Role of an inspector general

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. David Mazzarra
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Inspector General
The U.S. Air Force Inspector General's Office was created by the Air Force Chief of Staff, General Hoyt S. Vandenberg in January 1948. He outlined the IG's mission as "Determining the combat and logistic effectiveness of the Air Force, insuring the maintenance of discipline and security, and investigating matters involving crime and other violations of public trust."

The Office of the Inspector General here at McConnell encompasses both the Complaints Resolution Shop (IGQ) and the Wing Inspections Shop (IGI). By maintaining a credible, responsive Complaints Resolution Program, and reporting on the mission readiness of the Wing through the Inspection Program, the IG serves as the eyes and ears of the wing commander.

Resolving complaints in a timely manner helps to maintain a culture of excellence and allows Airmen to quickly return to delivering warfighting capabilities. Therefore, if you have a concern and are unsure if you should file a complaint, you have a right to bring it to the IGQ Office. However, we do encourage members to seek resolution within their own chain of command, if possible. That is usually the most efficient and effective method of resolving complaints. IGQ also provides education and training sessions for new commanders, supervisors and base newcomers, thus developing the next generation of leaders.

The Inspections Shop conducts comprehensive wing-level inspections ensuring compliance with the Department of Defense, Air Force, major command and wing directives and provides the wing commander with reports on the overall mission-readiness of the wing and subordinate units.

Bottom line: It's our priority to ensure the wing as a whole is mission capable today, tomorrow and always.