SOUTHCOM Inspector General

Inspector General, U.S. Southern Command

Army Col. Eric W. Nylander

Mission

The U.S. Southern Command Inspector General (IG) provides support to the Combatant Commander by serving as an extension of his eyes, ears, voice and conscience. The IG serves as an impartial fact-finder and problem solver – the “honest broker.

Responsibilities

The Inspector General provides assistance, conducts inspections, investigations and inquiries and teaches and trains in order to enhance mission readiness and improve the effectiveness, efficiency, discipline and morale of the units and Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coastguardmen, and civilians assigned or attached to SOUTHCOM.

When You Decide to Contact Your IG

Be honest and don't provide misleading information. IGs will discover the truth and there are penalties for providing false information. We will ask if your chain of command is aware about your claims.
Remember the IG can only resolve a case on the basis of fact. Your claim that a supervisor has violated the rules doesn't make it fact. A claim must be supported with evidence. The more evidence you provide, the better we can help resolve your claim.
Don't expect instant action on your request..............be patient. Inquiries take time and IGs tend to be very thorough before making recommendations.
Understand that the outcome of your case might not be what you expected, but the IG will always explain why.
Give your chain of command a chance to solve the problem. Many issues must be addressed to the chain of command for resolution first.

Did You Know?

IGs are not policy makers. If a policy is flawed, you can submit proposed changes to the proponent agency IAW each Service procedures.
IGs can only recommend, not order a resolution. Only commanders can order; the role of the IG is to advise the commander.
IGs give answers to clients and the Chain of Command while protecting confidentiality to the maximum extent possible, but confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.