WHAT IS AN INSPECTOR GENERAL?

Your local Inspector General is a personal staff officer of the commander, providing the commander with a sounding board for sensitive issues. The IG acts as the eyes, ears, voice, and conscience of the commander. The role of the Inspector General and his or her staff is to determine and report on the economy, efficiency, discipline, morale, esprit de corps, readiness, and resources of the command. Army IG activities and procedures are governed by AR 20-1.

For more detail on what IGs do and don't do, please see Frequently Asked Questions.

IG Functions

Inspectors General perform four basic functions:
 
  • Teaching and Training – Teaching and Training is an integral part of all IG functions. IGs by their very nature possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. They use this knowledge and experience when inspecting, assisting, and investigating to teach soldiers at all levels about policies and procedures. 
     
  • Inspections – IGs conduct inspections at the direction of the commander. An IG inspection may focus on organizations, functions or both and may or may not be compliance oriented.
     
  • ​Assistance – Anyone may submit a complaint or request for assistance to an Army IG concerning matters of interest to the Army.
     
  • Investigations – IGs only conduct investigations when directed by the commander. The investigation will focus on violations of policy or regulations. The commander may also direct an investigation into alleged mismanagement, unethical behavior or misconduct.

Things to remember about the IG:

  • Anyone may file a complaint or a request for assistance, either orally or in writing to the IG.
     
  • Soldiers cannot be denied access to an IG. They are not required to go through their chain of command, but it's generally best to use the chain first. Soldiers do not need permission or authorization to call or see an IG. They do need to exercise common sense, and no one can leave their place of duty without permission.
     
  • No retribution will be taken against a Soldier who submits a complaint to an IG. However, anyone who knowingly submits an untruthful statement to an IG can be charged under the UCMJ.

What does the IG do for commanders?

  • IGs can provide a great deal of assistance to commanders and command teams.
     
  • IGs are linked worldwide through technical channels and can gather information quickly and confidentially.
     
  • IGs work closely with Soldier support agencies (Chaplain, JAG, Red Cross, ACS, etc.) to resolve problems. The IG can help you get started in the right direction.

What the IG does not do:

  • IGs do not provide legal reviews or opinions - these are provided by the Staff Judge Advocate.
     
  • IGs do not conduct criminal investigations - these are done by the Military Police and/or CID.
     
  • IGs do not direct action. They may make suggestions to commanders, but commanders ultimately direct action.
How are IGs selected? Can I become an IG? Go to the Become an IG page for more on how IGs are selected from across the Army.