Established in 1982 under the Inspector General Act of 1978, 5 U.S.C. §§ 401–424, and implemented by DoD Directive 5106.01, the Department of War Office of Inspector General (DoW OIG) operates as an independent and objective agency within the Department. Through impactful audits, evaluations, and investigations, the DoW OIG plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and upholding the Department’s duty to the warfighter and the American taxpayer. As the principal advisor to the Secretary on matters of fraud, waste, and abuse, the DoW IG is charged with the following core responsibilities, to:

• Recommend actions aimed at promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of DoW programs and operations.
• Inform the Secretary and Congress about issues and deficiencies concerning the administration of Department programs and operations, as well as the need for and progress on corrective actions. Provide a semiannual report to Congress, which is also available to the public.
• Serve as the Lead Inspector General or Special Inspector General for overseas contingency operations, coordinating whole-of-government oversight and reporting quarterly to Congress and the public on each operation.
• Help ensure ethical conduct by initiating and supervising investigations into allegations of senior official misconduct, whistleblower retaliation, and restriction of a Service member from making official communications to Congress or an Inspector General.

To fulfill its statutory functions, the DoW OIG has broad access to Department programs and can issue subpoenas for documents and witness testimony in accordance with the IG Act.

* Pursuant to Executive Order 14347, “Restoring the United States Department of War,” September 5, 2025, the Department of Defense Inspector General (DoD IG) and Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) use the secondary titles of the Department of War Inspector General (DoW IG) and Office of Inspector General (DoW OIG), respectively. The use of these secondary titles does not in any way affect the primary statutory title or authorities of the DoD IG under The Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended (5 U.S.C. Chapter 4, Inspectors General), or the authorities or responsibilities of the DoD IG or DoD OIG pursuant to any laws, regulations, or policies.