Q&A: IG talks shop Published Feb. 10, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Lt. Col. Lynne Hull, the 419th Fighter Wing inspector general, spent 21 years as a maintenance officer dealing with the inner workings of aircraft, but during the past four years she's focused on the inner workings of work places as the wing's IG. Hull recently sat down with me to talk about the ins and outs of the position. Why is the IG important? I'm an official that people can talk to as their last resort when things aren't going well in their work environment. It allows members to seek protected help outside their chain of command. Many of these people wouldn't seek help otherwise. The IG's position is a vital voice for service members and it's rewarding for me to make a positive impact in a work center. What's your availability? I'm available from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during unit training assemblies, and I'm also routinely here during the regular work week. I can be reached at (801) 777-4192. What kinds of questions/concerns are most common? I've seen a variety of issues. Physical training test failures are probably the largest chunk, but there have been many others. Usually I run into perceived issues that are personal between workers and their supervisors. Members sometimes call it abuse of authority. Once a third party gets involved, we typically get it worked out. My primary concerns are retaliation or retribution for communicating a workplace concern. Tell me something people don't know about the IG's responsibilities. All communication with the IG is protected and confidential. You can't get in trouble for talking with me. How do reservists file an IG complaint? Members can call me and I'll meet them anywhere they feel comfortable, except at home. I log my communications into a protected data system that is monitored by the Secretary of the Air Force IG. The person can also fill out an AF Form 102 to submit a complaint. The complaint then becomes a formal investigation if it meets the IG criteria: retribution from a protected communication, retaliation from the chain of command or improper mental health evaluation. I'll try to help with any other issues as well whether they fit those three criteria or not. What are a reservist's responsibilities when meeting with you? Have your facts together and make sure you've thought your issue through logically. I often get cases where people have personalized things too much and haven't tried to see the side of the other person. I can't fix issues with just feelings and perceptions. I must have facts and some proof. How can commanders and supervisors support the IG office? The best way commanders and supervisors can support the IG system is to do their jobs with integrity and concern for their people. I always encourage commanders and leaders not be intimidated by the IG system. If one of their members is having a problem, leaders should want to know it. Also, leaders should always be willing to step in when times get tough and get help for people who may need it. With our mental health and suicide concerns throughout the military, leaders must not be timid about getting their people where they need to be to improve their lives. Sometimes that means they need to talk with mental health or other experts.