Coast Guard: Inspector General Oversight of the Coast Guard and Other Military Services
Fast Facts
The Coast Guard is the only military service under the Department of Homeland Security—the other military services are under the Department of Defense.
Congress asked us to compare DHS's and DOD's inspector general oversight structures for military services. We found both similarities and differences.
For example, both offices of inspector general operate independently of their respective departments but vary in personnel and budget size. Additionally, each DOD service except for the Space Force has its own OIG, while the Coast Guard does not. There are also differences in the types of audits and other oversight activities.
A sign that says U.S. Department of Homeland Security and United States Coast Guard.
Highlights
What GAO Found
The U.S. Coast Guard is the only military service that is a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rather than the Department of Defense (DOD). Thus, the operations and oversight of the Coast Guard are established separately from those of the other military services. The DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) oversees the Coast Guard in addition to other DHS components. The DOD OIG oversees the other military services—the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force. In addition, each of those military services—except the Space Force—has its own dedicated service-level OIG.
There are both similarities and differences in the structure of how DHS OIG oversees the Coast Guard compared to the OIG oversight structure for the other military services. For example, DHS and DOD OIGs both operate independently of their respective departments. However, military service OIGs do not have the same statutory independence provisions. Additionally, DHS OIG conducts all oversight, including audits, inspections, evaluations, and investigations, whereas these same activities are divided among DOD OIG and the military service OIGs. Finally, the OIGs vary in personnel and budget size, as do the services they oversee.
Why GAO Did This Study
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 includes a provision for GAO to compare the DHS OIG's oversight structure for the Coast Guard to the DOD and the military service OIGs' oversight structure for other military services.
To compare oversight structures, GAO analyzed data and reviewed statutes, policies, and procedures for OIGs at DHS, DOD, and each military service. GAO also reviewed policies and procedures for oversight activities, including audits, inspections, evaluations, and investigations. Further, GAO spoke to officials in each OIG to ensure appropriate understanding of roles and responsibilities of the various OIGs.
For more information, contact Heather MacLeod at macleodh@gao.gov.