Get to know the ORI Published Jan. 23, 2008 460th Space Wing Inspector General Office BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE -- The Operational Readiness Inspection is less than three months away. Here are some tips to get up to speed or to stay there when the inspection team arrives. Be prepared Work on weak areas the hardest. Online Inspection Program/Findings Automated Tracking System database houses all the data a work center needs to pinpoint the weak areas. The SIP/FATS database also contains all of the 460th Space Wing's Exercise Evaluation Team exercise findings. Take advantage of recent Inspector General reports at other units. This data is located on the shared network under 2008 Operational Readiness Inspection Prep. Cross-feed findings and recommendations -- we shouldn't make the same mistakes the IG has already pointed out to a recently inspected unit. Use functional Space Inspection Guides and Air Force Space Command checklists. These are located on the Air Force Portal -- go to Buckley Air Force Base, click on base and tenant units, wing organizations and finally 460th Space Wing Inspector General. Document problems in the group, develop corrective action, and establish "get well" dates. The SIP/FATS database can help with this. No repeat discrepancies Look at the ORI report from April 2006 and any past compliance inspections located on the shared network. If the same mistakes are still being made, there will be no acceptable explanation for the inspectors. Be positive Everyone must appreciate the significance of this inspection. The ability to convey a confident, positive attitude becomes a direct reflection of individual professionalism. Inspectors decide the wing's commitment to the mission when observing individuals. They draw negative conclusions if they see the "what a stupid game," "this is ridiculous" or "I'd rather be fishing" attitudes. A sense of urgency is imperative. Correct it on the spot If the IG identifies a small problem, fix it on the spot if possible. Show the inspector receptiveness and responsiveness; these little problems may be dismissed. Use checklists If there's a checklist, use it. Lack of knowledge is understandable. Lack of discipline, like failure to use required checklists, is not. Discipline problems are unacceptable and the IG writes them up accordingly. Ask questions Understand the task assigned by the inspector. Throughout the inspection, people may be tasked by the inspection team to demonstrate their proficiency or knowledge. If you don't understand the task, ask the inspector to restate it or clarify. Once the IG gives a rating, the "I didn't understand" argument won't fly. Ask questions up front -- before the task is started or the question is answered -- if it's unclear what the inspector's objective is. Don't talk around a fault. Be honest. If something is unknown or was overlooked, say so. Maximum demonstration Don't simulate tasks unless told to do so by the inspector. Demonstrate tasks just as they would be done, day-to-day. Simulation causes added confusion and detracts from the wing's overall performance for the IG. The inspection should mirror day-to-day operations as closely as possible. Sense of urgency Hustle. If the situation demands a display of urgency, convey that urgency to the inspector. A lack of hustle conveys a lack of intensity and damages the portrayal of readiness capability. Don't argue Arguing is a big no-no during an IG inspection. Instead of arguing, elevate concerns. If higher headquarters', Air Force or AFSPC policy or guidance is unclear, the group commanders or wing commander will resolve it with the IG and the AFSPC staff. Argumentative confrontation to an inspector should never happen. Personal appearance, customs and courtesies Presentation is a direct reflection of professionalism and commitment to excellence. The IG looks at how members of the base present themselves. Poor marks here can negate a good showing in all other areas. A good haircut, a sharp uniform and a crisp salute say a great deal to an inspector. Let's look sharp and be sharp. Focus Concentrate during the full-time execution of the ORI. It will get tiring, but staying alert is a must the entire time. The goal is to stay fully engaged from the moment the inspectors arrive on the base until they leave. Always be professional There's no room for a lack of discipline. Remember the goal here is to excel in mission execution. So imagine it, see it and execute it.