - Type of discharge received

    - Pending or requested discharge

    - Complaints that a commanding officer has wronged a soldier

    - Financial liability investigations of property loss

    - Relief for cause

    - Adverse information filed in personnel records (except for allegations of reprisal)

    - Claims

    - The issue is not Army related

    - Soldier EO complaints

    - Civilian allegations of reprisals

    - Department of Defense civilian employee redress through other channels

    - Hazardous work conditions

    - Equal Employment Opportunity

    - Collective bargaining agreements

    - Appeals of adverse actions within the purview of 5 USC 7701-7703

  • Where should complaints be filed?

    Complaints may be filed with a supervisor or commander in your chain of command, an IG or other appropriate inspector, or within any established grievance channel. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) complaints may be reported to the Army Audit Agency (AAA), Army Office of Special Investigations (AOSI), security police, or other proper authority. Promptly advise the AOSI of suspected criminal misconduct or fraud. It is the intent of the Inspector General System that IG closest to the complaint provides assistance or conduct inquiries into the matters submitted.

  • Filing a Complaint

    The general rule is that Soldiers and Army civilian employees should report any instances of waste, fraud or abuse with their supervisor or commanding officer in the immediate chain of command. The following link below will allow you to download DA 1559, Inspector General Action Request Form.  Click here to download and fill DA 1559 →  (right click "save target as" or "save link as" to download and open)

     

     

    Upon completion of the form, please attached it and any additional documents that would assist in resolving this matter and then email to: usarmy.rheinland-pfalz.21-tsc.mbx.ig@army.mil 

  • IG Confidentiality--Your rights

    Persons who ask the IG for help, make a complaint, give evidence, contact or assist an IG during an inspection or investigation, or otherwise interact with an IG, often have an expectation of confidentiality. This expectation encompasses safeguarding their identity and the nature of their contact with the IG, and protection against reprisal. The IG has a duty to protect confidentiality to the maximum extent possible, particularly when it is specifically requested. While the need for confidentiality and the measures necessary to protect it will vary with the circumstances, the IG always give this issue priority attention. However, it is important to remember that, while confidentiality is a priority with Inspectors General, it cannot always be guaranteed. Reference Army Regulation 20-1 or contact your IG for more information.

Contact Us
                 Office of the Inspector General 
Panzer Kaserne, Bldg. 3002
DSN (314) 523-0775
COMMERCIAL in Europe: +49 (0) 611-143-523-0775
Helpline: DSN (314) 523-0775
Mailing Address:
21st Theater Sustainment Command
Attention:  AETS-IG
Unit 23203, APO AE 09054 

IG Updates:

 

Things to know:

  • Problem, not a peeve.

    Give your chain of command a chance to solve the problem. Many problems must be addressed to the chain of command for resolution anyway. 

  • Contact your local IG first.

    If IG assistance is needed, contact your local IG first. IGs at higher commands will normally refer the case to the local IG for action. 

  • Be honest.

    Be honest and don't provide misleading information. IGs will discover the truth quickly in most cases and there are penalties for knowingly providing false information. 

  • IGs are not policy makers.

    Keep in mind that IGs are not policy makers. If a policy is flawed, you can submit a proposed change on DA Form 2028, Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms. 

  • IGs can only recommend.

    Keep in mind that IGs can only recommend, not order a resolution. Only commanders can order; the role of the IG is to advise the commander. 

  • Facts only.
    Remember IGs can only resolve a case on the basis of fact. Your claim that a supervisor has violated the rules doesn't make it fact. A claim must be supported with evidence.
  • Be patient.
    Don't expect instant action on your request… Be patient. Investigations take time, and IGs tend to have heavy workloads.
  • Be prepared to take "No" for the answer.

    The IG will determine if the issue(s)/allegation(s) is IG appropriate. If not appropriate, then the IG will hand off to the appropriate agency.