Through the eyes of a former IG

  • Published
  • By Col. Nancy Opheim
  • 60th Inpatient Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As we approach a busy inspection season, I thought it was appropriate to share some hints for inspection success.

As a medical inspector and team chief for the Health Services Inspection team at the Air Force Inspection Agency at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., I spent three years on the inspector general team and traveled all over the world.

Here are some tips to make any inspection go as smooth as possible.

Each individual must prepare for inspection by reading applicable Air Force Instructions, running checklists and cleaning up and polishing the duty section. One IG saying was "It's an open book test, but you need to read the book." Inspection criteria are based on published guidance and are approved by functional, major command and senior AF leadership, which means the standards by which a unit is inspected are not subjective and an inspector's opinion has no bearing.

Prior to IG team arrival, appoint a responsible point of contact to coordinate with the team. Ensure that person is taking care of all arrangements, to including government vehicles, rental cars, lodging and/or hotel arrangements, IG work center arrangements, computer support, medical emergency contingency plans and restaurant or on-base eating options. Make all arrangements ahead of time and plan for unforeseen circumstances so that everything flows smoothly. Finally, perform a walk-through of lodging rooms, IG work center and all sections or areas involved in the inspection.

When the team arrives, ensure that it has everything it requires. If anything is missing, quickly obtain the items and have the POC readily available. Provide all documentation in the format that is requested by the team. If escorts are requested, ensure they know where the inspectors need to go and that they are sharp and personable.

During the inspection, ensure that personnel observe military etiquette. Calling the room to attention or standing up as an inspector enters an area is appropriate, unless directed otherwise. Addressing the inspector by rank and saying "Yes, ma'am" or "Yes, sir" demonstrates to an inspector that the unit has proper military bearing and takes the inspection seriously. If someone is asked a question and he or she doesn't know the answer, it is always permissible to have a supervisor look up the answer and get back with the inspector. The worst thing someone can do is lie or direct blame on another unit. The inspector has already read the supporting documentation or knows the regulation and knows when someone doesn't know the answer.

Finally, personnel should never argue with an inspector. Concerns should be directed to the squadron or group commander so that he or she can voice the concern directly to the functional inspector or team chief.

All personnel should remain positive even if the inspection isn't going well. It takes leadership to accept disappointing results and IG teams genuinely want units to do well and receive passing scores.

I learned quite a bit about human behavior, leadership and unit cohesion as an IG inspector. Remember that first impressions are generally lasting and can make or break a unit's success.