CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The office of the 437th Airlift Wing inspector general has two different and unique functions we provide the wing. We are given the responsibility of running the complaints resolution program for the wing commander, but we are also responsible for the exercises and inspections program. This is the function that is currently getting the most attention due to our upcoming unit compliance inspection.
Exercises and inspections is broken up into two functions: the exercise program where we test our readiness for various emergency situations and the inspections program, where we examine our units ability to operate in accordance with the governing laws and regulations. These inspections are normally just the semi-annual self-inspection program, where units run a checklist provided by their Air Mobility Command or Air Force functional and the results are sent up to our office. Every 40 months or so, the wing gets inspected by a group of functional experts who descend on the wing en masse to ensure we really are in compliance with these standards. This is the basis for the UCI, but it begins with the self-inspections that every unit is in the process of doing right now.
Each unit has one or more checklists made up of questions designed to ensure it is in compliance with a certain requirement in a specific regulation governing a unit's program. It is normally up to each of the units to assess themselves against this standard and either be in compliance or alert themselves and their leadership when they are not in compliance with a given standard. It is only through this self identification the problem can be solved. If there is not an honest assessment of the unit programs, then there is no way to know how broken a unit might be and there is no way to bring the issues to the attention of those who are charged with fixing them.
As this is the final self-inspection prior to the UCI, all units need to take a good look at themselves as they answer those checklist items. It is not going to be good enough when the IG team is here to say simply, "Yes, we are in compliance." So don't let it be good enough on this self-inspection either. We are all going to have to prove it to them on each and every question on each and every checklist for each and every unit.
Be ready to answer, "Yes, we are in compliance, because here is a copy of the appointment letter signed by the commander and the electronic version is filed right here in accordance with our unit file plan. Yes, we are in compliance, because here are the PowerPoint presentations, the sign-in sheets, and the minutes of the last four quarterly meetings." Be proud of the fact you run an outstanding program; be competent in your job; have that outstanding attitude. Show the IG team "We're ready ... bring it on!"
As for the exercises function, the UCI will also include an emergency management inspection as well. This will test how the wing responds to some type of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high explosive event designed to stretch our resources and facilities to the limit. We will be preparing the wing with several more emergency management exercises between now and May. The expectations for these are very similar to the self-inspections. Have competence in your job performance, respond with a sense of urgency, have that same positive attitude, always keep safety in mind and be sure to utilize leadership. If everyone can follow these simple guidelines, we will ace this test with flying colors.
Juma Ikangaa, a world-class marathon runner from Tanzania, once said, "The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."
If we prepare with the proper attitude and the motivation to succeed, that preparation will carry the wing to great success during the UCI. Take the Fight to the Enemy!