Press Release: Whistleblower Restriction Investigation: 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Grissom Air Reserve Base (DODIG 2024 132)

Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released the report "Whistleblower Restriction Investigation: 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Grissom Air Reserve Base," substantiating a complaint alleging that a U.S. Air Force Reserve senior enlisted airman restricted a junior enlisted airman from lawfully communicating with an inspector general by coercing her to cease communications with an inspector general regarding reports related to sexual assault.

"It is critically important that individuals be able to come forward to report concerns to appropriate oversight authorities. Whistleblowers must be able to communicate freely with an inspector general or member of Congress without interference or fear of reprisal. The DoD Hotline-which the DoD OIG administers-provides a safe and reliable way for DoD employees, contractors, and others to report suspected wrongdoing."

The DoD OIG investigation in this case substantiated the allegations that the subject restricted the complainant from communicating with an inspector general and recommended that the Secretary of the Air Force take appropriate action against the subject for doing so.

"In this case and others like it, the DoD OIG Whistleblower Reprisal Investigations Directorate helps enforce the important requirements for ethical conduct," added IG Storch. "A robust whistleblower program that protects a Service member's right to report allegations of wrongdoing is essential to a culture of transparency and accountability, and without ensuring individuals can come forward without fear of reprisal, the DoD could suffer decreased morale, diminished public trust, and ultimately fail to fulfill the mission."

The DoD OIG will monitor the implementation of the recommendation in this report.