Beginning this spring, the Army announced that current and former Army inspectors general can wear the Inspector General Identification Badge. VIEW ORIGINAL
WASHINGTON –- Beginning this spring, Army inspectors general can wear a new identification badge to increase their visibility among Soldiers and Army civilians, the service announced today.
The Inspector General Identification Badge, or IGIB, features a blue and gold design with the IG branch insignia at its center. The U.S. Army Institute of Foundry designed the badge and lapel pin based on inputs by the Army’s Office of the Inspector General.
The badges give IGs greater visibility and showcases their services to the Army, as well as paying tribute to the role’s rich history of the IG system. The only special duty governed by the secretary of the Army, inspectors general have served as the leading standard bearers of the largest military branch since 1777.
According to Inspector General Lt. Gen. Donna Martin, IGs serve as the “eyes, ears and conscience” of Army commanders.
“This badge makes them visible to people: our Soldiers, families, and civilians,” said Sgt. Maj. Larry Orvis, the IG sergeant major. “We thought it was important to look to our past for the design in order to highlight the historical value of IGs to Army readiness and its people since 1777.”
The IGIB uses a modified design from the badges IGs wore in the early 1900s. IGs have historically worn identification badges until recent years. Current and former inspectors general will be authorized to wear the badge, which will be available at military clothing stores this coming spring. Wearing of the badge will be optional.
Inspectors general have served as an impartial advisors while providing installation commanders with objective assessments on critical matters.
“[IGs] are impartial fact-finders and problem solvers who use policy and guidance to render assistance or provide answers,” Martin said. “Commanding generals also use IGs to objectively look at processes and systems before they become challenges.”
In 2019, the Office of the Inspector General performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of privatized housing within Army installations after an order from Army senior leaders. The office based the conclusions on data collected from more than 1,000 surveys and over 200 interviews with garrison commanders and housing employees.
Highly qualified applicants who hold the rank of captain and above, chief warrant officers 2 and above, sergeants first class and above, or civilians can apply to be inspectors general. Each applicant must be nominated by branch managers or their local commanding general.
Nominees must undergo a thorough screening process and will be required to complete a three-week course at The Inspector General School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. For more information, visit https://tigs-online.ignet.army.mil/.
“Today’s inspectors general are chosen based on a track record of trustworthiness, superior conduct, and knowledge of Army regulations, policies, and procedures,” Martin said. “IG duty is a career-broadening experience that prepares officers, warrant officers and senior NCOs for more responsibility in future assignments.”
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