Notes from the Inspector General: A Bright Future Built on Ownership, Professionalism, and Readiness - By Col Joe Winter, CAP/IG
As we move through the Year of Ownership, I remain incredibly proud of the progress the Civil Air Patrol Inspector General Corps has made in elevating our standards, sharpening our focus, and delivering greater value to our commanders, members, and mission partners. This is more than a seasonal effort—it is a lasting commitment to integrity, accountability, and mission excellence. The future of the IG program is bright, and that’s because of your tireless work.
Over the past several months, we’ve made significant strides toward improving both the structure and the substance of our program:
1. The Four-Tier Oversight Framework
The implementation of our new four-tier grading system has brought greater clarity, scalability, and consistency to how we assess and recognize compliance and readiness across CAP. This approach enables local-level flexibility while ensuring national-level standards are upheld across wings, regions, and our NHQ mission sets.
2. Smarter Questions, Stronger Validation
We’ve also rolled out updated and clarified SUI and CI inspection questions that better align with CAP’s operational priorities. These refinements aren’t just about compliance—they are about validating mission effectiveness and readiness in a meaningful way. Every inspection is now an opportunity to both assess and coach, not only identifying risks but also inspiring excellence. Stay tuned—as you’ll see, there will be even more updates to the CI and SUI question sets in the months ahead as we work closely with the NHQ OPRs to revamp and modernize the inspection elements fully.
3. Launching the New IG College
This summer marks a significant milestone with the launch of our new and improved IG College. Designed with operational relevance and learner experience at its core, this program integrates realistic scenarios, peer-to-peer collaboration, and mentorship from senior IG professionals. Whether you are just stepping into the IG role or deepening your craft, this schoolhouse is where our next generation of leaders will be forged.
4. One Voice for Concerns
We’ve also streamlined the process for our members to report concerns by establishing a single reporting channel for IG complaints, Equal Opportunity matters, and Cadet Protection Program (CPP) violations. This new Member Concern Reporting System enables us to more effectively triage, track, and analyze concerns—ensuring that no issue falls through the cracks and that every voice has a clear, safe path to be heard.
5. Elevating the Profession
Finally, we are investing in the professional development of our team. This year, key members of the CAP IG Corps will attend the United States Air Force Inspector General Schoolhouse, not only for Complaints Resolution training but also for Inspections training. These immersive programs connect our team to the broader Air Force IG community, helping us align with best practices across the Department of the Air Force. This investment is a testament to our shared commitment to professionalism and to a future where our members and commanders receive the very best from their IGs.
Looking Ahead
None of this happens without the dedication of an extraordinary team. Every complaint reviewed, every inspection completed, every member supported—these are the touchpoints that define our impact. This is hard, often thankless work, and I want you to know it does not go unnoticed.
Please join me in congratulating Lt. Col. Wayne Toughill on his selection as the 2025 CAP Inspector General of the Year. His leadership, work ethic, and example of integrity reflect the best of what we aspire to as an IG Corps.
As we head into the second half of the year, know this: the IG Corps is strong, focused, and future-ready. Together, we are building something enduring—a culture of ownership, a standard of excellence, and a program that genuinely serves the mission and our members.
Thank you for what you do every day. The best is yet to come.
Semper Vigilans!
The CommandeRS Corner – Items of Command Interest
COMPLAINT EXPECTATIONS - By Col Preston Perrenot, CAP/IGQ
I hear all sorts of descriptions of the Complaint Resolution System and how complaints are handled that are interesting. In this article, I’d like to share some of those descriptions and tell you how it works.
The CAP Security Forces and law enforcement. I had a complainant ask why we cannot submit our findings to a prosecutor and have the subject arrested. I believe I know where this confusion comes from. In the Air Force, the USAF Inspector General is also the commanding officer of the Office of Special Investigations (OSI), the USAF’s criminal investigation service. The CAP is the USAF Auxiliary, but CAP members are not military personnel and not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) so OSI does not have any more jurisdiction over us than any other non-USAF member. So, no. We don’t submit our cases to OSI. In fact, if there is a criminal aspect to a complaint, it is more than likely going to go to a local law enforcement agency than the Air Force. We do not submit cases to the prosecutor’s office because first, we are not a law enforcement agency and second, we are not the victims of a crime. And, if there is a criminal investigation or prosecution in progress, the IG will close the case and not be involved at all because the IG cannot run a complaint resolution concurrent to a criminal investigation. The CAP/IG has absolutely no law enforcement powers or authority. So, rest easy. The NCROs will not be issuing anyone a speeding ticket.
The CAP Intelligence Service. A cadet approached me furtively glancing around and whispered that he had information about a group of cadets that had formed themselves into a secret brotherhood, ala “Lords of Discipline.” When I asked him what they had done wrong, he replied “Nothing. But they may be preparing to do something.” We do not gather and maintain information for its own sake. Especially, information that does not allude to a violation of CAP regulations. The CAP/IG does not self-deploy, meaning that we cannot just go out and collect information whenever we feel like it. In order to conduct any investigation, analysis or other fact-finding operations, we must have a valid complaint or command inquiry order. The results of our inquiry, all of it, goes to the wing, region or national commander who ordered the inquiry or is the wing or region commander in the subject’s chain of command. There is no mysterious “outside the chain of command secret star chamber” hidden in the basement of NHQ where we meet in hooded black robes by candlelight to determine the fate of people named in the complaint.
Classified Information. I heard an NCRO respond to a question once by saying “That’s classified.” Okay. I know. It sounds cool but the fact is that the CAP/IG does not deal with classified information. We consider our reports and analyses confidential to protect the identity of complainants and witnesses from potential reprisal. The rest of the CR process, to include any adverse member or disciplinary actions, is transparent.
We report to the commander, just like everyone else. So, what is the difference between filing a complaint and taking the issue up the chain of command? The answer is information. The CR process depends on highly qualified and professional investigators to obtain and analyze evidence and apply that information to the regulations. In this fashion, the commander receives all the information available with which to make the best possible decision. We are not involved in the disciplinary process and are even prohibited from making suggestions or recommendations on disciplinary actions. Additionally, the analysis and investigation are done by an NCRO who is not in the same chain of command as the complainant or the subject so his/her perspective is that of an uninterested third party who is free of any potential undue command influence.
All CAP/IG investigations are administrative, meaning that they are more like an investigation into an employment grievance by a Human Resources Office than a criminal investigation by the police.
IG Development
Subordinate Unit Inspections By - Col Frank Eldridge, CAP/IGI
Discrepancy Tracking System(DTS)
During January 2025 IG Audience, I authored an article titled Entering Subordinated Unit Inspections (SUIs) into the DTS. Within this article, I would like to make a correction. The article stated “First, all SUIs must be entered into DTS regardless of whether there is a discrepancy. So, let's start with SUIs with no discrepancies. Proceed to the IG webpage within eServices and select DTS—SUI.” In the future, only SUIs with discrepancies will be loaded into the DTS. Therefore, if an SUI does not have any discrepancies, do not load it into the DTS.
Discrepancies in the DTS
A quick reminder, all discrepancies noted during an SUI are required to be annotated in the SUI report and uploaded into DTS. To include any discrepancy closed on-site. Without this information, any trend data being collected would be incomplete.
Inspecting Flights, School Squadron and Groups
Let’s first examine the requirements outlined in CAPR 20-3, paragraph 9.4. Units such as flights, school squadrons, and groups may have different structures and therefore may operate in a manner that varies. WG/CCs, in consultation with their region commander, will determine which tabs are inspected for these units, as needed. Nothing in this paragraph suggests waiving the entire SUI for these units. So, the question is, which inspection tabs are to be inspected. We can argue that every inspection tab should be examined. Of course, several tabs may already be marked N/A. Example B1 – Cadet Programs (if the flight or group does not have assigned cadets), D7 – Supply (if the unit does not have any equipment assigned), or D8 – Transportation (if the unit does not have a CAP vehicle assigned). Based on the above, none of these require a waiver.
However, suppose a wing commander believes an inspection tab is not required to be inspected, based on the mission and/or responsibilities of the unit. In that case, they can waive the inspection tab(s) in consultation with the region commander. If this is the case, a waiver letter should be established by the wing commander and endorsed by the region commander. As a best practice, the letter should be filed with the SUI as an attachment.
Compliance Monitoring Dashboard
If you are not aware, a Compliance Monitoring Dashboard can be found in eServices under Command. This was developed several years ago but was not completed and is no longer current. We are aware of this dashboard and will take steps to bring it current with the inspection tabs.
E-1 Command Worksheet
Effective as of June 1, 2025, the SUI Worksheet, Question 7, was deleted. This question asked, “Are all Sub-Unit compliance inspection worksheets, unit details, data, and other deliverables provided IAW CAP regulations?” IAW CAPR 20-3 para 9.7.3. This requirement did not go away. As we advance, if a question requires the unit to provide a document and the document is not provided by the 10-day suspense, a discrepancy will be noted under the specific inspection tab/question with the additional comment “Missing documentation” or “No documentation provided.” If the documentation is provided prior to the end of the on-site inspection, the discrepancy can be closed on-site.
EXAMPLE:
(Discrepancy): [xx] (A1 Question 02) Unit failed to have internal Aerospace Education efforts, IAW CAPR 50-1 para 5.
- No documentation provided
- This discrepancy was verified and corrected - discrepancy closed, no further action required.
SUI Reports
How long should the wing maintain SUI reports? You keep all SUI reports; do not delete previous reports. These are maintained in eServices, under Inspector General, Inspections, Report Upload – Other.
Teammate Spotlight
Meet the National Inspector General of the Year - Lt Col Wayne toughill pawg
In 2006 Wayne Toughill, an experienced pilot, joined Doylestown Composite Squadron in Pennsylvania Wing. For the next five years he served as the unit's deputy commander for seniors and various other staff roles. His particular areas of focus were Flight Operations (Master rated) and Emergency Services (Senior rated). He progressed steadily in Professional Development, completing the Gill Robb Wilson Award in 2017.
As a Major, Toughill accepted the responsibility of Wing Inspector General in 2011. He quickly became known for an IG program characterized by effectiveness and efficiency. His approach emphasized training for his inspectors and support for the squadrons and groups undergoing inspection.
Toughill is an innovative thinker. Most recently he created a Subordinate Unit Inspection In- Brief, based on the Compliance Inspection In-Brief used by CAP and CAP-USAF when inspecting wings.
Toughill adapted the process for use with groups, squadrons and flights. The briefing provides units with a full picture of the inspection, as well as clear guidance on the path to success.
Toughill shared his concept with his fellow Northeast Region Wing IGs during a presentation earlier this year.
Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2014, Toughill has received further recognition for his service to Civil Air Patrol. He was NER IG of the Year in 2018 as well as this year. He has received an Exceptional Service Award and three Commander’s Commendations.
Lt Col Toughill is the fourth NER Wing IG to receive the National Inspector General of the Year Award in the past ten years, joining Lt Col Rob Roy (2016, Connecticut Wing), Lt Col Bruce Roy (2019, Connecticut Wing) and Maj Ash Chicooree (2022, New Hampshire Wing).
National Inspector General College 2025 By - Col Daniel Leclair, Deputy Inspector General for Training, Education, and Staff Development
The National Inspector General College 2025 is not just an event, but a significant milestone in the Civil Air Patrol Inspector General's professional development. It is a culmination of their career and educational journey, where they will have the opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of skills and knowledge. This is a moment our IG’s apply the concepts they have learned to a real-world problem or situation, showcasing their practical application and critical thinking.
The in-residence IG College for 2025 is a unique and exciting opportunity, a privilege for our IG community. It will take place on July 25, 26, 27, and 28, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. This marks the first face-to-face National Inspector General College (NIGC) since 2018, and the first in-residence NIGC since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two online (Zoom) sessions will be held before the face-to-face session (f2f) in San Antonio, Texas, which all students will attend online. The first session is on July 12 (Saturday) at 11 am (ET) for two hours. This session will focus on complaints, a key aspect of the in-residence part, and will be led by Col Perrenot (CAP IGQ) and staff. The second session is on July 19 (Saturday) at 11 am (ET) for two hours. This session will be on compliance, another crucial element of Inspector General duties, and will be led by Col Eldridge (CAP IGI) and staff. All IG College students, either in the complaints or inspection track, must attend these two online sessions regardless of which track they are on. A Zoom Meeting link will be provided to NIGC students.
After the two online sessions, we will transition to the in-residence part, or face-to-face (f2f) session, of the college. The in-residence part will take place from July 25 (arrival) to July 28 (departure), with f2f sessions on July 26 and 27. There will be two tracks at the IGC: complaints and compliance. In addition to attending the plenary session at the beginning and end of each day, students will be in their respective tracks, led by the NHQ IGI and IGQ. IGC Students must have completed the introductory (initial) course and advanced course in their respective track to attend.
We are eagerly anticipating the outcomes of the NIGC 2025. We look forward to working with our IG students at this resurrected event, and we will be sure to report the outcomes in the next IG Audience. Our IG students' participation and contributions are highly valued, and we are confident that this event will be a resounding success.
Results of Wing/Region-Level Compliance InspectionsWING CI DATES RESULTS -
Organization - Date - Rating
- SD - 12 - 13 April 25 - Highly Effective
- NM - 3 - 4 May 25 - Effective
- TN - 17 - 18 May 25 -Marganially Effective
Upcoming Wing/Region-Level Compliance Inspections
Organization - Date - Cycle 7
- ME 27 - 28 June
- GA 12 - 13 July
- OR 2 - 3 August
- AR 30 - 31 August
- LA 20 - 21 September
Contact Us!
CAP/IG: Col Joe Winter at ig@capnhq.gov
CAP/IGD: (Principal Deputy) Col Russell Chazell at igd@capnhq.gov
CAP/IGQ (Complaints): Col Preston Perrenot at igq@capnhq.gov
CAP/IGI (Inspections): Col Frank Eldgidge at igi@capnhq.gov
CAP/IGT (Education & Training): Col Dan Leclair at igt@capnhq.gov
THE AUDIENCE EDITOR: Col Cheryl Fielitz-Scarbrough at cfielitzscarbrough@cap.gov
Credits:
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