WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – An unnerving experience in uniform a few years ago inspired one Airman to move from the medical field into the 88th Air Base Wing’s Inspector General Office.
“I’ve been in in the Air Force 16 years and decided to make this career transition to help people after personally having to utilize the Inspector General Complaints and Resolutions Program,” said Master Sgt. Brandi Gray, who arrived at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in July 2021 and served as Women’s Health Clinic flight chief with the 88th Surgical Operations Squadron until becoming inspector general superintendent last August.
“Generally, it’s easy to expect our community of servicemen and women to share somewhat similar morals and ethics, but that’s not always the case. We often forget that as individuals, we are a composite of society, and though we are called to serve, service to country doesn’t automatically equate to good character.”
The personal incident happened before her WPAFB assignment. At the time, she was attached to the 336th Recruiting Squadron and working in the northern suburbs of Atlanta.
As a recruiter and master sergeant select, Gray was stood at the “position of attention” by a technical sergeant flight chief and given a letter of counseling based on a “disrespectful demeanor and substandard effort to mission accomplishment,” she recalled.
“Respect has always been and always will be a two-way street, yet I was serving in an environment where the flight chief felt it was OK to speak to me in a rude manner based on his positional authority,” she said. “Unfortunately, situations like this happen frequently in our military community – and often with the expectation the subordinate should allow it. After firmly advocating for myself and pushing back on the insults, I found myself in a precarious situation, one where my career was being threatened for not ‘drinking the Kool-Aid.’
“After serving in the complaints and resolutions program here, and understanding the complaints process, I know my situation was not handled appropriately.”
Within 88 ABW’s IG office, Gray said she used that experience to assist Airmen and civilian personnel in a positive light, encouraging them to advocate for themselves and use the multitude of available resources.
IG’s wide range of services
From organizational reviews and looks at potential violations of policy and regulation to investigations into allegations of fraud, waste and abuse, the IG office provides several key services to units and individuals at Wright-Patterson AFB.
For instance, routine inspections can help evaluate unit programs for compliance, efficiency and effectiveness. Gray says this is particularly significant toward Airmen readiness and preparedness.
“Just as important, we offer unit training and education to help positively guide employees in the realm of ethics, essentially to promote an optimistic culture of integrity and responsibility,” she added. “Overall, I would say the impact the IG office has in promoting transparency, accountability, integrity and effectiveness is crucial to accomplishing the mission.”
As IG superintendent, Gray’s responsibilities included staying current on Air Force instructions and collaborating with other wing agencies to address concerns and recognize the potential for improvements. The position also entails analyzing trends, preparing reports, and providing leadership and guidance to the IG team.
She said switching to a special-duty position often brings higher expectations but doesn’t change the foundations of being an Airman.
“The superintendent role is administratively fluid, and a typical day depends on the workload and responsibilities,” Gray said. “Often, the days encompass case reviews, data analysis, training and outreach. Some days involve meeting with base personnel and base stakeholders to further foster healthy working relationships.”
Wendy Larson, 88 ABW’s inspector general, said Gray brought unique skills, contributions and perspectives while continuously improving IG’s services at WPAFB.
“The superintendent role is critical to our mission – as they are the only uniformed member in our small office of eight. We all have served and worn the uniform, but for the wing, they are the only visible connection, especially for our young Airmen,” Larson said.
“Master Sgt. Gray’s poise and presence, and her ease with interacting with our total force Airmen, was impressive – and helped sustain our positive reputation.”
When should you go to the IG?
The ability to genuinely listen to a complainant and dissect the multiple layers of their situation through communication is the most rewarding part of the job, Gray said.
But how do you know when it’s time to file a formal complaint?
“If someone is experiencing issues and problems at work and they have tried everything within reason to resolve the issues, perhaps it is time to consider contacting one of several referral agencies available on and off base to discuss your concerns,” said Dennis Lange, the IG office’s chief of complaints. “I have come to the conclusion that unresolved and perpetuating issues never get better and can manifest themselves in ways we can be unaware of.”
Personnel should consider seeking assistance and advice early on to maximize options and prevent a situation from evolving into something more serious, he added.
“In many cases, it may take the form of unresolved or elevated stress, adverse actions and family discord,” Lange said. “The office of the IG is always available to listen, talk, discuss options and provide advisement. All conversations are protected and remain within the office unless you decide to file a complaint. But even in this situation, a person can file an anonymous complaint to protect their identity.
“If you are struggling with an unresolved situation, consider seeking help and advisement early on with an appropriate referral agency. It will potentially reduce unnecessary frustration, stress and potential adverse actions.”
Lange said Gray’s presence was critical in maintaining IG’s inherent responsibility to serve Airmen and connect with base military personnel.
“She not only carried the message to the troops but kept our office informed regarding an ever-changing military structure and organization,” he said. “Her presence at commander’s call, professional-enhancement seminars and leading one-on-one complaint-resolution discussions were instrumental in promoting our IG mantra: ‘We are here to help.’”
Becoming a better supervisor, person
This summer, Gray is taking on a new assignment at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, and return to the aerospace medical service technician career field. She will serve as Warrior Operational Medical Clinic Flight chief with the 18th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron.
However, she says she’ll cling to lessons drawn from the temporary career transition over the past year.
“I’ve learned the continued importance of communication and the value in listening,” she said. “I think communication can be difficult sometimes, and my only hope is that having served as the IG superintendent makes me a better supervisor and overall, a better human.”
For Airmen and civilian personnel facing difficult or stressful career or work predicaments – as she did a few years ago – Gray offered some advice from the Inspector General Complaints and Resolutions Program perspective.
“Although we do not serve as an advocate for the member, we are a helping agency that assists individuals in navigating distressed situations, and we have a good team here at the 88th Air Base Wing that does just that,” she said. “What I would tell anyone in any situation is to be an advocate for yourself because no one will take care of you better than you.”
The IG is available to listen to any complainant, regardless of status or the issue. That includes active duty, retirees, spouses, civilian employees and contractors.