Training, Teaching; Ultimate Role, Goal of Inspector General
By Master Sgt. Frankie Phillips, Assistant Inspector General, USAREC
July 24, 2014
Sweaty palms, beads of sweat, butterflies in your stomach, and the constant concern over whether or not you’re in compliance with regulations, policies, and standards; These are reactions most of us have experienced prior the arrival of any inspector.
Prior to arriving at the USAREC IG office, I was completely unaware of the duties and responsibilities of the inspectors assigned to the team.
Like so many throughout the command, I assumed their duty was to arrive at the center or company and find as many deficiencies as possible to report to the battalion. However, this is far from the actual mission of the inspector general.
The IG is a confidential advisor to the USAREC commanding general and serves as an extension of the commander’s eyes, ears, voice, and conscience.
Additionally, IGs are sworn to serve as fair, impartial and objective fact-finders for the command. Contrary to popular belief, IGs represent the interests of the organization and the welfare of each of its members, while inquiring into matters affecting mission, economy, efficiency, discipline, morale, and esprit de corps.
Regardless of the command, all IG offices execute four basic functions: inspections, assistance, investigations, and teaching/training.
Given the geographical dispersion of units within USAREC, teaching/training is critical to ensure operations are streamlined throughout the command and that units are synchronized and focused on the commander’s intent.
Inspectors must stay abreast of updates to regulations, policies, and standards within USAREC and the Department of the Army to make sure the field receives the most up-to-date information during inspections and training.
Many Soldiers ask how the duties of the IG impact the field force. During center, company, and battalion inspections, inspectors utilize the inspection checklist to validate compliance with specific standards outlined in Army/USAREC regulations, as well as, the commander’s guidance. If a deficiency is found, the inspector will document it and conduct training to ensure Soldiers understand the standard. In many cases, training tools are provided to Soldiers for quick reference in the future.
Reports completed by inspectors are used to identify trends across the command. These trends assist the USAREC HQ staff with formulating training guidance, and in some cases, the revision of current USAREC messages, policies, and standards.
Center and company leadership should take this opportunity to voice their concerns to ensure the inspector captures the views/opinions of the field recruiting force as it relates to USAREC standards.
Recently, we’ve seen this result in the revision of the CG’s work hour guidance. The updated version provides the force with increased flexibility to conduct recruiting operations and achieve mission requirements.
Based on the changing environment and operational tempo of USAREC, we as leaders must leverage every asset available to ensure our field force is trained and proficient on recruiting standards. Utilizing IG checklists assisted me during my tenure as a center commander and first sergeant because they provided a guide to balance mission and administrative requirements.
Regardless of the time a leader has been in position, it’s highly recommended that they visit the USAREC IG webpage via the IKROME homepage by clicking “Inspector General” under “Special Staff” below the CG’s picture.
The USAREC IG homepage provides the field with updated inspection checklists, projected visits, quarterly newsletters, and resources to utilize during your weekly battle rhythm.
Maintaining oversight of the USAREC IG website will assist the center and company leadership in remaining current with administrative and operational requirements.
The website also serves as an effective tool for leaders to use when constructing and conducting training. If included in leaders’ weekly battle rhythm, the center and/or company will avoid the mad dash prior to an IG inspection.
Noted in 1st QTR FY13 IG Newsletter found on the website, follow these five simple steps prior to every IG inspection:
· Step one: Obtain copies of the IG checklists via the USAREC IG website to ensure you have the most current checklists.
· Step two: Review the previous IG inspection report. This may help prevent recurring findings.
· Step three: Review previous battalion/company CIPs.
· Step four: Conduct in depth IPRs prior to the inspection to ensure the field force understands what will happen and the intent of the visit.
· Step five: Conduct your own IG inspection to identify any deficiencies within your center or company.
In general, this method can be used for any type of inspection.
The USAREC IG can be a valuable source of information in assisting with issues and concerns the recruiting field may have in regards to regulations, policies, and standards.
Soldiers are always encouraged to allow their chain of command the opportunity to answer questions and fix their problems before calling the IG. However, as the command’s IG, we are available to all members of the command and are willing and able to assist whenever we can.
By Master Sgt. Frankie Phillips, Assistant Inspector General, USAREC
July 24, 2014
Sweaty palms, beads of sweat, butterflies in your stomach, and the constant concern over whether or not you’re in compliance with regulations, policies, and standards; These are reactions most of us have experienced prior the arrival of any inspector.
Prior to arriving at the USAREC IG office, I was completely unaware of the duties and responsibilities of the inspectors assigned to the team.
Like so many throughout the command, I assumed their duty was to arrive at the center or company and find as many deficiencies as possible to report to the battalion. However, this is far from the actual mission of the inspector general.
The IG is a confidential advisor to the USAREC commanding general and serves as an extension of the commander’s eyes, ears, voice, and conscience.
Additionally, IGs are sworn to serve as fair, impartial and objective fact-finders for the command. Contrary to popular belief, IGs represent the interests of the organization and the welfare of each of its members, while inquiring into matters affecting mission, economy, efficiency, discipline, morale, and esprit de corps.
Regardless of the command, all IG offices execute four basic functions: inspections, assistance, investigations, and teaching/training.
Given the geographical dispersion of units within USAREC, teaching/training is critical to ensure operations are streamlined throughout the command and that units are synchronized and focused on the commander’s intent.
Inspectors must stay abreast of updates to regulations, policies, and standards within USAREC and the Department of the Army to make sure the field receives the most up-to-date information during inspections and training.
Many Soldiers ask how the duties of the IG impact the field force. During center, company, and battalion inspections, inspectors utilize the inspection checklist to validate compliance with specific standards outlined in Army/USAREC regulations, as well as, the commander’s guidance. If a deficiency is found, the inspector will document it and conduct training to ensure Soldiers understand the standard. In many cases, training tools are provided to Soldiers for quick reference in the future.
Reports completed by inspectors are used to identify trends across the command. These trends assist the USAREC HQ staff with formulating training guidance, and in some cases, the revision of current USAREC messages, policies, and standards.
Center and company leadership should take this opportunity to voice their concerns to ensure the inspector captures the views/opinions of the field recruiting force as it relates to USAREC standards.
Recently, we’ve seen this result in the revision of the CG’s work hour guidance. The updated version provides the force with increased flexibility to conduct recruiting operations and achieve mission requirements.
Based on the changing environment and operational tempo of USAREC, we as leaders must leverage every asset available to ensure our field force is trained and proficient on recruiting standards. Utilizing IG checklists assisted me during my tenure as a center commander and first sergeant because they provided a guide to balance mission and administrative requirements.
Regardless of the time a leader has been in position, it’s highly recommended that they visit the USAREC IG webpage via the IKROME homepage by clicking “Inspector General” under “Special Staff” below the CG’s picture.
The USAREC IG homepage provides the field with updated inspection checklists, projected visits, quarterly newsletters, and resources to utilize during your weekly battle rhythm.
Maintaining oversight of the USAREC IG website will assist the center and company leadership in remaining current with administrative and operational requirements.
The website also serves as an effective tool for leaders to use when constructing and conducting training. If included in leaders’ weekly battle rhythm, the center and/or company will avoid the mad dash prior to an IG inspection.
Noted in 1st QTR FY13 IG Newsletter found on the website, follow these five simple steps prior to every IG inspection:
· Step one: Obtain copies of the IG checklists via the USAREC IG website to ensure you have the most current checklists.
· Step two: Review the previous IG inspection report. This may help prevent recurring findings.
· Step three: Review previous battalion/company CIPs.
· Step four: Conduct in depth IPRs prior to the inspection to ensure the field force understands what will happen and the intent of the visit.
· Step five: Conduct your own IG inspection to identify any deficiencies within your center or company.
In general, this method can be used for any type of inspection.
The USAREC IG can be a valuable source of information in assisting with issues and concerns the recruiting field may have in regards to regulations, policies, and standards.
Soldiers are always encouraged to allow their chain of command the opportunity to answer questions and fix their problems before calling the IG. However, as the command’s IG, we are available to all members of the command and are willing and able to assist whenever we can.