FIRST ARMY OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
First Army IG Hotline: 1-800-825-3623
E-mail: usarmy.RIA.first-army-hq.list.ig-talk@army.mil
Department of the Army IG website: https://ig.army.mil
Address: 1 Rock Island Arsenal Bldg. 68. Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois 61299-8100
Mission
Inquire into and report on the discipline, efficiency, economy, morale, training, mobilization, and readiness, of the Command; investigate fraud, waste, and abuse; provide assistance with matters that do not get resolved through normal command or regulatory channels.
Vision
Extend the First Army’s Commander’s eyes, ears, voice, and conscience in peace and war to create a more knowledgeable, reliable, and credible organization. The First Army IG team will be depended on for providing timely assistance to family members and civilians; teaching and training First Army Soldiers and Leaders; and be the standard bearer as well as advocates of and displaying core Army Values.
Confidentiality
Persons who ask the IG for help, make a complaint, give evidence, contact or assist an IG during an inspection or investigation, otherwise interact with an IG have an expectation of confidentiality. This expectation encompasses safeguarding of personal identity and the nature of contact with the IG. When a person requests anonymity, the IG will take extensive measures to protect the person's identity. The intent behind this emphasis on confidentiality is to protect individual privacy, maintain confidence in the IG System, and minimize the risk of reprisal. While protecting confidentiality is a priority concern for the IG, it cannot be absolutely guaranteed. It may be breached if required by law or regulation, or by the direction of The Inspector General (TIG). For more information on the IG confidentiality policy see AR 20-1, Para 1-12.
Scope of Responsibility
Headquarters
Divisions East and West
Mobilized Units in the First Army Footprint
The IG Functions:
Assistance: Provides assistance to commanders, Soldiers, Family members, civilian employees, retiree and others who seek help on matters of Army interest.
Teach and Train: Teaching and Training Army policy, procedures, systems, and processes.
Conduct Investigations and Investigative Inquiries: Allegations to violations of standards and laws.
Inspections and follow-up Assessments: Tailored to meet the Commander’s needs, focused on CG priorities, systemic issues and root cause for non-compliance.
BEFORE YOU TELL IT TO THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
1. Be sure you have a problem, not just a peeve.
2. Give your chain of command a chance to solve the problem. (Many problems must be addressed to the chain of command for resolution anyway).
3. If IG assistance is needed, contact your local IG first. (IG’s at higher commands will normally refer the case to the local IG for action)
4. Be honest and don’t provide misleading information. (IGs will discover the truth quickly in most cases and there are penalties for knowingly providing false information)
5. Keep in mind that IGs are not policy makers. (If a policy is flawed you can submit proposed change on a DA form 2028)
6. Keep in mind that IGs can only recommend, not order a resolution. (Only Commanders can order; the role of the IG is to advise the Commander)
7. Remember IGs can only resolve a case on the basis of fact. (Your claim that a supervisor has violated the rules doesn’t make it fact. A claim must be supported with evidence)
8. Don’t expect instant action on your request… Be patient. (Investigations take time, and IGs tend to have heavy workloads)
9. Be prepared to take “No” for the answer. (In any case “Yes” or “No”, the IG will explain why)
To complain without fear of reprisal is the right of any Soldier, Civilian, or Family Member seeking IG help. After all, problem solving is one of the IG’s primary missions.
Instructions for Completing the DA Form 1559
Each block of the form is marked with a number. Follow these instructions for completing each block.
Block 1. – enter your name. (Unless you wish to remain anonymous.) [NOTE: Keep in mind that if you make an anonymous complaint, it will be impossible for the IG to provide you with any feedback when closing the case.]
Block 2. – Enter your rank.
Block 3. – Enter your DOD ID. Be sure to read the Privacy Act information at the top of the form. (Unless you wish to remain anonymous.)
Block 4. – Enter your component / status, for instance Army/AD or Family Member/Spouse or DAC.
Block 5. – Enter the telephone number(s) that you would want the IG to use when contacting you. (Unless you wish to remain anonymous.)
Block 6. – Enter the email address you would want the IG to contact you, if needed.
Block 7. – Enter your unit and complete military address. (Unless you wish to remain anonymous.)
Block 8. – Enter the mailing address where you would want the IG to send official letters.
Block 9. –Ask yourself, “What do I want the IG to do for me?” Write your answer in clear and concise language in this block. Remember, the IG cannot direct actions be taken; cannot force a commander to change policy or make a decision; or cannot look into issues with other forms of redress available, such as OERs, NCOERs, UCMJ actions, FLIPLs, enlisted reductions, Article 15 action or pending discharge actions.
Block 10. – Ensure to check either “Yes” or “No” if you have/ have not contacted your chain of command or another agency concerning your request. If “No”, explain why not. If “Yes”, include who you have contacted about the issue (1SG, Commander, chain of command, finance, etc.) and list the dates and results. Typically, your chain of command should first be given the opportunity to address any issues you may have. Additionally, other agencies such as ICE Comments; EO; SHARP; Trial Defense Services; etc., may be more appropriate to address some issues.
Block 11. – Gather your thoughts, notes and supporting documents and write all information that is relevant to your request in this block. Be specific and include as much detail as possible to include dates, names, and contact information.
Block 12. – Ensure to check either “I do” or “I do not” /consent to release my personal information and consent to release the supporting documents outside of IG channels.
Block 13. – Ensure to check either “I do” or “I do not” /consent to release of supporting documents I provided to the IG. Instructions for Completing the DA Form 1559
Block 14. – If possible, digitally sign or print and manually sign the form. (Unless you wish to remain anonymous.)
Block 15. – Enter the date you prepared and signed the form.
Block 16. – Do not fill out this block as it is only for IG use. If you need additional pages to detail
your complaint, click the continuation page button on the bottom right of the form for up to ten (10)
continuation pages. If you selected to use a continuation page, ensure you Initial and date each
continuation page.