The IG formula explained

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michael R. Updike
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing inspector general
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Most people will go an entire military career never needing the services of the Inspector General ; I count those people as the lucky ones. But it's only a matter of time when a problem will arise that requires you to visit your local IG to help solve your complaint.

So how does someone find themselves faced with a situation that requires them to file an IG complaint? I believe it can be broke down into three simple elements: incident, leadership and time that make up what I call the "IG Formula." The IG Formula is quite easy to comprehend -- An Incident occurs, leadership is unresponsive or takes no action and over time the incident evolves into a complaint which equals a visit to the IG.

Here is a description of the elements:

Incident - An occurrence or event that interrupts normal procedure or precipitates a crisis which usually is accompanied by a feeling of unfairness or helplessness. For example: an argument with your supervisor, which results in a referral OPR months later. This is a clear violation of AFIs, and affects you in an unfavorable way.

Leadership - This is your chain of command, your immediate supervisor, first sergeant, and commander. The way your leadership handles the situation after an incident is very critical. Does leadership know about the incident? How did leadership react to the incident? Was the unfavorable action corrected? Was punishment of any kind involved? The key here is lack of leadership action that really drives an IG complaint later.

Time - They say "bad news" doesn't get better with age and most often this is true. But over time an unfavorable incident could be used against you later if not addressed in a timely manner. Per AFI 90-301, complaints must be submitted within 60 days of learning of the alleged wrong. So waiting to see if the situation gets better is probably not a good idea.
IG - Coming to see the IG provides a couple of things: (1) The complaint becomes part of the IG record which will remain in the database until the case is closed. (2) When a complaint is filed, the complainant has just made a protected communication, which means they are protected against future reprisal actions such as unfavorable personnel actions without justification.

As you can see, the IG Formula explains the basis for many IG complaints. And if you find yourself in trouble with no one to talk to, come see your local IG.

We are here to listen and help. Your MacDill Air Force Base 6th AMW inspector generals are: Lt. Col. Michael Updike and Master Sgt. Steven McIntosh.

You can reach us by calling (813) 828-4961/4971. We are located in Bldg 296, Suite 130.