Preparation Key to Mission Success

  • Published
  • By Col. Mark Dillon
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Operational Readiness Inspection is coming! 

Our proud heritage is no accident--Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have defended freedom and justice around the world since our nation's independence. That proud heritage is due in part to preparation and exercise. 

Closer to home, for the past 66 years, Team Travis' always ready mentality has earned us the reputation as "America's First Choice." We've been key players during the Berlin Airlift, the Cold War, Vietnam...all the way to our present Global War on Terrorism. And our record of excellence continues. 

Even during wartime, we routinely assess our readiness posture and peacetime mission performance. This is no different eight years into the GWOT in 2009. 

Our installation's ORI this October will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will measure our initial response to a wartime tasking. The second will assess our ability to survive and operate in a non permissive or hostile environment. 

Ramping up, deploying and sustaining operations...this is nothing new for Team Travis. We do this stuff everyday and with pride. The only difference is during an ORI the inspectors are watching! The inspectors demand no more or no less of our technical orders, supervisors and leaders. They observe to make sure we are doing it "by the book." This is nothing new to our Air Force--especially as we focus on getting back to basics. 

During the inspection, the evaluation team will use published standards to grade performance. By knowing the books and then applying these great standards, we will ace this "open-book test" not only this October but every day. 

In order to get ready for our October ORI, we will conduct several base-level exercises. The exercises will identify areas of improvement, foster expeditionary culture and maximize team building. 

Former Secretary of State retired General Colin Powell said it best: "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure." Team Travis knows this formula for success. 

Although the inspection is four months away, the foundation for a successful evaluation has already begun. Unit "back-to-basic" preparation and realistic exercise participation will bring about mission success. This fall's inspection will once again validate the great job you have been doing in support of the geographic combatant commanders. 

Keep up the great effort to prepare and hone the global air mobility mission. While doing so, do not forget the well-being of the dedicated Airmen who accomplish the mission. Thank you for your outstanding service to this great nation.