U.S. European Command (press release), Germany
Nov 26 2008

U.S. European Command Inspector General hosts Armenian Ombudsman
Release Date: Nov 26, 2008

Air Force Lt. Col. David Cienski

STUTTGART, Germany ‘ The U.S. European Command Office of the Inspector
General hosted a visit by a delegation representing the Armenian Human
Rights Defender, or Ombudsman, and the Ministry of Defense Legal
department, here Nov. 17-20, 2008.

During the visit, the IG’s discussed current systems and
responsibilities in transforming militaries. Vic Jarrett, acting
Inspector General; Air Force Lt. Col. David Cienski, Chief of
Inspections; and Joseph Perez, Chief of Assistance and Investigations,
gave presentations as part of the Mil-to-Mil program funded visit.

The IG’s shared facets of the U.S. Inspector General model and
exchanged best practices and lessons learned directly with their
counterparts. The discussion also covered anti-corruption efforts,
military reform and human rights, and improving effectiveness of IG
systems.

The group consisted of three military attorneys from the Minsistry of
Defense, one attorney who is the military liaison to the Ombudsman,
and a translator from the Office of Defense Cooperation.

The delegation also met and discussed legal issues and roles with
EUCOM’s Staff Judge Advocate. Navy Capt. Del Crandall, Army Col. Craig
Meredith, Marine Lt. Col. Joe Perlak and Mike Mejia discussed legal
issues such as standards of conduct and the delivery of legal services
with the delegation.

"I only wish we had more time with them," Crandall said. "They were
engaged, energetic and very interested in what we had to say."

Plans are underway to re-engage with Armenia and other Black Sea
region Inspector General counterparts in a conference next spring in
Bulgaria.

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