Beliefs inspire leaders through challenges to triumphs

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Paul Dorcey
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing inspector general
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  The Air Mobility Command Inspector General team is getting ready to inspect us. Are you getting ready for the inspection? Everyone in the 60th Air Mobility Wing should know about our upcoming unit compliance inspection, which starts May 2 and ends May 10. In a few short months, AMC will send more than 80 inspectors to see how our wing is doing. They will review how well we adhere to Air Force instructions in 36 areas and two special interest items, as well as observe us in an emergency management exercise. This inspection is our chance to shine and demonstrate what an outstanding wing we are.

So what can anyone do to help get ready? Ask supervision! I'm sure every supervisor needs help doing something, whether it's putting together a continuity book or revamping a complete process.

Every Airman's preparation responsibilities are going to be different depending on their job and level of responsibility, but every Airman can contribute. Here are the top 10 things anyone can do to help get our wing ready:

1. Work with the compliance inspection preparation team at the wing, group and squadron level. They're here to help.

2. Use the checklists. The compliance inspection is an open book test and compliance with the checklist is a starting point. The wing's SharePoint has every checklists covering the 36 graded areas. Units can get a "satisfactory" grade by following the checklist, units get an "excellent" with high attention to detail in following checklists. Units get an "outstanding" by looking beyond the checklist and dealing with the purpose and reason of their function.

3. Conduct regular compliance inspection preparation meetings. Unit leadership should be meeting frequently with their teams to tackle issues and set suspense dates for corrective actions. Squadron commanders should track findings to closure. Time is running out.

4. Maintain strong continuity books in every section. A well put together book will impress an inspector. First impressions are lasting impressions.

5. Conduct mock interviews. By giving members the opportunity to verbalize answers and talk about their programs, they will approach the inspection with increased confidence, and be able to articulate with a full understanding of the topic, to answer questions thoroughly.

6. Know your strong programs, as well as your weak ones. Talk up programs the unit is proud of and demonstrate how the unit is getting up to speed on weak areas.

7. Research current compliance inspection trends. In addition to checklists, the wing's SharePoint site provides access to reports from past compliance inspections, so you can see what the AMC team dinged the last base for.

8. Remember to always use customs and courtesies. Looking and being professional goes a long way. Make sure to have a positive attitude, display a sense of urgency and keep safety at the forefront.

9. Have all documentation ready. The inspection team will want to see and verify checklist items are being complied with. There is nothing worse than running around the office trying to find things as the inspectors watch and wait.

10. Don't be argumentative. An inspector may find something disagreeable, but explain your opinion without arguing. Answer what you know and research the rest. If an inspector asks you a question and you don't know the answer: don't guess. Tell the inspector you don't know the exact answer, but you will find it and get back to them. More than likely if they ask a question, they already know the answer. Furthermore, don't forget to let your supervisor know if the inspection went well or not. Feedback all the way up to the wing may be able to mitigate a bad situation.

Compliance inspections are conducted in accordance with Air Force Instruction 90-201, Inspector General Activities. They "assess areas mandated by law, as well as mission areas that are critical or important to the health and performance of organizations."

Failure to comply with established directives in these areas could result in legal liabilities, penalties, or mission impact. Ours is a compliance culture, and you are the key to Travis's success. The inspection team is interested in talking to every one of you -- from the lowest ranking Airman to the wing commander.

Each Airman's contribution holds some piece of the puzzle that will ensure 100 percent compliance and our success.