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 ,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: