REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- More than just the eyes and ears of the commander, the Expeditionary Contracting Command's Inspector General's Office serves both the commander and members of the command by performing four IG functions: inspection; assistance; investigation; and teaching and training for the specific purpose of enhancing the command's readiness and capability.

According to Lt. Col. Jvon Hearn, ECC IG, his staff provides assistance to Soldiers, family members, Department of the Army civilians, retirees and contract employees.

However, anyone may submit a complaint, allegation or request for infor-mation or assistance to any Army IG concerning any matter of Army interest.

Hearn said those coming into his office for assistance should be aware that there is a difference between an issue and an allegation.

"An issue is a complaint, request for information or request for assistance to the IG that does not identify the violator of a standard or policy. An allegation is a statement or assertion of wrongdoing by an individual in violation of a standard or policy formulated by the IG," he explained. "We're ready to assist because if it's a concern to one, then it could be-come an issue for all."

Teaching and training: IGs teach skills; provide information about Army systems, processes and procedures; and assess atti-tudes while assisting, inspecting and in-vestigating.

Inspections: All inspections start with compliance against a standard. IGs use the inspections function to measure per-formance against a standard to identify the cause of any deviation.

Assistance: Army IGs provide assist-ance on an area basis so that anyone can go to the nearest IG office to request help or information. IGs conduct assistance inquiries through an informal fact-find-ing process used to address requests for help or information.

Investigations: An investigation is a formal fact-finding examination into alle-gations, issues, or adverse conditions of a serious nature that provides the directing authority a sound basis for making de-cisions and taking action.

"We want to communicate with indivi-duals throughout the command," Hearn said. "By teaching and training and listen-ing during inspections, assistance and in-vestigations, we can help improve our readiness and capabilities."