IG watching out for what's right

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Sometimes things happen and you start to question whether the situation is right or wrong.

You want to bring it up to someone but aren't sure to whom. You start at the lowest level possible, bringing the situation up to your supervisor before addressing higher-level command channels, but nothing seems to be fixing the problem.

What happens when the proper steps are taken and things still aren't resolved? If the chain of command isn't working, the issue lies outside the squadron or the problem is within leadership, that's when you go to the Inspector General Complaints Resolution referred to as IGQ.

The Air Force Inspector General program is comprised of two separate sections, Inspections (IGI) and IGQ. IGI is comprised of inspectors who evaluate wing readiness while IGQ's personnel focus on problem solving and providing an unbiased review of issues.

"I have been an Inspector General for about eight years. This year, I also became an Air Force Inspector General Training Course instructor for all newly appointed Air Force, Guard and Reserve IGs, as well as for other services," said Elise Mathias, 366th Fighter Wing chief of IG Complaints Resolution. "One aspect of being an IG I am proud of, is being an impartial investigator, and conducting a thorough complaint analysis into every concern, through all available means, in an attempt to resolve the issue."

"After retiring from the Air Force, I wanted to continue to serve my country," she said. "Being an IG gives me the unique opportunity to assist both military and civilians who feel that they have no other avenue to address their concerns. Regardless of whether the issue is large or small, I understand that it is the most important issue to the person who walked through my door."

The Inspectors General program at Mountain Home Air Force Base is charged to sustain a credible Air Force IG system by ensuring the existence of responsive complaint analysis and fraud, waste and abuse programs which are characterized by objectivity, integrity and impartiality.

"A lot of times when Airmen come in to the office, they don't know where to go, or what to do with an issue," said Master Sgt. Timothy Johnson, 366th FW IGQ superintendent. "I think one of the most important things we do is help the Airmen on base. We help address their concerns and take stress out of their lives, so they can focus on taking care of themselves and doing the mission."

No one may deny armed forces personnel, including Department of Defense appropriated and nonappropriated funds civilians, access to the IG or their congressperson.

"We always take complaints from anyone and complainants are able to walk in," said Johnson. "But, we prefer to make appointments."

Complaints can be filed in-person, by phone, by email or by fax. Complainants can remain anonymous but should fill out an AF Form 102 in order to provide written details of the complaint.

"Outlining the facts helps the complainant remember important details of what happened and helps us make sure we have those details in chronological order," said Johnson. "This makes sure there are no delays in processing the complaint."

If all information needed is not there they may not be able to complete your case analysis and may not be able to resolve the complaint. Always remember to give IG the who, what and when in order to ensure all information is complete.

IGQ can be called directly at (208) 828-2636, or visited at their office located in Building 512 on the second floor. Click here for more information about the IG in Air Force Instruction 90-301.