Press Release: Whistleblower Reprisal Investigation: 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Carson, Colorado

Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released the report, "Whistleblower Reprisal Investigation: 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, For Carson, Colorado."

The DoD OIG conducted a whistleblower reprisal investigation in response to a complaint alleging that a U.S. Army Reserve officer removed an enlisted soldier from a deployment to the Middle East in reprisal for the complainant making several protected communications about a report of sexual assault. The complainant alleged that the removal made them ineligible for a temporary promotion. Additionally, the complainant alleged that, in reprisal, the subject recommended them for release from active duty.

"Reprisal in the DoD cannot be tolerated. Individuals who come forward to make protected communications of suspected wrongdoing should be able to do so without the fear of reprisal," said IG Storch. "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 substantiated the allegations that the subject removed the complainant from a deployment to the Middle East and recommended them for release from active duty in reprisal for making protected communications. However, the investigation did not support allegations that the subject's actions hindered the complainant's eligibility for promotion.

The DoD OIG recommended that the Secretary of the Army take appropriate action against the subject for reprisal against the complainant.

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

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