![]()REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — For U.S. Army Inspectors General, completing the mandatory military basic course is the foundational requirement to wear the badge and serve the force. But for Major Jonathan Mole, deputy inspector general for the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command, the baseline was merely a starting point. Driven to elevate the command's oversight capabilities, Maj. Mole voluntarily stepped above Army channels to earn a coveted designation as a Certified IG Investigator by the Association of Inspectors General (AIG). While not required for active-duty IGs, this rigorous credential arms the USASAC IG office with interagency best-practices. Immersed in a diverse cohort spanning federal agency and military IGs, State IGs, and local/municipal law enforcement oversite agencies, Mole learned investigative techniques alongside peers under the instruction of seasoned experts— including the Palm Beach County Chief of Investigations with 25 years of FBI experience and former state-level IGs who served as federal prosecutors. In a tight-knit community of only about 1,500 total civilian and military IGs across the entire U.S. Army, expanding that high-level professional network carries immense value. "Maj. Mole’s recent training reflects the USASAC Office of the Inspector General's commitment to continuous professional development and a constant drive to improve the delivery of our four core functions: inspections, assistance, investigations, and teaching and training," said Lt. Col. Michael Anderson, USASAC IG. By mastering advanced techniques in areas that include procurement fraud, computer crime, and employee misconduct, Mole ensures the "eyes, ears, and conscience" of the USASAC Commanding General operate at the highest possible standard. "Obtaining this certification wasn't just about adding another credential to a resume; it was about sharpening the office’s tools to better serve both leadership and employees/Soldiers alike,” said Mole. “When our Soldiers, leaders, and Civilian workforce know they have impartial, highly trained professionals to turn to for assistance or report misconduct, trust is reinforced across the entire enterprise." The AIG program plunged Mole into the complexities of modern inquiries, trends across the whole of American government, investigative standards, and interdisciplinary collaboration with auditors and prosecutors. "Through this training, Maj. Mole gained valuable insight into current trends, techniques, and observations from the field, helping the office build on existing practices in support of USASAC leaders, Soldiers, and civilians,” said LTC Andersen. “Whether refining methods for planning investigations, designing inspections, or incorporating cutting edge best practices, the training enhances our processes and reinforces our role as impartial fact-finders." This recent achievement is the latest addition to an extensive portfolio of specialized training. Mole has consistently built upon his foundational knowledge, having previously completed the US Army IG Basic and Advanced courses, the Department of War Whistleblower Reprisal Course, and earning the designation as a Certified IG by AIG. That rigorous preparation is put to work daily, ensuring the office is equipped to provide top-tier services to the command. Unlike oversight bodies that solely investigate fraud, waste, and abuse, Mole noted that the Army IG structure uniquely incorporates a vital assistance function. Serving Soldiers, families, spouses, retirees, and contractors, the office acts as a navigational resource when personnel face issues locally or at distant installations—ensuring no member of the command ever has to navigate a crisis alone. Ultimately, Mole and Andersen stand ready to resolve Army-related problems, safeguarding the integrity of USASAC's global mission. Need Assistance or Want to Connect? USASAC personnel looking to connect with the IG team can access the office’s dedicated SharePoint page at https://armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/IG/. For the broader public, persons seeking assistance can visit the HQDA IG page at ig.army.mil.