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Frequently Asked Questions
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How should complaints be filed?
Helpful Hints for your complaints.
Who may file U. S. Army Cadet Corps IG complaints?
What type of complaints are appropriate?
When are IG complaints appropriate?
Where (i.e., "With whom") should complaints be filed?
How should complaints be filed?
- You should provide factual and relevant information related to the issue or complaint. These can be mailed or faxed to the appropriate IG.
- Complaint letters should be signed, legible (preferably typed), and reproducible. They should include your rank/grade, name, brigade, organization or unit, home address, as well as home and work phone numbers. Complaints sent via electronic mail (e-mail) will not be accepted.
- List all your allegations briefly however, be specific - avoid broad generalizations. For example, do not write, "My commander is a poor manager and abuses his subordinates." Instead, provide the name and rank of the specific person(s) you believe have done something wrong. Cite the specific instance(s) of wrongdoing. For example, state, "On 2 Dec 98, Major John P. Jones, Commander, Military Cadets of Any Location, directed C/PFC Glen Allen, C/Sgt James Barker, and me to wash his POV."
- Briefly describe the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. Multiple allegations must be clearly delineated so they can be easily recognized.
- When you file an IG complaint you are making an official statement. Therefore, you are subject to punitive action if you intentionally make false statements. When you sign your complaint letter, you should fully understand that you are accountable for knowingly making untruthful, malicious, libelous or slanderous statements.
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Helpful Hints for your complaints.
- All complaints must be in writing and must be signed. They can be delivered by mail, fax, or in person. We cannot follow up on verbal or e-mail complaints.
- Provide the IG with specific information about the alleged wrongdoing (See The Complaint Process for more info).
- Provide a list of any other witnesses as well as their personal contact information.
- National HQ is the final authority for complaint resolution.
- Under no circumstances should you contact the media, or any of the military branches about an internal U. S. Army Cadet Corps problem. This will only serve to bring discredit to the U. S. Army Cadet Corps, and could result in your removal for failure to follow chain of command, and U. S. Army Cadet Corps regulations.
- Be patient. The IG staff must be thorough in their investigations in order to provide proper service to all members involved.
- If the outcome of an investigation does not go the way you hoped, you do have a right to appeal to the next higher level of command (until you reach National level). Keep in mind that if you were unable to prove your case at a lower level, then investigators at a higher level (thus further removed from the people involved) may or may not decide differently. The IG must work with what they are able to prove. Make sure you provide as much information as possible.
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Who may file U. S. Army Cadet Corps IG complaints?
Any U. S. Army Cadet Corps member, Military member, or civilian may file an IG complaint. Depending on the circumstances, the IG may also accept complaints from parents, dependents, or other relatives of U. S. Army Cadet Corps members. However, it's always best for the actual "victim" or person who witnessed the alleged wrongdoing to file the complaint. If you have a concern and are unsure if you should file a complaint, contact an IG for guidance. (See ACAINST 5041.2, Complaints)
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What type of complaints are appropriate?
Violations of law or U. S. Army Cadet Corps directives, Fraud, Waste, Abuse (FWA), mismanagement, injustices, and deficiencies should be reported through the appropriate grievance channels - in other words, all acts of wrongdoing. The subject of your complaint must be an U. S. Army Cadet Corps unit or person to justify investigation. Bear in mind, however, the fact that you may disagree with your supervisor(s) over management styles or have what you believe is a "personality conflict" does not constitute an injustice or mismanagement. If you are not sure you concern is a reportable matter, contact an IG for guidance. (See ACAINST 5041.2, or contact us.)
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When are IG complaints appropriate?
Individuals should attempt to resolve problems or personal complaints at the lowest possible level, using command channels before elevating them to the next higher level or to the IG. Further, complaints must be promptly filed within IG, command, or other grievance channels. IGs may dismiss a complaint if there is no recognizable wrong or violation of law, regulation, or policy. Also, complaints more than 60 days old will normally be dismissed, unless there are extraordinary circumstances or special U. S. Army Cadet Corps interests to justify an investigation. Remember, the sooner a complaint is filed, the better the chances are to resolve the matter. (See ACAINST 5041.2).
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Where (i.e., "With whom") should complaints be filed?
- If at all possible, you should first try to speak with the person whom you are having a problem with. It is possible that there is simply a misunderstanding that you can deal with on a personal level.
- If you don't make progress speaking with that person, you should report the problem to the lowest level commander (or their IG if applicable) who should be able to handle the problem. If you believe this commander is part of the problem, then submit your complaint to the IG or commander at the next higher level of command.
- If a policy directive or U. S. Army Cadet Corps instruction provides a specific means of appeal or redress of a grievance, you must exhaust those appeal procedures before submitting a complaint to an IG.
- If you believe that your complaint was handled inappropriately you should be prepared to provide some evidence that the process was mishandled or handled prejudicially before an IG will process a complaint of mishandling.
- Mere dissatisfaction with the outcome of an appeal is not sufficient basis for an IG investigation. (See ACAINST 5041.2).
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