The smell only gets worse over time Published Sept. 28, 2006 By Lt. Col. Dale Neely 22nd Air Refueling Wing Inspector General MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The Inspector General's Office is taking a proactive approach. Our goal is to fix issues before they become problems. We see an investigation as the last option; instead, we seek to resolve issues at the lowest level. Our office truly believes an IG investigation is one of the most detrimental things a squadron can endure. You may wonder what is the primary mission of the new IG? Our primary mission is to keep Team McConnell focused on the mission. We are at war and here at McConnell AFB, and we are faced with a number of challenges; high ops tempo, a manning shortage, numerous deployments, etc. With all of these demands on our people, it is imperative that everyone have their minds on the task at hand and not concerned with problems outside the work area. So, how does the IG system keep people focused on the mission? The primary duty of the IG is to sustain a credible Air Force IG system - characterized by objectivity, integrity, and impartiality. It is also the IG's job to be the "eyes and ears" of the commander. It is our job to be a fact-finder and honest broker in the resolution of complaints as well. The IG ensures the concerns of all complainants, and the best interests of the Air Force, are addressed through objective fact-finding. By doing these things, we help commanders prevent, detect and correct fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement. As a result, people can stay focused on the mission. While the IG can't fix all problems faced by our troops, we can assist people on issues when they don't know which direction to turn. Of course, using the chain of command is always the preferred and recommended method for solving issues. A supervisor, first sergeant, or commander can't solve problems if they don't know about them. McConnell AFB has an excellent commander and first sergeant network, and leaders can resolve many issues with a single phone call on your behalf. We also recommend you use established redress or appeals channels, as provided by law or regulation, prior to using the IG system. If you talked to your chain of command or used the established redress system and your problem isn't solved, contact the IG at ext. 3192 to make an appointment. Communicate, communicate, communicate. If there's one common theme that stands out with the majority of IG complaints, it is a lack of communication between the complainant and the supervisor. It is very important that supervisors communicate with their troops, so they can spot trouble before it starts and vice-versa. As we tell the new troops at the FTAC briefings, "Problems are like a pile of dead smelly fish; the smell only gets worse over time."