Preventing fraud, waste, abuse is everyone's job

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Pete Stapleton
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Inspector General
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Fraud waste and abuse quietly drains resources from Vance Air Force Base and the U.S. Air Force, impacts mission accomplishment and hits the taxpayer right in the pocketbook.

What is FW&A? Let's take a look at some definitions and examples.

Fraud is any intentional deception designed to unlawfully deprive the Air Force of something of value or to secure from the Air Force for an individual a benefit, privilege, allowance or consideration to which the individual is not entitled.

Such practices include, but are not limited to, making false statements, submitting false claims, falsifying records or diversion of resources for personal gain.

Waste is the extravagant, careless or needless expenditure of Air Force funds or the consumption of Air Force property that results from deficient practices, systems, controls or decisions.

Consider wartime and emergency operations when determining possible waste. For example, legitimate stockpiles and reserves for wartime needs, which may appear redundant and costly, are not considered waste.

Abuse is the intentional wrongful or improper use of Air Force resources. Examples include misuse of rank, position or authority that causes the loss or misuse of resources such as tools, vehicles, computers or copy machines.

Adherence to Air Force Core Values, especially the one dealing with Integrity, would greatly reduce FW&A.

Unlike days gone by, there are no mandated unit FW&A monitors. When it comes to FW&A, everyone is responsible for identifying and resolving FW&A issues.

Does this relieve management of its responsibility to prevent FW&A? Absolutely not. FW&A tends to increase when activities allow deviation from established procedures. Management must establish internal controls to prevent resources from being susceptible to FW&A.

Internal controls include personnel, accounting, administrative, technical procedures and physical barriers. When these internal controls are weak or absent, the unit is vulnerable to the "silent thief" of fraud, waste and abuse.

What should you do when you see a FW&A issue in your unit? First, contact your supervisor or the person responsible for the affected area. Work with that individual to resolve the problem.

The agency chief or commander is another source of resolution. If you sense a breakdown in the system, the Wing Inspector General, 213-6323, is always available to you.

Fraud, waste and abuse does occur in the Air Force and at Vance. It is every Airman's responsibility to prevent it and report it through appropriate channels.

Here are some reporting numbers to keep handy:
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Fraud, Waste & Abuse 24-hour Hotline -- 213-6300
  • Headquarters, Air Education and Training Command FW&A Hotline -- DSN 487-4460
  • Department of Defense FW&A Hotline -- 1-800-424-9098