CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Why are we having an Operational Readiness Inspection? Didn't we do one of these a few years ago? Why can't the inspector general just come here and observe our real mission? We deploy Airmen every day to fight a real war. Does it make sense to stop doing our real-world job so we can prove that we can fight a simulated war? Where in the world is Alpena anyway?
These are all very good questions I have been asked during the past few months. I think the best way to answer these and other questions is to pass along some inspection philosophy. I once heard a wing commander say "Every three years my boss asks me the same question; 'Are you ready to go to war?' The ORI is our opportunity to stand up, salute smartly and reply with an emphatic 'yes, sir!'"
The key word here is opportunity. The ORI is a great opportunity to test our internal and external processes, identify weak or problem areas and develop innovative solutions.
Everyone knows Team Charleston is the best. We prove it every day ... but the best never rest. We can always find ways to do things better, faster, smarter and safer.
Another important thing to remember is that the IG is not "out to get us." The IG team is comprised of highly experienced functional area experts at the top of their game. They are a wealth of knowledge at our disposal and they want to help. They encourage us to call with questions; they want us to succeed. So, in many ways, this is the best kind of test -- open book!
So how do we ace this test? That's the best question yet! During his tenure as the Air Mobility Command IG, Maj. Gen. Mark Zamzow assembled the following list of the top 10 ways to dazzle the IG. If we take his advice to heart, I have no doubt we will once again prove that nobody does it better than Team Charleston.
1. Competence -- Know your job inside and out, and perform your duties to the best of your ability despite the inspection scenario or the inspector's glare.
2. Responsiveness -- Show a "sense of urgency" during every waking moment; lean
forward in those starting blocks and realistically propel yourself into every activity.
3. Attitude -- Display a positive attitude, recognize that enthusiasm is contagious and
that problems always arise in the "fog of war" and can be overcome.
4. Readiness -- Ensure your personal bags are packed, mobility requirements are current, the paperwork and processes in your work section are in perfect order and you have trained effectively so you can infallibly perform your duties in peace and war.
5. Aggressiveness -- React authoritatively with ability to survive and operate skills in attack scenarios and with self-aid and buddy care in medical emergencies. Effectively continue mission essential activities in all force protection condition levels and treat inspections and exercises as the real thing.
6. Appearance -- Look people in the eye, pop a sharp salute and exceed the standards for uniform, boots and hair.
7. Safety -- Approach duties with a safety-oriented mindset, know when not to press forward on actions because they're unsafe and apply operational risk management techniques to accomplish the mission.
8. Leadership -- Lead by words and actions -- formally and informally -- by motivating, communicating and setting a positive example.
9. Followership -- Follow taskings and orders quickly and effectively, employ team building skills and always keep the objective in sight.
10. Pride -- Visibly exude pride in yourself, your unit, your mission and your base. Keep looking good, feeling good being a winner.