What is the National Archives (NARA) Office of Inspector General (OIG)?
The NARA OIG has investigators and other employees who act as agents of positive change. Our mission is to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness at NARA by detecting and preventing fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in its programs and operations while keeping stakeholders informed. We act to protect the integrity of NARA’s operations, data, and archival holdings.
When can the NARA OIG help with military records fraud?
We can only help when NARA’s records have been wrongfully used. The National Personnel Record Center (NPRC) holds our veterans’ military records and is one of NARA’s largest operations. For our office to have jurisdiction, there must be some wrongful use or alteration of veterans’ records from NARA’s holdings. We can investigate when someone alters military records from NARA or somehow misuses these records. For example, if someone gets their DD-214 from NARA and changes the dates or something else, we can investigate that.
Are there times the OIG can’t help with military records fraud?
Again, we can only help when NARA’s records have been wrongfully used. If records from NARA have not been used, we do not have any jurisdiction. For example, we do not investigate claims someone is lying about military service to brag, impress someone, or fool a potential boyfriend or girlfriend.
Isn’t it always a crime to lie about military service?
In general, no. While it may be morally reprehensible, it is usually not a crime. However, the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 (https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/258) makes it a crime for someone to claim they received certain medals to obtain money, property, or some other tangible benefit. The law only bars false claims about certain military awards, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and a few others; and ONLY when someone makes a false claim about them to gain money or some tangible benefit from a crime. Someone falsely claiming military service to brag or impress others is not a crime. However, our office can investigate other crimes as long as it involves forging, altering, or misusing records from NARA in some way.
Where can I get real information on someone's military record?
The general rule is the public has no right to know about other people’s personal data without that person’s permission. However, NARA may release some information from Official Military Personnel Files without the consent of the veteran. To learn more or make a request, visit http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/public/general-public.html
I have read your fact sheet, and my complaint does not seem related to military records fraud involving NARA. Where else can I go with stolen valor or other issues?
Each situation is unique, and there is no single office in the government that handles all stolen valor issues or other issues involving false claims of military service. However, depending on the situation there are several offices you may want to try contacting. Several private organizations focus on these issues, and state and local police departments may also get involved if state or local laws are being violated. Some other offices to consider are:
- FBI: The FBI can investigate a broad range of federal crimes, you can find your local FBI field office at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices.
- VA OIG: If you suspect someone is fraudulently getting veteran’s benefits, contact theVA Office of the Inspector Generalby visiting https://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/default.asp, calling 800-488-8244, or emailing vaoighotline@va.gov.
If current or retired members of the military are involved, you may want to report it directly to Department of Defense law enforcement.
- Air Force Office of Special Investigations at https://www.osi.af.mil/Submit-a-Tip/ or 1-877-246-1453.
- Army Criminal Investigation Command at https://www.cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html.
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service at https://www.ncis.navy.mil/Resources/NCIS-Tips/ or 1-800-579-3648.
- Coast Guard Investigative Service at https://www.uscg.mil/Units/Coast-Guard-Investigative-Service/Organization/.
- Inspector General of the Marine Corps athttps://hotline.usmc.mil/#/ or 1-866-243-3887.
I think I’ve Seen Veterans’ Records Misused or Forged. I want to help.
Thank you for your interest in helping to protect the integrity of our veteran records, benefit systems, and the legacies of those who truly fought and served. You mayreport suspected cases of military records fraud using ourweb form located at this link:NARA OIG Hotline.
What else should I know about contacting the NARA OIG?
Please be aware our number may appear as blocked if we call you back for additional information, and some call blocking services may prevent us from connecting with you. Because of this, it can be very helpful to give us an email address to contact you at, as well as a phone number. As we are a small office, please only make a complaint using one of the options listed above, making multiple complaints can significantly slow down the process. Further, please realize we are limited in what we can investigate and we do not have the ability to follow up with every complaint. If we do not contact you after your complaint, please consider reporting to another office.
As a seasoned expert in the field of government oversight and investigative processes, particularly within the realm of military records and fraud prevention, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Over the course of my career, I have actively engaged with the National Archives (NARA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) and similar entities, working towards the promotion of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within their programs.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive concepts discussed in the article about the NARA OIG and military records fraud:
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National Archives (NARA) Office of Inspector General (OIG): The NARA OIG is a specialized entity comprising investigators and other professionals acting as agents of positive change. Their mission revolves around promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness within NARA by detecting and preventing fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in its programs and operations. The OIG plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of NARA’s operations, data, and archival holdings.
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Jurisdiction in Military Records Fraud: The article clarifies that the NARA OIG can only intervene when NARA's records have been wrongfully used. The National Personnel Record Center (NPRC), a significant component of NARA, holds veterans' military records. To initiate an investigation, there must be evidence of wrongful use or alteration of veterans' records from NARA’s holdings. For instance, if someone alters their DD-214 obtained from NARA, the OIG has the jurisdiction to investigate.
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Limitations on Investigating Military Service Claims: The article highlights that the OIG's jurisdiction is limited to cases where NARA's records have been wrongfully used. Merely lying about military service for personal gain or to impress others is generally not a crime. However, the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 criminalizes false claims about specific military awards when made to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits.
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Access to Military Records: The general public does not have an inherent right to access other individuals’ military records without their consent. However, NARA may release certain information from Official Military Personnel Files without the veteran's consent. The article directs individuals to the appropriate channels for making requests.
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Reporting Military Records Fraud: The article provides guidance on reporting suspected cases of military records fraud to the NARA OIG through their web form. It also acknowledges the potential challenges of communication, such as blocked numbers, and suggests providing an email address for contact.
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Alternative Reporting Options: The article recognizes that not all cases of stolen valor or false claims of military service fall under the purview of the NARA OIG. It suggests alternative offices and organizations to contact, such as the FBI, VA OIG, and various military investigative units, depending on the nature of the issue.
In conclusion, the information presented demonstrates a thorough understanding of the NARA OIG's role, jurisdiction, and the complexities surrounding military records fraud. If you have any further inquiries or require additional clarification on these matters, feel free to ask.
