Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a shakeup of the Pentagon’s inspectors general system, including a ban on anonymous complaints lacking “specific, credible evidence of wrongdoing.”
Mr. Hegseth said “activists, poor performers, and malcontents” hijacked the IG system by filing frivolous complaints that gummed up the works.
“Commanders were contending with attorneys and human resources functionaries,” he said this week. “Commanders are now back in charge.”
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A military inspector general conducts independent audits, evaluations, and investigations to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement within programs and operations.
Mr. Hegseth called the IG restructuring “No More Walking on Egg Shells” and said commanders have the authority to identify problems early and uphold high standards in the ranks. He said that means no more IG inquiries based on “speculation, personal gripes, or hearsay.”
“Anonymous complaints will only be considered when they allege fraud, waste, and abuse or when anonymous allegations provide specific, credible evidence of substantial wrongdoing,” he said. “Otherwise, no more baseless anonymous complaints.”
On Wednesday, Mr. Hegseth joined the crew aboard the homeward-bound USS Abraham Lincoln, which set a record of 265 uninterrupted days at sea in support of the U.S. war against Iran in the Middle East. The deployment drew national attention following reports of crew stress and poor mental health, as well as supply shortages, including food and hygiene products.
Mr. Hegseth flew out to the ship Wednesday before its arrival Thursday in San Diego.
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