THE ROLE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL Learning Objective: When you finish this chapter, you will be able to— · Identify the purpose of the inspector general. The mission of the naval inspector general (IG) is to “inquire into and report” on any matter that affects the discipline or military efficiency of the DoN. One way  the  IG  can  fulfill  its  mission  is  by  providing  a method   of   receiving   and   investigating   reports   of f r a u d ,    w a s t e ,    m i s m a n a g e m e n t ,    a n d    r e l a t e d improprieties (wrong actions). Generally, the hotline is used when the chain of command cannot or will not take appropriate action. ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICIES Learning Objective:  When you finish this chapter, you will be able to— · Identify  the  consequences  of  alcohol  and  drug abuse. Our Navy is the most professional, highly trained, and capable force in the world and our Sailors function in   a   highly   complex,   technological   environment requiring   100   percent   of   their   mental   and   physical abilities.  Alcohol  and  drug  abuse  and  the  incidents  it causes impair our readiness and reduce the quality of life of our Navy team. All DoN bases/installations will strictly conform to the drinking age limitations of the state or country in which they are located, and under no circumstances will drinking be permitted below the age of 18. The perception  that  alcohol  is  central  to  our  tradition  is wrong.   Everyone   from   the   new   recruit   to   admiral must recognize the effect alcohol abuse can have on them, on others (including their families) and on their careers. Each  Sailor  is  ultimately  responsible  and  will  be held   accountable   for   their   own   actions.   Personal responsibility   means   no   drinking   and   driving,   no drinking to the extent that it impairs judgment (resulting in   irresponsible   behavior   or   incidents),   no   public drunkenness,  and  absolute  compliance  with  the  local laws  for  purchase,  possession,  and  use  of  alcoholic beverages. We   have   a   personal   responsibility   not   to   abuse alcohol. We also have a responsibility to our shipmates. Shipmates  take  care  of  shipmates.  All  of  us  must  be aware of the warning signs of alcohol abuse and must take positive steps to ensure shipmates stay on the right course.   Don’t   let   a   shipmate   drive   after   drinking. Shipmates who are drunk need to be watched and not left alone. Drug  use  is  incompatible  with  the  Navy’s  high standards   of   performance,   military   discipline,   and readiness.  The  Navy  has  a  “zero  tolerance”  policy, w h i c h    m e a n s    u s i n g    i l l ega l    d r u g s    o r    a bu s i n g prescription   drugs   will   result   in   being   discharged from the Navy. PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVACY ACT Learning Objective: When you finish this chapter, you will be able to— · Recall  key  provisions  of  the  Privacy  Act  and recognize its purpose. The  Privacy  Act  primarily  protects  the  rights  of personal  privacy  of  people  about  whom  records  are maintained by agencies of the federal government. In other words, the Privacy Act protects your privacy about your records the federal government maintains. It isn’t legal   for   an   agency   of   the   federal   government   to maintain records on people without announcing the fact in the Federal Register. If   your   duty   requires   you   to   keep   personal information  about  others,  keep  only  that  information that is needed to do what law requires. Remember, keep personal   information   private!   Don’t   disclose information about a person to any unauthorized person. If  you  make  an  unauthorized  disclosure,  you  may  be fined  up  to  $5,000.  If  you  maintain  records  on  your fellow Navy member, you have an obligation to protect this information from unauthorized disclosure. Also,   it’s   your   right   to   look   at   any   record   the Department  of  the  Navy  keeps  on  you.  You  have  the right to copy it and to request to have it corrected if you think it is wrong. 1-13 Student Notes: