Abuse of authority is further defined as it relates to personnel. It is an arbitrary or capricious exercise of power by a military member or a federal official or employee that adversely affects the rights of any person or that results in personal gain or advantage to themselves.

An allegation is a statement or assertion of wrongdoing by an individual that is formulated by the IG. An allegation contains four essential elements: who, improperly, did what or failed to do, in violation of an established standard. Allegations are refined by the IG based upon evidence gathered during the course of an investigation or inquiry.

MAJCOM, FOA, DRU, NAF, Center, installation and wing commanders; State Adjutants General; IGs in authorized positions at MAJCOM, FOA, DRU, and NAFs; or any Installation/Wing or State level IG the commander or State Adjutant General designates in writing to act as Appointing Authority. Appointing Authorities have the authority to direct investigations, appoint Investigating Officers (IOs), and make final determinations on the findings of IG investigations directed under their authority.

IG assistance is the simple process of making phone calls, asking questions, or soliciting helpful information from appropriate offices or agencies or putting complainants in touch with people, offices, or agencies who can address their concerns. Assistance is used when there is no evidence or allegation of wrongdoing and only assistance is required to remedy the problem.

Chain of command begins with that officer who has properly assumed or been appointed, in accordance with applicable National Guard regulations, in immediate command over the individual concerned, and includes all superior commanders over such individuals.

Any individual making an allegation against a National Guard member, program, or organization. This may be any individual including military members, civilian employees, retirees, family members, or other third parties that request to use the IG complaint system.

A complaint is dismissed if a complaint analysis determines it is not appropriate for IG investigation because:

1. It discloses no recognizable wrong or violation of law, policy, procedures, or regulation.

2. It is not timely -- was not filed within 60 days of the complainant learning of the alleged wrong and there are no extraordinary circumstances justifying the delay or any special Army interest in the matters alleged.

3. It is without merit, frivolous, and cannot be referred.

Any intentional deception designed to unlawfully deprive the National Guard of something of value or to secure from the National Guard for an individual a benefit, privilege, allowance, or consideration to which he or she is not entitled. Such practices include, but are not limited to:

1. The offer, payment, acceptance of bribes or gratuities or evading or corrupting inspectors of other officials.

2. Making false statements, submitting false claims or using false weights or measures.

3. Deceit, either by suppressing the truth or misrepresenting material facts, or to deprive the National Guard of something of value.

4. Adulterating or substituting materials, falsifying records and books of accounts.

5. Conspiring to carry out any of the above actions.

6. The term also includes conflict of interest cases, criminal irregularities, and the unauthorized disclosure of official information relating to procurement and disposal matters. This can include any theft or diversion of resources for personal or commercial gain.

A management action or inaction that creates a substantial risk of significant adverse impact on the agency's ability to accomplish its mission. It is more than mere, trivial wrongdoing or negligence. It does not include management decisions that are merely debatable, nor does it mean action or inaction that constitutes simple negligence or wrongdoing. There must be an element of blatancy.

A duly authorized, systematic, detailed examination to uncover the facts and determine the truth of a matter. IG investigations are administrative in nature -- they are fact finding rather than judicial proceedings. They are not criminal proceedings in which proof beyond a reasonable doubt is required. Rather, the standard of proof that applies is proof by a preponderance of the evidence.

A clinical assessment of a service member for a mental, physical, or personality disorder to determine the member's mental health status and fitness for duty. It does not include interviews under Family Advocacy programs or Drug and Alcohol Abuse Rehabilitation programs.

Improper conduct undertaken (1) with the knowledge the conduct violates a standard or willful disregard for that possibility; (2) with the intention to harm another; or (3) for the purpose of personal profit, advantage, or gain.

A referral is a complaint that is designated to be more appropriately handled by an organization or agency outside the Georgia National Guard IG system.

Reprisal is taking or threatening to take an unfavorable personnel action or withholding or threatening to withhold a favorable personnel action on a military member for making or preparing a protected disclosure.

A form of sex discrimination that involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

A complaint is transferred when a complaint analysis determines an IG other than the one receiving the complaint should resolve it.

Discrimination on the basis of color, national origin, race, religion, sex, disability (against civilian employees), or age that is not authorized by law or regulation.