Can I file an IG complaint against an E-8?

Of course. The IG office takes complaints from all quarters. But understand that they will conduct an informal investigation based on verifiable facts and appropriate regulations. And they will do so very seriously. Then, if they find some violation of regulation or policy, will refer it to the chain of command for action. So making a complaint about an E-8 who is your superior is really burning your bridges. The IG office won't be "protecting" anyone whereas the chain of command might be a bit protective of one of their senior leaders. You might be better served by talking to the 1SG. If the IG office finds your complaint without merit, it will end there. But the chain of command will surely know because of the investigation even though they try to keep it confidential.

Most IGs will assist you, if the situation is not an IG matter, then they will point you in the right direction. Its difficult to assist you on this forum as, IG communication is not easily releasable, so be careful discussing issues or situations on here.
I just retired 01JAN2021 and was a Joint Command IG and also spent some time as an IG trainer/instructor for NATO. Feel free to contact me directly for more information or to assist in pointing you in the correct direction, most only have negative integrations with IGs and don't know what an IG actually does.

In the Army, there is the right way, the wrong way, and the Army way. All of this is wrapped in an envelope of the chain of command and the senior NCO corps protecting their own.

Is this the way it should be? Maybe, maybe not, but it's not a democracy; it's an authoritarian system.

I would give very careful consideration before reporting an E-8 to the Inspector General. Not because you don't have that right, but because it isn't likely going anywhere and you might open a door to a shit storm of gargantuan proportions.

Sometimes it is best to remember where you are, with whom you're dealing, and grit your teeth and move on.

Fucking around with senior NCOs even for junior officers is never going to end well even if you have pictures and an audio. I might change that if it were involved with sexual harassment.

My father was a CMD Sgt Mjr and I used to watch him call in a senior NCO and discipline him -- pretty harshly not holding anything back. It was mostly, "What the fuck were you thinking of sergeant?"

But he would also tell the Colonel that it was no big deal (meaning the Col needn't get involved) he had it under control. Meanwhile the junior soldier ended up in Germany.

When I was in as a company grade officer, I would have taken my own advice.

Good luck. I empathize with you, but be careful which hills you pick to die on. It'll move on and so will you. Thanks for your service, soldier.

SSG,

Answer is Yes, you can file an IG complaint on anyone. However, please know the difference in an IG complaint t and an EO complaint before you file them. No you do not have to speak with your chain of command first as you can do a restricted and u restricted report. Should you speak to them first ABSOLUTELY. At least make your attempt and document. If you aren’t comfortable speaking to them then reach out to an unrelated Senior NCO and ask their opinion or you can always run it past LEGAL. I am Available if you need a 1SG to guide you in the right direction.

1SG B

Since there is no rank of “E8” in the military you cannot file a I.G. complaint against it. Now if you want to file a complaint against one of the following you can:
Master Sergeant
First Sergeant
Senior Master Sergeant
Senior Petty Officer

Yes, it’s semantics, but if you’re going to file a complaint make sure you know what you are talking about in the first place. And by referring to someone by their pay grade and not their rank means you already lost the battle.

A SSG and you dont know the answer to your question.. As a 22 year veteran, that concerns me

sure you can. first you may want to consider discussing the issue up the chain with the E-8 as you will end up with either EO, IG or CID and you discussing it with the E-8. Best to resolve issues at the lowest level possible as it always gives you an avenue of appeal if a resolution is not arrived at. Make sure you have your facts straight and documented. Just a suggestion not enough info to give you any answer except sure you can. take care and stay safe.

Here is what you need to know. The IG does not represent you. The IG is specifically there to counsel the command leaders on staying legal and within the regulations. You and other military personnel have open access to bring to the attention a potential matter that may violate law or regulation. What I, as others here suggest, is that you have a very specific violation and reference to a law or regulation being violated. Otherwise, use the chain of command, starting with the individual you feel is in the wrong. Have witnesses if it is serious.

Yes. That said, it will be similar to when you argue with your wife; you had better have all kinds of documentation and eyewitnesses. Is there a well-known history of similar incidents?
I'm not saying don't do it, but make sure you have all the facts of what happened as well as being able to state your own non-emotional, personal justifications.

W1nkl3cole