Read before filing

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.  Also, filing an IG complaint will not normally delay or prevent completion of command actions such as reassignment, retirement, discharge, non-judicial punishment, etc.  IGs do not have the authority to place individuals on administrative hold; that authority rests with commanders and your Service’s personnel center.

Be prepared to explain why you believe any responsible official knew of the protected communication/disclosure before taking any personnel actions against you.

• For Military Members: A personnel action is defined as any action that affects or has the potential to affect the member’s current position or career. Such actions include promotions; disciplinary or corrective actions; transfers or reassignments; performance evaluations; decisions on pay, benefits, awards, or training; referrals for mental health evaluations; or any other significant changes in duties not consistent with the member’s grade. This is not an exhaustive list.
   
• For Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Employees: A personnel action is defined as an appointment; promotion; disciplinary or corrective action; a detail, transfer, or reassignment; a reinstatement, restoration, or reemployment; a decision concerning pay, benefits, awards, or training and education (education or training must reasonably be expected to lead to an appointment, promotion, or other action described here); any other significant changes in duties or responsibilities inconsistent with the employee’s salary and grade level.
   
• For Defense Contractors and Subcontractors: Prohibited actions include discharging, demoting, or otherwise discriminating against an employee. Whether an unfavorable action was taken or threatened, or a favorable action withheld, is fact-dependent and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Have documentation for each personnel action available to submit, if available. You are encouraged to read the applicable definitions and filing requirements specific to your employee status for more details.
   
• For Appropriated Fund Civilians: A personnel action is defined as an appointment; promotion; disciplinary or corrective actions; details, transfers, or reassignment; reinstatement; restoration; reemployment; performance evaluation; decisions concerning pay, benefits, awards, or education and training (education or training must reasonably be expected to lead to an appointment, promotion, performance evaluation, or other action described here); an order to psychiatric testing or exam; implementation or enforcement of a nondisclosure policy, form, or agreement; and significant changes to duties, responsibilities, or working conditions.
   
• For Employees of the Intelligence Community: The term “Personnel Action” means an appointment, promotion, detail, transfer, reassignment, demotion, suspension, termination, reinstatement, restoration, reemployment, or performance evaluation; a decision concerning pay, benefits, or awards; a decision concerning education or training if the education or training may reasonably be expected to lead to an appointment, reassignment, promotion, or performance evaluation; a decision to order psychiatric testing or examination; and any other significant change in duties, responsibilities, or working conditions