Disclaimer what IG Investigates


 

The Department of the Air Force Inspector General (IG) Complaints Resolution Program (CRP) is designed to address matters of Air Force/Space Force interest, specifically focusing on Reprisal, Restriction, and Serious Administrative Misconduct. The IG is not a general-purpose grievance channel; matters with established appellate or redress processes must be filed through those specific programs 

 
What the IG CAN Investigate
 

Whistleblower Reprisal (10 USC § 1034)  ONLY FOR MILITARY MEMBERS 

All DoD employees (government civilians), defense contractors, subcontractors, grantees, sub-grantees, civilian appropriated fund and non-appropriated fund instrumentality employees

must (by law) file allegations of reprisal with the Department of War Office of Inspector General. Please contact the Department of War Inspector General at: https://www.dodig.mil/ or 800-424-9098 (Toll-Free)

Restriction (preventing someone from speaking to IG/Congress)

IG Misconduct (Complaint Resolution Process concerns or AFIS concerns)

Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse complaints may always be reported to the IG. The IG will not assign an investigator to resolve these issues, but will task the appropriate command or

agency for resolution in accordance with IG instructions.  We encourage reporting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse directly to the Air Force Audit Agency (AFAA), Air Force Office of Special

Investigations (AFOSI), security forces, or other proper authorities. Promptly advise the AFOSI of suspected criminal misconduct or fraud.

 
What the IG CANNOT Investigate Correct Air Force Agency/Channel
Criminal Activity / Theft / Assault AFOSI or Security Forces
Unlawful Discrimination & Sexual Harassment Equal Opportunity (EO) (DAFI 36-2710)
Performance Reports & Promotion Appeals Evaluation Reports Appeal Board (ERAB) / BCMR
Article 15 / UCMJ / Court-Martial Appeals Area Defense Counsel (ADC) / Military Justice
Medical Quality of Care Issues Defense Health Agency (DHA) 
Minor Administrative Infractions better suited for local management oversight   Direct Supervisor or Local Command  
Decisions Already Under Review by another formal investigative agency   The active investigation's point of contact
Historic Matters that occurred many years ago and lack actionable evidence  Archive records or direct administrative review

 

Anonymous Complaints

Anonymous Filings: You may submit reports anonymously if it's FWA. If you file your complaint anonymously, we will not be able to contact you to request additional information. The IG

will not provide any updates or responses to you regarding the status of the complaint. There will be a field in the webform where you can confirm that you are filing anonymously.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Filing without Evidence: Complaints must contain sufficient, credible information to initiate a focused inquiry.
Bypassing the Local IG: If you are a service member or local employee, contacting your Command or Local Command-Level IG first often yields a much faster resolution 
Double Filing: Submitting the same allegation to multiple agencies or offices simultaneously delays processing and complicates administrative review 
Timeliness Standards: Complaints must be submitted to the IG within 90 days of learning of the alleged misconduct (or 1 year for reprisal cases). Late submissions may be dismissed unless extraordinary circumstances or special DAF interest are proven.
Submission Format: While the IG accepts submissions in any format, complainants are strongly encouraged to submit via the webform with specific MAJCOMs to expedite the analysis.
Command Actions: Filing an IG complaint does not pause, delay, or prevent commander-directed administrative actions (such as PCS, EPRs/OPRs, admin demotions, or discharge processing).

After You File Your Complaint in the Webform

You will receive an automated response from our IG system when you file using our webform on this website. An Intake officer will evaluate your complaint and determine if the matter

warrants further inquiry. We appreciate your patience during this process, as the IG receives a very high volume of complaints.

No one is guaranteed an inquiry. Certain matters do not fall under IG purview.  If a complaint is declined or dismissed, you will be notified.

Generally, the IG does not conduct an inquiry if: (1) You have not used the prescribed process for military and civilian employees such as boards for correction of military records, Equal

Opportunity/Equal Employment Opportunity, administrative grievance procedure, or 2) Another inquiry is being conducted into the matter.

If you have a concern and are unsure if you should file a complaint, contact your local IG office for guidance. Any Air Force military or civilian member may file an IG complaint. However, many Department of the Air Force civilian complaints (e.g., discrimination, sexual harassment, and conditions of employment) may be referred to other agencies.