IG staff remedies complaints, runs exercises

  • Published
  • By Maj. Mari Garcia
  • 1st SOW/IG
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Most Air Force people will have an opportunity to deal with the inspector general's office, either for an exercise, a unit inspection or for a personal issue.

The staff of the 1st Special Operations Wing Inspector General's office understand people often have serious concerns about dealing with the IG.

It's nothing like most people perceive it to be, according to Elaine Evans, investigations and inquiries specialist with the 1st SOW IG office. "We encourage people to resolve their problems at the lowest possible level because, unlike the IG, the chain of command has command authority to direct quick resolution of many issues."

The investigations and inquiries section deals with complaints people might have and helps provide guidance.

"If an individual is unable to resolve a complaint through their chain of command or the appropriate resolution channels, the IG has many avenues available to help the person resolve the complaint and will attempt to use the most appropriate method," Ms. Evans said.

"Each complaint is unique and deserves our total attention and priority. If the IG isn't the proper avenue for your complaint, we can direct you to the right place. No matter who comes into the office, we work with them to resolve the issue."

Although people have legitimate issues, it's usually just miscommunication once it's all said and done. However, the IG office will assist the complainant and find out where the breakdown occurred and exactly what happened.

"If people feel their particular complaint process is broken or they're not being heard, they should pay us a visit," she emphasized. "When someone visits the office, we work very hard to keep it confidential and will not turn anyone away without assisting them."

The IG's mission is really two-fold. In addition to the complaint program, the IG is also responsible to the wing commander for planning, coordinating, and executing required exercises and inspections. Exercises provide the wing leadership with a realistic picture of the wing's response capability. The IG is assisted by more than 200 people on the Hurlburt Exercise Evaluation Team who can easily be identified by the black and white hats worn during the exercises.

HEET members are functional experts who help build a variety of realistic scenarios and effectively evaluate members' performance in their areas of responsibility. The goal is preparing Hurlburt Airmen and our local community partners to face potential real-world commitments, hurricanes, major accidents, force protection measures, and other incidents.

Finally, all military, retirees and Department of Defense civilians may file complaints or seek assistance from the IG office because the IG is here to ensure the health and welfare of the entire Hurlburt Field community.

To file a complaint or speak with the IG, call 884-5534 to make an appointment or stop in their office located on Simpson Avenue, just north of J.R. Rockers.