How do I file/submit a complaint to an Inspector General?

What is an IGAR?

Who can submit an IGAR?

Can I submit an IGAR using e-mail?

What problems/issues can I present the Inspector General?

Can I Talk to an Inspector General "off the record"?

Can I be disciplined for contacting an Inspector General?

Can an Inspector General order my supervisor to fix a problem?

Can I obtain the results if an Inspector General's investigation/inquiry that I initiated?

The Purpose of DA Form 1559 and its Use:

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How do I file/submit a complaint to an Inspector General (IG)?
A complaint, allegation, and/or request for assistance can be presented to an IG in person, by telephone, FAX, or regular mail. In order to protect your confidentiality, we strongly discourage contacting an IG via e-mail.

 

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What is an IGAR?
Inspector General Action Request (IGAR): IGAR is the term used to refer to the process of receiving, inquiring into, recording, and responding to complaints or requests either brought directly to the Inspector General or referred to the Inspector General for action. Inspectors General record this information on DA Form 1559, Inspector General Action Request.

 

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Who can submit an IGAR?
You do not have to be in or associated with the military to submit an IGAR. Anyone can submit an IGAR as long as it concerns an activity of the U.S. Government, specifically the U.S. Army and/or it’s members.

 

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Can I submit an IGAR using e-mail?
NO! Inspectors General may receive complaints, allegations, and requests for Inspector General assistance via electronic mail (e-mail). Upon receipt of an e-mail request for assistance, the Inspector General will acknowledge receipt by sending a generic e-mail to the complainant if the complainant did not provide a mailing address or phone number. There is no way for the Inspector General to know if the person making the complaint is actually the same person on the e-mail address line. The Inspector General will make every attempt to speak with the complainant by phone. The bottom line is that the Inspector General receiving the case will treat e-mail IGARs just like a call-in IGAR and ask the complainant to confirm the issue(s) or allegation(s) in writing. If the complainant refuses to reply in writing or to call the Inspector General, the IG will treat the case just like an anonymous one and work it if there is enough information. If the complainant does not provide sufficient information, then the case will be closed.

 

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What problems/issues can I present the Inspector General?
Any problems/issues concerning the U.S. Army and/or its members may be presented to an IG. Law and statue restrict what Inspectors General can do in the areas of Civilian Personnel, Legal, and Equal Opportunity/Equal Employment Opportunity(EO/EEO) (see FAQ’s #14, #15, and #16).

 

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Can I talk to an Inspector General "off the record"?
Information provided to an Inspector General is "NEVER OFF THE RECORD".

 

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Can I be disciplined for contacting to an Inspector General?
NO! Contact with an IG is a "protected communication". A supervisor or employee who reprises against an employee for contacting an IG faces possible punishment for violation of the statutory prohibition against reprisal for whistleblowing.

SEE REPRISAL LINK ON THIS WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS.

 

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Can an Inspector General order my supervisor to fix a problem?
NO! An Inspector General belongs to the Commander’s Personal Staff. The IG has "NO" command authority. Therefore, we report, and make recommendations to the Commander for his action.

IGs are not policy makers. (If a policy is flawed, you can submit proposed changes on a DA Form 2028).
IGs can only recommend, not order a resolution. (Only commanders can order; the role of the IG is to advise the commander).
IGs provide answers to clients and the chain of command while protecting the confidentiality to the maximum extent possible. (Soldiers should not be punished for consulting the IG - - it's a Soldier's right).

 

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Can I obtain the results of an Inspector General’s investigation/inquiry that I initiated?
The initiator of an IG investigation/inquiry will be informed upon the completion of an investigation/inquiry. However, due to concerns regarding confidentiality, they are not allowed to obtain the results of an investigation/inquiry (Privacy Act of 1974 and Army Regulation 20-1).

IGs frequently receive requests for information and records. Provisions for handling such requests are covered in Chapter 3, AR 20-1.
All IG records, including USAR and ARNG IG records pertaining to Federal matters, are the property of the Secretary of the Army (SA). IG records are maintained by TIG for the SA. As IG records belong to the SA, local IGs are not authorized to release.
Requests for release of records for unofficial or personal purposes are made under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The FOIA allows individuals (anyone) to request government records for private purposes.
Requests must be in writing and reasonably identify the IG records sought. When possible, IGs will assist requesters in identifying the specific information they are seeking, thereby limiting the volume of records copied and processed for release.
Requests for IG records under the FOIA must comply with AR 25–55.
Requests for records under the Privacy Act, which will also be processed as a FOIA request, must comply with AR 340–21.
The IG will promptly notify the requester in writing that the IG has received the request and referred it to TIG for direct reply to the requester.

 

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The Purpose of DA 1559 and its Use:
Inspectors General use DA Form 1559, Inspector General Action Request, to record complaints and Inspector General requests for information and assistance. This form acts as the base-control document, assists in documenting Inspector General workload, and assists in identifying trends and systemic issues. Also, the form allows the Inspector General to provide the Commanding General (CG) with information to improve the command. The Inspector General will complete DA Form 1559 every time there is a complaint, request for information, or request for Inspector General Assistance.

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