Do you have to ‘swear’ to do your job?

***image1***Most Soldiers arrive at their new duty stations, in-process and go to work. To be an inspector general requires one more step – swearing in.

Sgt. 1st Class Linda Bockenkamp was sworn-in as an IG by Maj. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine, commander, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, May 19, on Panzer Kaserne.

The IG serves as the extension of the commander’s eyes, ears, voice and conscience. 

“We are here to assist in inspections, investi-gations, teaching and training,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mario Griffin, 21st TSC assistant IG.

“The IG gets nominated, approved and goes through a special screening process,” said Sergeant Bockenkamp. Once assigned as an inspector general, the IG swears an oath in recognition of special trust and honor to the commander. “The oath was established in 1981 to strengthen the bond between the commander and the IG,” she said.

It’s imperative IGs maintain a distinction between working for the commander and their duty to serve as fair fact-finders and problem solvers. IGs assist Soldiers, family members and civilians and deal with a wide range of issues.

“It is a good experience for Soldiers who do it, because they help people and they get to know different problems,” said Sgt. Maj. John Reynolds, 21st TSC IG.

“Sometimes it takes a while to solve a problem; the IG has to look up information in regulations, has to do research before telling the individual any solution,” said Sergeant Reynolds. “It’s good to have senior people within the IG office who have an idea how to help, how to deal with an issue.”
 
It is crucial to inform the community about the presence of the IG.
 
“We conduct visits throughout the units and we are part of a weekly command briefing,” said Sergeant Griffin. 

The 21st TSC IG can be contacted at 0631-413-7075 or 484-7075.

“We let them know that we are here; an IG is here to help,” said Sergeant Reynolds.