IG Corner Published Oct. 7, 2010 By Lt. Col. Natalie Bonetti 341st Missile Wing Inspector General MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Common IG Complaints This month's feature is Fraud, Waste and Abuse, or FWA. A typical FWA complaint heard in the Air Force Global Strike Command IG community at Malmstrom is: "Someone's using government property/equipment for personal use in my unit." Evaluation of such complaints often uncovers an "unwritten" unit policy that government equipment can be used for personal business in the shop or at home. This is in direct violation of DoD and Air Force policy. Per DoD 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation, and AFI 23-111, Management of Government Property in Possession of the Air Force, the use of all Federal resources, including personnel, equipment and property, is limited to official purposes only. The Air Force policy on FWA specifically requires that all available means to prevent, detect and correct instances of FWA are used; that perpetrators be appropriately disciplined; and that losses of cash property and services resulting from FWA be recouped, if possible. Organizations are expected to minimize opportunities for fraud and ensure 100 percent accountability of government resources, from launch keys to office supplies, by instituting well-designed internal controls and limiting the ability of those in positions of authority to override existing controls. Building a culture of accountability, however, is not just a leadership responsibility. It is every member's duty and obligation to safeguard government resources and uphold the nation's confidence in our stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Those who don't will be held individually accountable. For questions or concerns about this or any other matter you think needs IG attention, contact your local IG office at 731-7076/7091 or 24-hour hotline at 731-6669.