Military Whistleblower Reprisal Investigations Oversight Issues and Inspector General Guidance

Whistleblowers play an important role in safeguarding the federal government against waste, fraud, and abuse. However, reporting wrongdoing outside the chain of command conflicts with military guidance, which emphasises using the chain of command to resolve problems. Whistleblowers who make a report risk reprisal from their unit, such as being demoted or separated. DOD's Office of Inspector General's (DODIG) is responsible for conducting and overseeing military whistleblower reprisal investigations. This book examines the extent to which DOD met statutory notification and internal timeliness requirements for completing military whistleblower reprisal investigations; DODIG's whistleblower case management system supports oversight of reprisal investigations; and DOD has processes to ensure oversight of service IG-conducted reprisal investigations. It also describes best practices for conducting military reprisal and restriction intakes and investigations.