IG Corner Published June 11, 2010 By Maj. Natalie Bonetti 341st Missile Wing Inspector General MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- What is "Reprisal"? Reprisal is defined as taking or threatening to take an unfavorable personnel action, or withholding or threatening to withhold a favorable personnel action against a military member for making or preparing a protected communication. Under Title 10, United States Code, Section 1034, a communication is "protected" when it concerns an activity reasonably believed to be a violation of regulations, mismanagement, a waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a threat to health, safety, or readiness AND it is made to a party who is authorized to receive protected communications. By statute, those who may receive protected communications include a member of Congress; any IG; any audit, investigation, or law enforcement representative; any person in the member's chain of command; first sergeants; Command Chiefs; or any established grievance system (i.e. Equal Opportunity). Reprisal occurs when a personnel action is taken that affects, or has the potential to affect, a military member's current position or career as a result of that member making a protected communication. What are the consequences for Reprisal? Military members who violate this prohibition are subject to persecution and/or disciplinary and administrative action under Article 92 of the UCMJ. DoD civilian employees (appropriated and nonappropriated fund) who violate this prohibition are subject to administrative or disciplinary action under Title 5, United States Code, Chapters 75 and 99 and DoD 1401.01-M, Personnel Policy Manual for Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities. What can you do if you become aware of reprisal or believe you've been reprised against? To report suspected Reprisal, contact your local IG office within 60 days of the occurrence at 731-7076/7091 or 24-hour Hotline at 731-6669.