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 Lt. Col. John L. Ralph, CAP 

Lt. Col. John L. Ralph joined the Civil Air Patrol in December 1994 and previously, was a cadet from 1968 to 1972. He is currently serving as the Washington Wing Inspector General.  Previous positions have been Washington Wing Assistant Emergency Service Officer, Group Emergency Service Officer and Squadron Commander at Mt. Rainier Composite Squadron in Puyallup Washington. He was born and raised in Washington and lives in Graham Washington with his wife Karin and his service dog Daisy.

Professional education includes an Associate of Applied Science degree from Green River Community College and a graduate of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Apprentice Program. He was also certified as a Nuclear Assistant Shift Test Engineer and Hull Propulsion and Auxiliary Test Director. He honorably retired after 37 years of Federal Service.

As an active CAP Senior member, Lt. Col. Ralph has served as Assistant Medical Officer at numerous summer encampments, was an instructor at numerous wing CLC’s and SLS’s and  an instructor at the Washington Training Academy.

Mission qualifications have included Ground team member 1, 2, 3, Ground team leader, urban direction finding, Ground Branch Director, Radio Operator, Communications Unit Leader. He has participated in numerous SAR EX’s and actual missions, and has participated three times on a Ground Branch Director team at three graded SAR evaluations receiving a grade of Outstanding. He has also attended the Inland SAR School.

Senior level training includes completion of level 4 of the Professional Development Program, additional courses include Inspector General College, O. R. M. and  Safety courses to name a few. Senior Specialty Track levels include; Master rating in Inspector General, Emergency Services, personnel, and Cadet Programs; Senior rating in Communications; Technician rating in Command.

Civil Air Patrol awards and decorations include; Commanders Commendation, Charles Yeager, Aerospace Education award, Find Ribbon, and Disaster Relief Ribbon with V clasp.

The Role of your Inspector General

Reference CAPR 123-1 (CAPR 20-1 is still under review)
Para 3.c.(1) Manage the Civil Air Patrol Inspection Program in coordination with the CAP-USAF/IG.
Para 3.c.(2) Manage the Civil Air Patrol Complaints Program to prevent, detect and correct any fraud, waste, mismanagement, deficiency, cadet protection issue, or abuse of authority, to include protection from retaliation or reprisal against persons utilizing the Civil Air Patrol Inspector General Complaints Program.

Processing a Complaint

Reference CAPR 123-2 (CAPR 20-2 is still under review)
Para 5. Complaints Processed Under Other Regulations.
The IG complaint program may not be used for matters normally addressed through other established grievance or appeal channels, unless there is evidence that those channels mishandled the matter or process. If a policy directive provides a specific means of redress or appeal of a grievance, complainants must exhaust those procedures before filing an IG complaint.

Para 7. Complaints Submission.
a. All complaints should be in writing, dated and signed by the complainant. E-mail and voice (telephone) complaints require a written follow up, with a signature, submitted (postmarked or hand delivered) within 8 days. Complaints must be accompanied by all available documentation in the possession or control of the complainant.
The CAPF 30 “IG Personal and Fraud, Waste & Abuse Complaint Registration Form” should be used as the summary page attached to the complaint letter.

Summary of Complaint Management:

- The Inspector General does not conduct investigations that fall under other regulations such as Safety (CAPR 62-1), Mishap/Accidents (CAPR 62-2), Discrimination (CAPR 36-2), or Property Management (CAPR 174-1).

- Any civil liberty violations, sexual harassment, and other criminal incidents are to be reported to and handled by non-CAP law enforcement agencies. These matters are to also be reported to the CAP General Counsel via the CAP IG.

- When in doubt ask for guidance, we are here to help. Any mitigating circumstances surrounding the situation, such as unclear or poorly drafted policy, inadequate training, or lack of proper supervision, should be noted for chain-of-command action.

- Filing a complaint with the Wing IG:
Step 1 – Review CAPR123-2 and review the regulations regarding the specific complaint (i.e. CAPR 52-16).
Step 2 – Contact the IG and present a precise allegation of wrong doing. Be concise and factual.
Step 3 – Submit a signed written complaint within 8 days. Include a CAPF 30 and copies of all supporting documentation.