Should I submit an IG complaint for my Command Sponsorship packet taking so long to be processed through my company command?

2021-01-09T10:55:24-05:00

My issue is that I've submitted my Command Sponsorship packet last May (8 months ago) through my chain of command. Until last month it had not even made it past the Company Commander's desk. Within a week it made it past Battalion, and now it's waiting on the Garrison Commander's signature. I understand that command sponsorship is not owed to me, nor would I consider it a fraud/waste/abuse situation. Is the timeliness of the company's action on this worthy of an IG complaint? I'd hate for this to happen to other Soldiers in the future...

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 9 at 2021 11:07 AM

2021-01-09T11:07:09-05:00

1st question an IG officer will ask (actually the NCO that you see first) "Have you worked (spoken) to your commander on this issue already?"
If you say no, you will be sent away to do so.
And addressing the issue is not asking if your packet is signed.....its detailing the issue as you see it to the CDR and asking them to address your perceived complaint.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 9 at 2021 11:56 AM

2021-01-09T11:56:45-05:00

I wouldn’t go the IG route unless all other avenues of contact and discussion were exhausted. IG needs to be the last chance to get it addressed. If you haven’t used all other resources it will turn the spotlight on you which isn’t the result you are looking for

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2021 3:58 PM

2021-01-09T15:58:24-05:00

What do you hope to accomplish with your IG complaint? Ask yourself that first. The Army has a venue for complaining and it's called a sensing session. IG is for resolving issues. It sounds like your issue with your company is resolved, and it sounds like this is just a training room issue which is easy for a command team to fix.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Jan 9 at 2021 4:07 PM

2021-01-09T16:07:01-05:00

The best person to ask would be the 1SG. Having dated a few clerks...I did learn that they are busy as heck, and everyone sends them on details while expecting all paperwork done. I know one went on Garrison Ceremonial Detail for 90 days and still tried to get some of the paperwork done... a lot fell through the cracks. So, if yours had gone in at that time when the only clerk is on a 90 day full time detail.... guess what happens to your paperwork? Maybe the best thing to do would be to go to the clerk or S-1 and ask if you can assist in their backlog. Might get your paperwork moving.

Response by CPL Earl Kochis made Jan 9 at 2021 6:12 PM

2021-01-09T18:12:22-05:00

If you feel that the time it took was too long then take that up with the S-1 Ncoic and the 1SG voice your complaints and allow them to address timeliness in house before you take it outside of the COC

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Jan 10 at 2021 1:46 AM

2021-01-10T01:46:59-05:00

Nobody can tell you what you “should” do.

My question is what did you do in the intravening 8 months to track your paperwork? Did you aggressively follow up on what was taking so long to get a recommendation from your CO? Did you follow up with the NCO Support Channel?

I know it’s hard to hear but the only person that has a vested interest in your paperwork is you. What is your ultimate goal in filing the IG complaint? Could that goal be accomplished by talking to your CoC?

Response by Col Tri Trinh made Jan 10 at 2021 2:10 AM

2021-01-10T02:10:55-05:00

Work through your chain of command first.

Response by Col Tri Trinh made Jan 10 at 2021 1:03 PM

2021-01-10T13:03:21-05:00

I don’t think this matter warrants an IG complaint. Sponsorship programs are Commander responsibilities managed by a program manager. Seems like that may be broke and operating at an acceptable level. Find the right contact point and escalate through the various levels. Put in writing what you need and trying to achieve for yourself and family (if applicable). You want to settle in quickly and be able to perform at your best when getting to your new assignment. Every Commander and 1SG wants that for you.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jan 13 at 2021 2:14 PM

2021-01-13T14:14:18-05:00

Although you may never be aware of it, I'll bet your Company Commander has already had to explain the delay to the Battalion CO and appropriate note will be made accordingly.