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

Whatever your issue turns out to be if you didn't run it up through the COC be prepared for issues. While contacting the IG is everyones right you have to have something actionable to do so. It helps to have concrete witnesses to this, also proof, If not the shit rolls down hill and all that that brings with it.

Have you ran this through your chain of command? Most issues can be resolved by utilizing every commands open door policy. Going straight to IG is like cracking eggs with sledgehammer, but to each their own.

You can, it is your right, but first I would recommend you go to the NCO club and see if the E-8 is sitting at the table with a bunch of E-9s. If so I would recommend against it. In either case if you find yourself pissed off at a superior try to honestly assess your role in pissing them off.

Of course you can, but as the comments below state, the real question I should you. Have your facts and act together along with any specific regulation violations you believe are appropriate. The IG will investigate so your house best be in order, too. The rebound can be devastating if you fail the above 3 steps. Good luck.

You can file an IG complaint against anyone. But I would recommend you have evidence of a complaint. Be sure you have your ducks in line and you can justify the complaint. Additionally, DO NOT share the fact you have or will file a complaint with anyone unless they are directly involved in making the complaint. Loose lips sink ships and you don't want people choosing sides which is bad for the unit. Remember, it must be a legitimate complaint that involves breaking of regulations, professional standards or maltreatment of subordinates or other corrupt actions. Remember you are taking on a higher ranking NCO. Additionally, you need to know what action you want taken. I'm not for ruining anyone's career just because there is a personality conflict or you don't like the cut of his sail...in other words legitimacy of the complaint must involve a real infraction of regulations, .professional standards or maltreatment of subordinates or other corrupt actions. He's a E-8 and therefore he's earned it. So be sure you understand your motivation here. Have you talked man to man with this NCO to try to resolve any issues? Is your own backyard clean and have you done your due diligence to your duty? Have you been loyal? For once the complaint is filed the investigation will begin. If there is criminality involved CID will get involved. And if the IG is good he or she will conduct a full investigation of the complaint and the chips will fall were they may. Once filed, do your duty, keep a low profile and do not discuss the complaint with anyone.

Make sure the juice is worth the squeeze.

As stated in previous posts, I would just go up the chain of command for them to deal with the E-8. Additionally, the IG is kind of a worthless position since they cannot punish anyone; only make recommendations to the commanders. So, I would also contact my congressman or congresswoman and push that, since a member of congress has more juice, and it may also protect you from retaliation under whistleblower or other types of laws or policies. But, I will say you should expect supervisors to observe you more closely and document your faults that may not have been brought to light under normal circumstances. This is because they will need proper documentation on unrelated matters to justify punishing you, not recommending you for promotion, keeping you from certain schooling, etc.

The only complaint I'd ever had about a MSgt, I used the chain of command and within 3 days He was removed from His position. I was a SSgt and He was screwing with my people and I did confront Him, walked off so I wouldn't punch Him. I figured that was a better idea than staying even though He was yelling to come back and making it worse and I would have like punching Him out but didn't. I went straight to the SMSgt who oversaw Him. He agreed with Me and went to the Captain, Operations Officer who took it to both the Commander, a Major and First Sergeant. None of them liked Him or the way He operated and that was the final straw. His replacement was great a new MSgt that had just come in PCS was great and I never had a problem with him. The MSgt that was removed now had a desk under direct Supervision of a Captain and no supervisory control over anyone of any rank but made a good, well controlled paper clerk.

I may add off duty that MSgt was fine but seems He was on a chicken power trip and way out of line, His order were obeyed but seems it wasn't good enough and reached unreasonable levels. I wasn't His victim, my troops were and they did what they were told but wrong is wrong and no one was going to get away with screwing with My men over anything that was beyond reasonable. That MSgt was the first one I had a conversation and His response in My opinion not only was out of line but was His pattern. I always believed in going straight to the source of the problem first and try to resolve it there and though going around their back was a cowards way. Usually that worked fine and no other follow up was needed. Most people will self correct but He didn't.

Yes, you can. However, the first question out of the IG's mouth will be "have you tried addressing this with your chain of command?" Depending if this person is a Master Sergeant or a First Sergeant, talking to the company commander on his/her open door policy should be your first option. Your battalion and brigade commanders will also have an open door policy too.

Have you addressed your concerns thru your Chain of Command? That should be the first action.