The Army Inspector General: A Look at Its Mission and Role - Citizen Soldier Resource Center (2024)

The Army Inspector General (IG) is an essential part of the Army’s commitment to accountability, integrity, and operational readiness. They serve as an independent resource for soldiers and commanders, investigating complaints, conducting inspections, and offering impartial advice on a variety of issues.

Whether it’s addressing misconduct, ensuring compliance with regulations, or checking a unit’s readiness, the IG ensures that the Army maintains high standards and runs smoothly. In this article, we’ll explore the mission of the Army IG, what the job entails, the badge they wear, and the training required to take on this important role.

Mission of the Army Inspector General

The main goal of the Army Inspector General is to promote professionalism, integrity, and discipline throughout the Army. IGs investigate complaints, conduct inspections, and offer unbiased advice to commanders about any issues affecting the force. Soldiers, civilians, and even family members can file complaints, knowing their concerns will be treated confidentially and impartially.

The IG helps ensure that everyone—from soldiers to leaders—follows Army rules and policies, maintaining good order and discipline across the force. By addressing issues before they become systemic problems, the IG fosters trust and transparency within the Army, creating a fair and effective environment for all.

The IG’s job also focuses on improving the Army’s overall efficiency. They ensure that units meet required standards and that soldiers are treated fairly, regardless of rank or role. The IG acts as a “check and balance” system, helping leaders address problems quickly while promoting a culture of accountability and respect. Their mission is to ensure the Army remains an organization that values integrity and fairness at all levels.

Army Inspector General Oath of Office

When a soldier is appointed as an Army Inspector General, they take the Inspector General Oath of Office, which highlights their responsibility to act with the utmost integrity and impartiality. The oath ensures that the IG will always place the Army’s mission and values first, without bias or personal interest. Here is the exact wording of the oath:

“I, [Name], having been appointed as an Inspector General of the United States Army, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

This oath underscores the critical role of the IG in serving with honor, confidentiality, and loyalty to the Army and its mission. It’s a reminder that IGs must always be neutral and committed to ensuring fairness for all soldiers.

Inspector General Badge: A Symbol of Responsibility

The Inspector General Badge is a distinctive emblem that soldiers wear with pride after completing the necessary training and qualifications to serve as an IG. Created in 1980, the badge features a gold-colored wreath with a sword and the scales of justice at the center. The sword represents the authority and responsibility of the position, while the scales symbolize fairness and balance—two key qualities every IG must uphold.

To earn this badge, soldiers must attend and successfully complete training at the Army Inspector General School. This training covers all aspects of the IG role, from conducting inspections to handling complaints and providing guidance to commanders. Once the course is completed, soldiers are awarded the badge as a symbol of their readiness to serve as a trusted advisor and investigator. Although the badge is prestigious, it also represents the serious responsibilities that come with the role, reminding IGs of their duty to uphold high standards and ensure accountability in the Army.

Army Inspector General Job Description and MOS

The Army Inspector General performs a wide range of duties, with the primary responsibility of investigating complaints, conducting inspections, and offering advice to commanders. IGs act as impartial third parties, looking into misconduct, violations of Army regulations, or issues that may affect the overall readiness and effectiveness of a unit. They help ensure that soldiers are treated fairly and that the chain of command remains accountable to the policies and regulations of the Army.

While there isn’t a specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for the Inspector General role, soldiers selected for this position receive a Skill Identifier (SI) of SI 87A. This identifier is assigned to soldiers who complete the required training and are appointed to serve as IGs. The SI is not a permanent MOS, but rather a special designation that recognizes the individual’s qualifications for the IG position. This ensures that IGs are trained and prepared to take on their important responsibilities in upholding Army standards.

Army Inspector General School & Training

Becoming an Inspector General requires attending the Army Inspector General School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This training course provides soldiers with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform IG duties, including investigating complaints, conducting inspections, and advising senior leaders. Soldiers learn about military regulations, ethics, investigative techniques, and the Army’s complaint-handling process.

The rigorous training prepares IGs to navigate complex situations, gather evidence, and offer unbiased recommendations to commanders. It ensures that future IGs are equipped to identify weaknesses in the system, address soldier complaints, and keep units in compliance with Army standards. This school is critical in producing highly qualified IGs who can help the Army operate smoothly and effectively.

Army Inspector General Complaints

A core responsibility of the Army Inspector General is to handle complaints from soldiers, civilians, and other Army personnel. Soldiers who feel they have been mistreated, witnessed misconduct, or need help with a problem can go to the IG for assistance. Since the IG office operates separately from the chain of command, it ensures that complaints are handled impartially and without fear of retaliation. The IG investigates the complaints confidentially and works to resolve issues in a fair and equitable manner.

IGs have the authority to investigate a wide range of complaints, from breaches of Army regulations to violations of military justice. They also play a key role in identifying patterns or systemic problems that could affect the Army as a whole. By offering impartial advice to commanders, the IG ensures that the Army operates fairly and maintains high standards of discipline and conduct.

Levels of Inspector Generals

The Army’s IG system operates at several levels, from individual units to the Department of the Army. At the unit level, Unit Inspectors General work with battalions, brigades, or smaller commands to investigate complaints, conduct inspections, and advise commanders. They are typically senior officers or NCOs, and they ensure that their units are following Army policies and regulations.

At higher levels, Command Inspectors General oversee multiple unit IGs within their commands (like divisions or corps). They handle more complex issues and offer guidance to senior leadership. At the very top is the Army Inspector General at the Department of the Army level. This senior position oversees the entire IG system and reports directly to the Secretary of the Army. Each level plays an important role in maintaining discipline, transparency, and accountability across the force.

Inspector General Regulations

Army Inspectors General follow several key regulations that guide their work. AR 20-1 (Inspector General Activities and Procedures) is the most important regulation, outlining the duties and responsibilities of the IG, including how to investigate complaints, conduct inspections, and provide advice. This regulation ensures that IGs operate impartially and consistently across the Army.

Other regulations, such as AR 600-20 (Army Command Policy) and AR 600-8-2 (Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions), provide additional guidance on the IG’s role, particularly in the areas of personnel actions and investigations. These regulations ensure that IGs maintain high ethical standards and follow proper procedures in handling complaints and conducting inspections.

Conclusion

The Army Inspector General plays a vital role in maintaining accountability, discipline, and integrity throughout the Army. Whether investigating complaints, conducting inspections, or advising commanders, the IG ensures that the Army operates fairly and effectively.

The training and qualifications required to become an IG reflect the seriousness of the role, which demands impartiality, professionalism, and a strong commitment to Army values. For those who take on the responsibility of becoming an Inspector General, it’s more than just a job—it’s an important duty to keep the Army accountable and true to its mission.

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5. Army OCS

Resources

1. Inspector General Tumbler
2. Inspector General Patches