tig brief - Air Force Inspection Agency

system. ISITT recommended creation of
a new inspection called the Consolidated
Unit Inspection (CUI), transferring by-law
inspection requirements to the Air Force
Inspection Agency (AFIA), and the standup
of a more robust self-inspection program
across the Air Force. The basis of the new
CUI will be to integrate or synchronize
existing inspections, assessments, and
evaluations into one inspection to be executed
at the wing level. This would enable wings
to maximize whitespace and return critically
needed training time to units to focus on
daily operations, readiness, deployments,
and training. AFIA will now complete bylaw
inspections using a sampling process
much like the Army and Navy IGs use
in their inspection systems. The new
self-inspection system will be called the
Commanders Inspection Program, and it
is designed to be a self-assessment tool for
commanders to critically evaluate their unit’s
compliance, readiness, culture, and state of
discipline. MAJCOM IGs are in the process
of implementing this new inspection across
their commands, with some MAJCOMs
implementing the new CUI this year.
Things are changing dramatically on the
complaints resolution side of the IG business
as well. 2011 saw the release of the latest
version of AFI 90-301, Inspector General
Complaints Resolution, which introduces
a number of new reports and analysis
tools designed to assist IGs in complaints
resolution matters.
The Referral Completion Report, modeled
closely after the Hotline Completion Report, is
a one-page document which is required from
all agencies in which an IG refers a case. This
report will allow IGs to close cases with much
more fidelity knowing complainant’s issues
have been addressed by the appropriate
agency.
Originally a pilot program within Air
Education and Training Command, the
Report of Preliminary Inquiry (RPI) is now
approved Air Force-wide as an alternative
format to the Reprisal Complaint Analysis
(RCA) when examining reprisal complaints.
Less repetitive and redundant than the RCA,
the new RPI provides logical ways to address
the content of protected communications, key
decision points when examining personnel
actions, and a detailed chronology which
describes the facts in a concise manner.
Another plus when considering the new RPI
is that it is similar in format to what DoD/IG
has been using for some time.
General assembly and small group
training focused on areas unaddressed in
previous conferences. HQ AF/JA provided
updates on the Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
and the Air Force Fitness Program and how
this could impact IGs in the coming months.
Also, new to this conference were
presentations from USAF Suicide Prevention
Program Managers from HQ AF/MSA, who
provided unique training to IGs on how to
deal with distraught plaintiffs. IGs were
trained to spot signs of acute distress in
members, how to respond accordingly, and
what types of mental health resources are
available to assist Wingmen in distress.
The new AFI 90-301 is providing specific
guidance on the content of an installation’s
Fraud, Waste and Abuse program, and
detailed training was provided on the new
requirements.
Finally, training was provided on juggling
Self Inspection and Exercise Control Team
duties along with the complaints resolution
mission; handling congressional complaints
and the mission of the Secretary of the Air
Force Legislative Liaison office; and witness
interviewing techniques.
The conference was a huge success for
those who attended, as surveys indicated
attendees appreciated the group discussions,
training, and networking opportunities. For
those who were unable to attend, briefings
from this year’s event can be located on the
SAF/IGQ Air Force Portal page, located
at http://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/
globalTab.do?channelPageId=s6925EC1351F
50E044080020E329A9, under the “Training”
tab. Attendees also indicated they enjoyed
the joint interaction between both inspections
and complaint resolutions personnel, and
this trend will continue for 2012. Mark your
calendars for next year’s conference, which is
scheduled for May 1-3, 2012.
Summer 2011
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