Department of Defense
DIRECTIVE
NUMBER 5505.06
June 6, 2013
IG DoD
SUBJECT: Investigations of Allegations Against Senior DoD Officials
References: See Enclosure 1
1. PURPOSE. This directive reissues DoD Directive (DoDD) 5505.06 (Reference (a)) to
establish policy and assign responsibilities for reporting and investigating allegations of
misconduct against senior DoD officials in accordance with the appendix to Title 5, United
States Code (also known as the “Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended,”) and DoDD
5106.01 (References (b) and (c)).
2. APPLICABILITY
a. This directive applies to the OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the
Inspector General of the Department of Defense (IG DoD), the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field
Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (referred to collectively in this
directive as the “DoD Components”).
b. Nothing in this directive will affect the authority of the DoD Component heads to initiate
inquiries or investigations into matters pertaining to their Component and to determine the nature
and severity of disciplinary or administrative action in particular cases, consistent with DoD
5500.07-R (Reference (d)) and DoD Instruction (DoDI) 5505.03 (Reference (e)) or other
applicable laws, rules, and regulations. However, DoD Components will not initiate an
investigation into such allegations against senior officials without first reporting the allegations
as required and then coordinating with IG DoD.
3. POLICY. It is DoD policy that:
a. Allegations of misconduct against senior officials will be reported to the IG DoD within 5
workdays of receipt by a DoD Component. Except in unusual circumstances, the IG DoD will
notify the appropriate DoD Component or Components when an investigation is initiated.
Allegations of misconduct against senior officials will be vigorously investigated by appropriate
investigative organizations.
