Enforcing Standards

Enforcing Standards — Foundation and Complaints Resolution Program

Standards Begin with Accountability

Individual Accountability Foundation

Enforcing military standards begins with individual accountability.

Beyond Legality

There are some activities and behaviors that, while arguably not illegal, are nevertheless inconsistent with maintaining good order and discipline.

Understanding Helps Prevent

Understanding the restrictions and our responsibilities for adhering to USAF standards will help prevent the need to reinforce these standards.

Air Force Complaints Resolution Program

AFCRP = Leadership Tool

The Air Force Complaints Resolution Program is a leadership tool that indicates where command involvement is needed to correct systematic, programmatic, or procedural weaknesses.

Why Resolution Matters

Resolution Prevents Worse

Resolving the underlying cause of a complaint may prevent more severe symptoms or costly consequences, such as:

Reduced performance
Accidents
Poor quality work
Poor morale

What the Program Ensures

What AFCRP Ensures

The program also:

Ensures the effective and efficient use of resources
Resolves problems affecting the Air Force mission promptly and objectively
Creates an atmosphere of trust in which issues can be objectively and fully resolved without retaliation or fear of reprisal
Assists commanders in instilling confidence in Air Force leadership

Even Unsubstantiated Allegations

Unsubstantiated Findings Value

Even though allegations may not be substantiated, the evidence or investigation findings may reveal:

Systematic problems
Morale issues
Other problems impeding efficiency and mission effectiveness

Enforcing Standards — Submitting Complaints and Other Channels

Right to File Without Reprisal

Right Without Reprisal

Under the Air Force Complaints Resolution Program, a member has the right to present a complaint without fear of reprisal and is codified in Department of Defense and Air Force guidance directives and instructions.

Submission Methods

Complaints may be submitted:

In person
By phone
Through electronic means
In writing

Recipients

Complaint Recipients

To:

Supervisors
First sergeants
Commanders
Members of any level of the IG system
Someone higher in the chain of command
Members of Congress

Resolution at Lowest Level

Lowest Level First

While members should attempt to resolve complaints at the lowest possible level before addressing them to higher level command or the IG, public law states that NO PERSON may restrict a military member from making a lawful communication to:

An IG
A member of Congress

Member Reporting Responsibility

In addition to having the right to present personal complaints, a member has the responsibility to report through appropriate supervisory channels or the IG:

FWA, or gross mismanagement
A violation of law, policy, procedures, instructions, or regulations
An injustice
Any abuse of authority
Inappropriate conduct
Misconduct

Whistleblower Protection — IG Only

IG-Only Whistleblower Investigation

Only the IG may investigate allegations of reprisal and restriction under the Military Whistleblower's Protection Act.

Other Grievance Channels

Matters normally addressed through other established grievance or appeal channels may be referred back to the appropriate grievance or appeal channel unless there is evidence these channels mishandled the matter or process.

Evidence Required

Mishandling Evidence Required

Complainants must provide some relevant evidence that the process was mishandled or handled prejudicially before an IG channel will process a complaint of mishandling.

Disagreement ≠ Mishandling

Dissatisfaction or disagreement with the outcome or findings of an alternative grievance or appeal process is NOT a sufficient basis to warrant an IG investigation.

Reference

AFCRP Reference

For additional information on procedures for filing an IG complaint:

- DAFI 90-301, *Inspector General Complaints Resolution*