Mission:
To inspect, investigate, and inquire into any and all matters of importance to the Department of the Navy (DON).
Statutory Authority:
U.S. Code, Title 10, Section 5014 (10 USC 5014) establishes NAVINSGEN as a component of the Office of the Secretary of the Navy. The Secretary is assigned sole responsibility for the Inspector General (IG) function and prescribes the relationship of the NAVINSGEN to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) while ensuring necessary NAVINSGEN support to each.
More specific details regarding NAVINSGEN duties are found in 10 USC 5020. When directed, NAVINSGEN is to inquire into any matter that affects the discipline or military efficiency of the DON. NAVINSGEN also cooperates with the Inspector General of the Department of Defense (DoDIG) on matters regarding DON. Additionally, NAVINSGEN must periodically propose programs of inspections and additional investigations to SECNAV.
Secretary of the Navy Authority:
SECNAV Instructions (SECNAVINST) that clarify NAVINSGEN missions or establish DON policy in areas relevant to NAVINSGEN functions are SECNAVINST 5430.7Q and SECNAVINST 5430.57G. SECNAVINST 5430.57G defines "Mission and Functions of the Naval Inspector General" within DON. Highlights are summarized below.
The Naval Inspector General is a line officer in the rank of Vice Admiral or higher who reports to SECNAV as the senior investigative official in DON. The Deputy Naval Inspector General is a Senior Executive Service (SES) civilian. IGs of Echelon 2 commands are assigned as additional duty to NAVINSGEN, and their appointments require NAVINSGEN concurrence.
NAVINSGEN has broad responsibilities for inspections, investigations, and area visits along with other related assignments. For example, NAVINSGEN is the DON Hotline Program and Whistleblower Protection Act Manager, maintains oversight of DON intelligence and special activities for regulatory compliance, and acts as the primary liaison for all DON activities with DoDIG.
Accredited NAVINSGEN personnel carry credentials signed by SECNAV granting unrestricted access to DON information and spaces. NAVINSGEN may task DON organizations for necessary support at the expense of the tasked organization.
NAVINSGEN reports are internal memoranda and constitute privileged information not releasable outside DON without specific approval.
The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) administratively designates the NAVINSGEN as N09G "Special Assistant for Inspection Support" and the Deputy Naval Inspector General as N09GB "Deputy Special Assistant for Inspection Support."
