FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – Nearly 50 inspectors general from around the Army convened here for the first-ever Army Command Inspector General Summit.
In her opening remarks to attendees, Lt. Gen. Donna W. Martin, the 67th inspector general, briefed on potential changes in IG policy, procedures and requirements, before assigning the IGs to working groups to analyze proposed revisions.
“This is your system. This is your process,” Martin said.
Over three days, the working groups examined ways to improve the inspections process, strengthen engagements with allied and partner-nation IGs, develop a mentorship program for new command inspectors general, and refine case referral systems and processes. One group was tasked with developing the implementation for tracking extremist activity reporting as directed by National Defense Authorization Act Section 554.
“Anytime we can connect IG leaders in the field with IGs who write policy, oversee processes and interact with Army senior leaders is time well spent,” said Rich Juergens, the deputy command IG for Army Forces Command. Juergens led the working group examining command-referred allegations processes.
Sgt. Maj. Larry Orvis, the IG sergeant major, encouraged the attendees to speak up, generate ideas and engage in meaningful analysis.
“Use this in-person opportunity to build relationships and share best practices,” Orvis said.
Orvis also briefed the attendees on several hot topics in the Army, such as upcoming changes to the Army Body Composition Program and the recently released parental leave policy.
IG leaders emphasized communication among IGs in the field, with discussion focusing on how to best keep the field informed of new developments.
Lou Bello, the deputy command IG for U.S. Army Cyber Command, said, “Wrestling with tough issues, endeavoring to solve complex problems, all geared toward enhancing Army readiness – that dynamic was on display during our three days together.”
Col. Scott Kirkpatrick, the commandant of the Inspector General School, lauded the efforts over the event.
“There were no easy topics presented during this event; all were complex conversations, and this forum brought the right levels of experience, education and IG acumen to the task,” he said. Kirkpatrick led the working group on allied and partner nation engagement.
IGs will continue to develop strategies for the topics noted above, with proposals and further discussion during the annual Worldwide IG Conference in May. The Command Inspector General Summit will also likely become an annual event.
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