Graphic used as the logo for the U.S. Army 2025 Inspector General of the Year Competition. The 2025 competition was held virtually from Aug. 4-7, 2025. Competitors were tested in Inspector General procedures, regulations, history, and completed several scenarios based on the four functions of the Army IG System: Teaching and Training, Inspections, Assistance, and Investigations. (U.S. Army graphic by Thomas Ruyle)
Jeffrey Johnson, a civilian inspector general assigned to the 81st Readiness Division in Columbia, South Carolina, earned the title of U.S. Army Civilian IG of the Year for 2025. The 2025 competition was held virtually from Aug. 4-7, 2025. Competitors were tested in Inspector General procedures, regulations, history, and completed several scenarios based on the four functions of the Army IG System: Teaching and Training, Inspections, Assistance, and Investigations. (U.S. Army photo)
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kocian, an inspector general assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, earned the title of U.S. Army Officer IG of the Year for 2025. The 2025 competition was held virtually from Aug. 4-7, 2025. Competitors were tested in Inspector General procedures, regulations, history, and completed several scenarios based on the four functions of the Army IG System: Teaching and Training, Inspections, Assistance, and Investigations. (U.S. Army photo)
Sgt. 1st Class Julissa Artis, an inspector general assigned to the Combined Arms Support Command at Fort lee, Virginia earned the title of U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer IG of the Year for 2025. The 2025 competition was held virtually from Aug. 4-7, 2025. Competitors were tested in Inspector General procedures, regulations, history, and completed several scenarios based on the four functions of the Army IG System: Teaching and Training, Inspections, Assistance, and Investigations. (U.S. Army photo)
WASHINGTON – Three Army inspectors general earned the title of Inspector General of the Year (IGOY) during a virtual competition hosted by the Department of the Army Inspector General from August 5-8, 2025.
Jeffrey Johnson, 81st Readiness Division, Columbia, South Carolina; Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kocian, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and Sgt. 1st Class Julissa Artis, Combined Arms Support Command, Fort Lee, Virginia, were named the winners after three days of challenging events.
Lt. Gen. Gregory J. Brady, The Inspector General, said, “I’m really proud of all the competitors for 2025 Inspector General of the Year. They represent the very best of how more than 1,500 IGs across the Total Army are strengthening our profession in support of total Army readiness and warfighting capabilities.”
A total of 17 IGs from across the Army – four civilians, five officers, and eight NCOs – competed in the event, which tested their knowledge of all aspects of the Army IG profession. The participants completed scenarios covering the core IG functions: Assistance, Inspections, Investigations, Teaching and Training, as well as a ‘mystery event’ which quizzed competitors on the history of the Army IG system.
Sgt. Maj. Delia Quintero, the IG Sergeant Major, said, “This year’s competition highlighted the personal discipline required of each IG to know and adhere to Army standards in support of organizational discipline that results in ready lethal units.”
The Army IG System’s mission is to “Provide impartial, objective, and unbiased advice and oversight to the Army through relevant, timely, and thorough inspections, assistance, investigations, and training to promote and enable stewardship, accountability, integrity, efficiency, good order & discipline, and enhance total Army readiness.”
Lt. Col. Brian Burton served as the officer in charge of the IGOY Competition. “Professions don’t just exist because we create them on paper, they require the existence of a unique culture,” Burton said. “Events like the IG of the Year competition help with ensuring that Army IG culture persists and thrives.”
The top finishers in each category went on to appear before a board comprising IG professionals of their respective category. The boards quizzed competitors on regulations, procedures, the four functions of the Army IG system, and day-to-day IG activities.
Johnson will receive a Civilian Service Commendation Medal; Kocian and Artis will receive Army Commendation Medals.
Shortly after being announced as a winner, Johnson said, “It was a very good board, very challenging. I think it was good for everyone.”
Artis was surprised at her selection. “It was definitely challenging. I didn’t expect it, but I wanted it, and I got it. Great job to everyone.”
Kocian noted the quality of the competition and contestants. “Being an IG is such a rewarding experience, and that was on display during all the events this week.”
Brig. Gen. Urbi Lewis, Deputy The Inspector General, addressed the competitors at the end of the competition. “Congratulations on reaching this level of recognition. The quality of your submission and dedication demonstrated throughout your career is nothing less than extraordinary,” Lewis said.
Mr. William E. Jenkins, the Principal Deputy to the Inspector General for Inspections, shared Lewis’s commendation. “This has been an exceptional week of competition, and I want to thank each one of you for an impressive display of professionalism, knowledge, and dedication,” Jenkins said.
Note: This story was updated to reflect Lt. Col. Kocian is based at Schofield Barracks, not Fort Shafter.
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