"I will go to the IG!" threat; how do you respond?

2014-05-03T01:40:26-04:00

How should leaders, especially junior NCOs and young officers treat the rampant threat of 'I will go to the IG' tantrum whenever lawful and legitimate corrective actions taken against soldiers? I think it is getting out of hand...from what I have been hearing lately.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 3 at 2014 2:54 AM

2014-05-03T02:54:55-04:00

Give them the number to the IG. Or make the phone call to the office of the IG and hand the phone over to the service member after telling whoever answers that I have so and so here and they would like to make a complaint. Basically call their bluff. Especially when you know hands down you are in the right.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made May 3 at 2014 3:38 AM

2014-05-03T03:38:59-04:00

As a PSG and 1SG, I either dialed the number for them and handed them the phone or asked them kindly to ensure that they spelled my name right when it came time to air their grievance.

"Going to the IG" should not be a threat. The IG is a great tool to provide CDRs an azimuth check, validate policies and interpretations of regulations, and also provide other TTPs when it comes to various issues. For those Junior Leaders who are getting this from their subordinates, talk to your PSG or 1SG. The guidance may be to drive that young Soldier up there yourself.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2014 4:03 AM

2014-05-03T04:03:58-04:00

Shouldn't be anything to worry about as long as your paperwork is in order. I had a Soldier call every month because I wouldn't send him to the board. He was on a temporary profile so he couldn't attend WLC, he was a SGT, and was detrimental to unit morale. I documented that every month and IG never gave me any problems. I know that doing paperwork sucks but it saved me every time.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2014 9:19 AM

2014-05-03T09:19:59-04:00

In my experience the situation that you are describing is caused by miscommunication and not egregious actions by leadership. My response when I was a CO was to tell the soldier that they had every right go to the IG and there would be no negative reprecussions for doing so. I also provided them with the IG contact information. I also asked if the wanted to discuss their issue further before they went to the IG in order to resolve at the lowest level. In each case the soldier did opt to discuss the issue and the matter was resolved in a positive manner. In each case the soldier had misunderstood something or a leader could have done something a little better but my 1SG and I converted potential negative situations into something positive for our Command Climate.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made May 3 at 2014 10:30 AM

2014-05-03T10:30:43-04:00

Take them to the IG....or to your CSM....his name ends in IG

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made May 3 at 2014 10:47 AM

2014-05-03T10:47:04-04:00

There is very little more aggravating than the frustration that comes with a BS IG complaint-like for example a SM trimming a very nice little goatee into his face after having gone to medical and gotten a shaving waiver, and being called on the fact that you groomed it. Just shave-or follow the waiver. No cool guy little groomings.

IG complaints are only to be used as a last resort, not as a threat.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2014 11:25 AM

2014-05-03T11:25:03-04:00

I knew a Company Commander who had IG on her speed dial cause soldiers threaten to use it all the time

Response by MSG Antwine Marshall made May 3 at 2014 12:26 PM

2014-05-03T12:26:22-04:00

As a current Assistant IG, I felt the need to chime in. If a Soldier threatens to go to the IG, then let them go. If you're abiding by the prescribed regulations, you'll be fine. IGs aren't there to be sympathetic towards Soldiers. We are "Objective fact-finders on behalf of the CG" as outlined in AR 20-1. We don't take sides. We make sure that the standard is met in addressing an issue. After all, everything in the Army has a standard. If you're fair, consistent, and impartial in executing your duties, then you won't have any issues with the IG. Most of the time, the complaints are more along the lines of whining. But, too many IG complaints can have a negative effect though. Your complaints stay in the IG database for 30 years. As the complaints accumulate, that data will be collected and possibly pop up during a background check or when you're nominated for a Special Duty Assignment. All in all, the IG is an excellent tool to utilize that can keep you on the right path. I'd say call your IG Office and pick their brain from time to time. We aren't bad people at all. Also, from what I've seen, 99% percent of commands are doing the RIGHT thing.

Response by CSM Allen Dahl made May 3 at 2014 1:04 PM

2014-05-03T13:04:26-04:00

I have found having a solid command team in place is very beneficial in dealing with these things. Communication up and down is paramount. They are usually misunderstandings, but not always the case. Document everything, even if just a note on your calendar. I tried as a 1SG to bring in an IG rep to give an orientation brief about the IG and then be available for Soldiers to talk with periodically as well. Sometimes you will just have a whiner to deal with unfortunately. The 10% that take 90% of your time!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2014 1:04 PM

2014-05-03T13:04:37-04:00

I know everyone beat up on this already, but IG is not a threat if you're doing the right thing. If a Soldier has a real problem that is a valid IG complaint, then you should already be in there dialing the number for them if you can't fix it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2014 1:39 PM

2014-05-03T13:39:58-04:00

I've heard that threat and was told my best course of action was to continue along and let them. If the rules and regulations were followed IG isn't going to do a whole lot if anything. Chances are the first question they will ask is "Did you bring this up your chain of command". If you are doing as you should The IG threat should be if no concern.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 3 at 2014 11:51 PM

2014-05-03T23:51:43-04:00

IG what the hell is that. I'm my time if they wanted to be an Ass they would btich to a Senator or Congressman and that was a pain in the ass for the Command.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 11:28 AM

2014-05-04T11:28:42-04:00

Give them the number, hand them my phone, tell them go ahead.

They feel whatever the reason for calling can't be handled at the lowest level. Or they just don't want it handled at lowest level. Either way will get back to me to handle.

I my self have used IG. But as a tool to clear a reg up for me. Or to check make sure I was going about stuff right.

Response by SFC Rocky Gannon made May 4 at 2014 11:48 AM

2014-05-04T11:48:10-04:00

I would hope that first the NCO's are doing the right things, if so let them go!!! Young soldiers these days think someone is going to fix a problem, that most likely they caused without them having to answer for there actions. The IG, cannot fix a problem, they listen, ensure the COC is informed, then they look into the problem, or what is thought to be a problem. Once they get all the facts, right or wrong, it goes back to the COC to fix a problem, if one exist. The IG will not go in and tell the Commander, 1SG, PL, PSG, or SL that they MUST stop something. If the Commander supports it, and it doesn't violate a law, rule or regulation then the IG can only advise. If it does violate something and the Company Commander will not listen, they can go to the Battalion Commander, but the IG has no authority to make a leader stop something. That being said, if your wrong then you should listen, as the IG has the authority to ensure soldiers and families are treated fairly and they will not stop until the problem fixed. I have given soldiers the number spelled out my Full name and offered them a ride to IG, EO, walked them to the Commanders office for the open door policy. I treat everyone fair and equal, as long as your doing that, and not violation the law or regulations you have nothing to fear with any of those organization. They will only help to validate that you and the other NCO's in the unit are doing the right things.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 12:01 PM

2014-05-04T12:01:12-04:00

I remember being the young Soldier not liking what I was told, so I went to the IG office and they explained to me that my leadership was right and I needed to fix myself. The IG does not take sides they refer you to the reg that will answer your complaint or question. So as everyone has stated if your in the right then resoectfully direct them to the UGs office, but if you feel you may be wrong then go to the IG yourself and ask for direction.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 12:51 PM

2014-05-04T12:51:26-04:00

Oh..this is a good one...I always had the necessary forms and the phone number of the IG or appropriate senior authority handy. I even offered to help them write up their complaint or let them use my typewriter / computer (shows how old I am) to make the complaint look semi-literate.

Same general response when I issued an order and received the generic "I wanna see the CO!". I always said: "Absolutely! Go get into your dress uniform while I inform the chain of command you have something super important for them to break off from their busy schedule and listen to your complaint."!

With all that being said - those situations were disgruntled troops. I have had several situations arise that had junior personnel come to me in confidence with issues that they felt very strongly about that needed the attention of those in SENIOR positions. In fact, in one instance - (though I didn't know it) I was the one being complained about. However, in each case, I ensured the individual got all the way up the chain of command without delay.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 3:58 PM

2014-05-04T15:58:54-04:00

If you are doing your job, and you are doing it right, then there is nothing to fear from IG! When I was a 1SG, I normally enjoyed my weekly phone calls from the local IG office. It was actually educational and kept me up to date on a lot of what was going on in the Army.

Response by MSG Jason Sikes made May 5 at 2014 4:40 AM

2014-05-05T04:40:10-04:00

Ok I think this picture is kind of funny. Once I'm IG, I'm sure I will look at things differently.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made May 5 at 2014 10:19 AM

2014-05-05T10:19:00-04:00

I always responded with here is my cellphone I have them on speed dial for you or I would tell them lets hop in my truck and I will see that you get over there ASAP so you can talk to them. I never let the threats bother me as most times they would back down and want to discuss the issue, or they would want to just drop the whole thing.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2014 10:38 AM

2014-05-05T10:38:44-04:00

Much like the rest of the crew on here, I believe the threat is meaningless if the leader is righteous in their actions. It is only a threat when something truly wrong has happened...at which point it is valid. I recommend getting to know the IG wherever you are. Talk with the senior NCO's in the IG and know who they are and make sure they know you. This is simpler for a LTC and a CSM, so it may be a matter of them talking with that crew and outlining the way they intend to conduct business in the Battalion. With that as a stepping stone, if the BN CDR is an adherent to "mission command," he should have laid out his priorities and zone of tollerance for execution of missions at the Troop/Company/Battery level and every leader in the formation should be within that. Knowing what those are, and that the Command Team is "good" with the IG, gives freedom of maneuver to NCO's and junior leaders.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2014 11:41 AM

2014-05-05T11:41:06-04:00

My name is spelled W-A-L-R-A-D-T make sure you get it right when you call IG.

Response by SSG Jim Handy made May 5 at 2014 2:06 PM

2014-05-05T14:06:49-04:00

I did not fear this threat. I knew what I was doing and whatever I did was within the regs. If I ever "pushed" the regs to the limit it would be in an effort to stand up for my troops or help them. I NEVER received this threat from anyone who worked for me directly, it was always somebody who didn't know me and was given to me for some sort of detail. When it did happen there was usually someone there who did know me and they would back them down and tell them "you need to think about what your doing". If you are doing your job properly, stuff like this just doesn't matter.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2014 2:38 PM

2014-05-05T14:38:42-04:00

I would say take the time to educate the SM. Tell them they are more than welcome to visit the IG and I do not want to stop them. I would ask them for an opportunity to ensure the command has done what they can to address any concerns first. If it is an issue of corrective action, provide resource (Regulation) information and let them go prepared.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 1:49 AM

2014-06-02T01:49:49-04:00

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 2:48 AM

2014-06-02T02:48:30-04:00

I offer to give them the number then say " Make sure you tell them its SGT Smith, Charles W. Last 4 are ****. Make sure they get the right one because I don't want another SGT Smith to get blindsided." With all the complaining I so far have not had a soldier actually call them.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 10:11 AM

2014-06-02T10:11:21-04:00

I would give them the number for IG and carry on. This will call their bluff and also allow IG to see that you did not hold them back (if they do in fact go through) and help speed up the process to say it is not a valid complaint.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 12:03 PM

2014-06-02T12:03:02-04:00

As a leader if that was their threat, I encouraged them. But I also warned them to have all their facts organized and detailed, and informed them I would do the same. It usually stopped at just that, an idle threat.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 2 at 2014 4:12 PM

2014-06-02T16:12:58-04:00

You treat them like any other idle threat...and crush them where they stand. There are real reasons to go to the IG, but if someone is telling you they are going to go, treat them just like any other childish claim. Send them to their room without supper.

Response by SFC Laura Whitehead made Jun 2 at 2014 5:00 PM

2014-06-02T17:00:08-04:00

If you have 18 or more years in:

Give them IGs number.
Give them directions to the Post HQ and tell them to use the Generals open door policy.
Give them their local Congresspersons contact info for a Congressional Investigation.
Tell them how important it is to have their spouse call also.

Then sit back and laugh... obviously you have worked with this soldier long enough.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 5:48 PM

2014-06-02T17:48:23-04:00

I always carried the IG's business card around with me when I was a 1SG. If you're doing the right thing a Soldier going to IG won't even register a blip on your radar.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 12:18 PM

2014-06-03T12:18:36-04:00

I make sure they spell my name right.

Response by SSgt Tony Allen made Jun 3 at 2014 1:33 PM

2014-06-03T13:33:08-04:00

I would talk to the individual first to see if the issue can possibly be resolved at my level. If not then I will continue to take it higher. If the Soldier is still not satisfied then I would encourage them to go to IG, and I would give them the number too, I may even escort them to the Jag office and ensure they contacted the correct person to be able to exercise their right to issue a complaint.

Response by CSM Chris McKeown made Jun 3 at 2014 2:48 PM

2014-06-03T14:48:21-04:00

My response: Grab your stuff and I will drive you over to the IG Office now.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 3 at 2014 3:26 PM

2014-06-03T15:26:46-04:00

I found that Soldiers who used this approach were an indicator of larger moral issues within the unit. Yes I did the normal point to the phone and encourage them to use their rights. After confirming my actions were indeed in good standing I ensured the Soldier is set out on the original task. I also intentionally put in check the natural, but illegal reaction to retaliate.

From that point it is a further investigation into the source of malcontent within the unit. Sometimes it would be higher level leadership and that source could be handled through cooperation with other leaders, and closed door sessions hammering out changes to the general leadership approach. On the other hand there were some instances where a Soldier or group of Soldiers were causing problems (barracks lawyers). The same leadership group would convene, but the direction of the conversation would be how to address the issue formed within the junior ranks.

Repeated attempts to get out of duty can be considered malingering though. Malingering through complaint is easy to prove through a paper work trail. Counsel the soldier stating the facts (you told them to do something, they countered with wanting to call IG) the plan of action (you encouraged the Soldier to call IG), and the follow up after the call to IG has been made(the Soldier is required to complete the task as directed, or amended by suggestion of the IG, or the Soldier declined to call IG). This will cover you showing that you encouraged the Soldier to use the IG, it will also show that you did not call for corrective training in retaliation. The bonus is that it will show a pattern, if there is one, of the Soldier attempting to get out of duties through this method. While it is a good paper trail to build a case, consult with JAG for specifics of how to do this, as well as procedures and limitations in this method. Event oriented counseling is just that, documenting an event and your and your Soldier's actions resulting from the event.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 4 at 2014 12:38 AM

2014-06-04T00:38:14-04:00

I will provide the SM with the location, a Google map, phone numbers and e-mail addresses and say, "Good luck but IG does not influence me not can that make me do anything".

Response by 1SG Dan Thorstad made Jun 4 at 2014 1:46 PM

2014-06-04T13:46:56-04:00

I used to say "go ahead," give them the number and tell them to "move out smartly!" No need to worry about the IG if YOU are doing the right thing!

Response by TSgt David Holman made Mar 11 at 2015 9:33 PM

2015-03-11T21:33:07-04:00

Give them the number and offer to call for them... you can't block someone from going to the IG.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 9:41 PM

2015-03-11T21:41:30-04:00

So long as the individual has utilized the channels within their command structure in order to attempt to correct the issue prior to throwing out IG, I see no problem with it.

I don't call in SWAT when I spot someone parked illegally.
I don't call IG because I happened to get CQ on a holiday weekend when I didn't put in a pass but had "talked about having plans."

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 11 at 2015 10:27 PM

2015-03-11T22:27:05-04:00

Give the Soldier the number.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 11 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-03-11T22:31:52-04:00

"I will go to the IG!" threat; how do you respond?

OK, they are located in building 122, RM 101A,,,phone number is 123-4567.
Tell LTC Bob I said hi.

Is there anything else I can do for you?

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 11 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-03-11T22:43:36-04:00

"Don't let the door hit ya where the dog bit ya! Just let me know when they (IG) show up.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 11:42 PM

2015-03-11T23:42:02-04:00

It is your right, and you are welcome to avail yourself to the resources available to you for redress.
However, you should attempt to remedy your issue through the chain-of-command.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 22 at 2018 9:34 AM

2018-05-22T09:34:07-04:00

1. Write down/up everything _ that doesn't mean you have to use it. 2. If you are right, then tell them _"Fine buttercup- I will take you there myself and if they agree, I may just have to stop being the nice guy and raise it up a notch. I always counseled my kids- and I always read the UCMJ to them on the punishment they could get if I took to the CO- and then asked which way you want to swing- on my rope or the Ole man's? Had 0 IG complaints, in my career, that I was informed of. .