Mission focus - reporting FWA

  • Published
  • By Mr. Larry Tunnicliff
  • 460th Space Wing Inspector General
As each year passes, it seems the Air Force faces more resource cuts both in people and money. 

One way to positively impact our mission capability is to prevent fraud, waste and abuse or gross mismanagement that can result in the loss of precious resources.

It is every government employee's, military and civilian, duty to promptly report FWA or gross mismanagement. Anyone, including dependents or relatives of active duty members, retirees or civilians with no Air Force affiliation may file FWA disclosures.

How is FWA defined? Fraud is any intentional deception designed to unlawfully deprive the Air Force of something of value or to secure from the Air Force for individual benefit, privilege, allowance or consideration, to which he or she is not entitled.

Waste is the extravagant, careless or needless expenditure of Air Force funds or the consumption of Air Force property that results from deficient practices or decisions.

Abuse is considered intentional wrongful or improper use of Air Force resources. This includes misuse of rank, position or authority that causes the loss or misuse of resources such as tools, vehicles, computers or copy machines.

Cases of FWA must be reported to the Inspector General, command or grievance channels as soon as suspected. The sooner a complaint is filed, the better the chances are to resolve the matter.

No matter what type of issue one faces, whether FWA or a personal complaint, it is best to attempt resolution at the lowest possible level of the chain of command.

The installation IG, Office of Special Investigations, audit agency, security forces and legal office, all have an active FWA program that fosters open channels of communication to help prevent and eliminate FWA and gross mismanagement.

No one can be reprised against for making an FWA complaint. In other words, it is unlawful for anyone to take unfavorable action; threaten to take unfavorable action; or withhold or threaten to withhold favorable action against anyone for making or planning to make a lawful FWA disclosure to any responsible management official.

Complaints of FWA may be made directly, anonymously or on behalf of another.

There are also programs available where financial awards are provided for reporting FWA such as the Air Force Suggestion Program (AFH 38-403); Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program (AFI 38-401); and the Zero Overpricing Program (AFMAN 23-110, Vol. 7, Part IV).

It is critical today more than ever to be part of the solution and help stamp out FWA. Call the 460th Space Wing Inspector General FWA Hotline at 720-847-9278 for any complaints.

Other FWA hotlines are:
Air Force Space Command FWA hotline: Comm. 719-556-4142 or DSN 834-4142.
Secretary of the Air Force FWA hotline: Comm. 703-588-1562 or DSN 425-1562.
Department of Defense FWA hotline: 1-800-424-9098.