To complain without fear of reprisal is the right of any Soldier, Civilian, or Family Member seeking IG help. After all, problem solving is one of the IG's primary missions!
Who are we?
- The Inspector General (IG) functions as an extension of The Adjutant General’s (TAG) eyes, ears, voice and conscience.
- We are neutral, unbiased fact finders who execute our duties based on four (4) IG functions: teach and train; assistance; inspections and investigations.
- We provide advice on matters concerning the well-being and readiness of Service members, civilian employees and family members.
Our Mission
To provide the Adjutant General a continuing assessment of matters relating to the state of economy, efficiency, morale, esprit de corps, and readiness of units and activities assigned to the New York National Guard.
Our Goals
- Keep the TAG, staff, & unit leadership fully apprised of significant issues & concerns affecting the NYNG, especially those issues & concerns pertaining to unit readiness and the care & welfare of Soldiers, civilians, and family members.
- Work with the commands, units and other agencies, as appropriate, to help resolve concerns brought to the IG’s attention as IG Action Requests (IGARs). Through this partnership, we want to make the Command the “Hero” and help them to get there.
- When noncompliance with requisite standards is found, help commanders identify the “root cause[s]” of such noncompliance . . . & work to fix the same.
It is important to understand the IG and Commander relationship:
- The IG works for the Commander (Command IG for the TAG, Division IG for the Division Commander, etc...)
- The IG must be a “problem solver”; however they cannot “fix” things by themselves. IGs must work by, through, & with Commanders, staff sections, the NCO support channel & civilian leadership.
- IGs can recommend courses of action - they cannot “direct” any course of action.
Bottom line: The IG’s role is to help the Commander - we want to help the command be the hero!
Confidentiality:
The IG will do everything possible to keep confidentiality when handling complaints; however it may be unavoidable to disclose some information to properly handle the case. In such instances we will try to contact the complainant prior to disclosure.
We have provided the following checklist to help you determine if you have an IG appropriate complaint:
Inspector General Checklist:
- Be sure you have a problem, not just a peeve
- Are the cooks turning out lousy chow or was it just one bad meal?
- Give your chain of command a chance to solve the problem
- MANY problems must be addressed to the chain of command for resolution anyway.
- 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.
- Keep in mind that IGs are not policy makers
- If a policy is flawed you can submit proposed change on a DA form 2028.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- In any case, “Yes” or “no,” the IG will explain why.
Review the ”Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to determine the right course of action based on common issues. There are many situations which are not IG appropriate and Soldiers must seek redress or remedy through other means before an IG can provide assistance. These items are covered under the FAQ.
Five (5) questions the IG will ask of you:
- What exactly do you want/need the IG to do for you?
- Have you given your chain of command an opportunity to address the problem? (Be prepared to identify leaders to whom you spoke with and their response to your request for assistance.)
- Do you have any supporting documentation?
- Have you requested assistance from any other source or agency?
- What is your status? (M-day, AGR, Mil Tech, Civilian, Family Member, etc)
If you do have an IG appropriate issue,
use one of the following methods to Contact the IG office
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