Reprisal – ‘An act of retaliation.’ Members of the armed forces shall be free from reprisal for making or preparing to make a protected communication. For example, if an individual submits an IG complaint against his/her supervisor cannot be reprised against. No person may take (or threaten to take) an unfavorable personnel action, bad Enlisted Performance Report; or withhold (or threaten to withhold) a favorable personnel action, promotion, as reprisal against a member who submits a complaint. Military and civilian members who violate this prohibition are subject to prosecution and/or disciplinary and administrative action.
A member of Congress and their staff member, an IG and their staff member, personnel assigned to DoD audit, inspection, investigation, law enforcement organizations, EEO, Safety, family advocacy, any person in the member’s chain of command, Command Chiefs, and First Sergeants may receive protected communication (this list is not all inclusive and the circumstances of each case will determine if there is a protected communication).
No one should feel dissuaded or afraid of what might happen to them if he/she submits a complaint. It may sound like a cliché, but the IG is here to help you and make our processes better. If you have any questions feel free to contact them at (775) 788-9353.