U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The former U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School commander said goodbye to the Prep School this summer and began his new assignment as the Academy’s Inspector General.
Col. Gerald Szybist, a Class of 1991 graduate, leads a five-person team to fulfill IG duties across the Academy.
According to the Headquarters USAFA Inspector General web page, the IG here manages congressional inquiries, personal complaints, and Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA) programs for 4,700 personnel and 4,000 cadets.
“The main mission is to be the eyes and ears of the commander and to provide uninhibited access to report wrongdoings,” Szybist said. “We are in a position to advise the Commander if USAFA is on track with its priorities for the upcoming year. We can provide an external gauge of how well the mission is going.”
According to the IG, priorities for the upcoming year are focused on culture and climate; innovation and Integration; processes and communication; accountability; upholding standards; and knowing what “right” feels like.
“[The biggest struggle we face is] ensuring military and civilian airmen fully understand what the IG does and how we can help,” Szybist said. “We aim to make things better and be of assistance.”