Job: Inspector general, First Army, Fort Gillem
What I do: Anyone in the military knows what inspection means: spit and polish and attention to detail.
Col. Wes Weiner, inspector general for the First Army based at Fort Gillem in Forest Park, has conducted his share of inspections in his nearly 30 years in the Army; he's less concerned about the polish and more concerned about the detail.
Weiner, 53, leads a team of 12 people — noncommissioned officers, retired military personnel and civilians — who inspect, investigate, assist and train Army, Reserve and National Guard units throughout the country.
Weiner also is a key aide to the First Army's commanding officer, Lt. Gen. Russel Honore.
As part of his job as inspector general, Col. Wes Weiner makes sure that Army regulations are followed.
"The Army IG serves to extend the commanding general's eyes, ears, voice and conscience in peace and war to help create a more knowledgeable, credible organization," Weiner said.
That means inspecting the units to make sure they properly "account for federal funds and property," as well as ensuring that they adhere to a myriad of regulations and procedures; investigating complaints of impropriety or of failure to follow regulations; assisting soldiers and their families; and training the units on how to do things the right way.
It was inspectors general who recently uncovered misspending by civilian contractors in Iraq, and IGs were involved in the investigation into conditions at Walter Reed hospital in Washington, D.C.
Weiner takes pride in small accomplishments as well, such as making sure that soldiers who are married to each other and are assigned to Iraq or Afghanistan together can share quarters when they are deployed.
"I get to make a difference," he said. "Morale is up, and they're ready to go. . . . Assistance energizes us as IGs, especially in a time of war, when it's critical."
What got me interested in this: Weiner's father was an Army veteran of World War II, but Weiner joined the Army to pay for college. While he took ROTC classes at Santa Clara University in California, he was an enlisted soldier for about 18 months before attending Officer Candidate School, where he was commissioned.
In ROTC, "I learned about the culture of the Army," he said. "I liked joining a large team."
He became an inspector general about four years ago, after being nominated by his superiors in Europe, where he was stationed as the executive officer of a battalion.
"It's a rewarding way of giving back to soldiers," he said.
Best part of my job: "I can't measure the satisfaction" when he helps resolve problems and gets positive feedback. "Seeing the difference you make with soldiers and their families is memorable. You see a 180-degree attitude change. They are more committed to serve their country."
Most challenging part: "Having to leave home for two weeks a month," he said. But, Weiner noted, separation is part of military life; his wife is a retired Army intelligence officer and former IG.
What people don't know about my job: "Many civilians don't know that IGs provide assistance to command," he said.
People also may not know that an inspector general isn't necessarily a general. The Army has only two generals who are IGs: the inspector general for the entire Army and his or her deputy.
What keeps me going: "Soldiers, family members and civilians thanking my people," Weiner said.
Preparation needed for this job: Inspectors general can be senior noncommissioned officers; commissioned officers, usually captains or above; or civilians. All should have command or leadership experience. A prospective IG must be nominated, pass a rigorous background check, adhere to Army values of integrity and honor, be well-rounded and have a disposition to help people, Weiner said.
Weiner has spent nearly 30 years in the Army and is approaching mandatory retirement. He has served in Germany, Bosnia, Morocco, Texas and Georgia. Besides being an IG, he also has been an air defense unit commander and a public affairs officer.
He earned his bachelor's degree in management from Park University in Missouri and a master's in health services management from Webster University, a worldwide university based in St. Louis.
- By Karl W. Ritzler, for ajcjobs. Got an interesting job that you love? E-mail your story to jobseditor@ajc.com.