In today’s post, I want to discuss the Army Inspector General Oath of Office. All Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, NCOs, and DA civilians serving as IGs and administrative support staff members must take the IG oath prior to assuming their new duty position.
The oath exists in three variations: detailed or assistant IG, temporary assistant IG, and acting IG. The “core” language is the same for each oath; the only difference is the nature of the individual’s Inspector General duty that prefaces the core language. The oath reminds all IG personnel—regardless of category—of the special trust and confidence inherent in their positions.
Inspector General Oath of Office
I, ___________, having been assigned in the office of an Inspector General, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I accept the special obligations and responsibilities of the position freely and I will uphold the standards for Inspectors General as prescribed by regulations and I will, without prejudice or partiality, discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter. So help me God.
Who Administers the Inspector General Oath?
Typically the Senior Commander is responsible for administering the oath to all qualifying personnel in the Inspector General Office. When possible, the Commander does this in public, where and when witnesses are present. When the commander cannot do it, the Command IG will administer the Inspector General Oath to the IG personnel. The only rule is that “temporary” or “acting” IG cannot administer the oath to others. Also, contractors working in the Inspector General Office do not take the oath. When commanders do a change of command, the new commander normally re-administers the oath to all qualifying Inspector General Personnel.
Inspector General Certificate
After taking the Inspector General Oath, personnel will receive an Inspector General Certificate. This is published on DA Form 5097.
Final Thoughts
The Inspector General is a very important position. Whether you are the boss, or a staff member in the Inspector General Office, make sure you take your job seriously.
Do any of you work within the Inspector General office? Tell us about the seriousness of this job please. What did it take for you to attain the position?
If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, you can post those below. I will do my very best to answer any, and all questions. Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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Reading this explanation of the Inspector General’s duties regarding the oath of office and request to take the position seriously reminds me of my Girl Scout days from age 8 to 17. I pledged the following so many times: “On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.” Those words in the first three phrases still guide my life and the actions I strive to take. We took it seriously back then, and I take them seriously now.
The Army Inspector General Oath of Office certainly highlights the intensive responsibilities held by IG personnel. As for re-administering the oath when there is a change of command, it seems very appropriate given the new leadership. Too often people maintain allegiances to old managers/leaders. Retaking the oath could help cement the reality of the greater purpose being served.