Buckley Inspector General ensures base efficiency

  • Published
  • 460th Space Wing Inspector General
“We are the eyes and ears of the commander,” said Pamela Worrell, 460th Space Wing Inspector General.

Working directly with Col. David Miller Jr., 460th SW commander, the inspector general works to increase the wing’s efficiency by focusing on managing complaints, base inspections and fraud, waste and abuse cases.

“It’s our job to look under the hat and in the drawer for anything that could potentially be identified as risk,” said Worrell. “Including moral and toxic leadership.”

Poor leadership can result in complaints from Airmen, which is what the IG is commonly known for handling. Backed by the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, the IG protects people who want to point out wrongdoing in their organization without fear of being retaliated against for making the complaint.

This act is otherwise known as reprisal.

“If you see something wrong, you should be able to report that and not be punished for it down the line by leadership, supervisors or commanders,” said Worrell.

Aside from complaints, the IG conducts base inspections of all squadrons and staff to observe, evaluate and report all improvements and deficiencies.

“Our duties are primarily inspections and making sure all feedback is accomplished,” said Master Sgt. Lacey Ranson, 460th SW IG superintendent.

Inspections award credibility to the base, ensuring the commander they align effectively with the wing’s priorities of mission excellence. And being the new commander, he has higher expectations.

“Col. Miller expects a lot from IG and the units for details and data,” said Worrell. “He wants the monthly Commander’s Inspection Management Board to be a forum for communicating data, assessing risk and making resource decisions bases on that data.”

The IG not only provides oversight for the commander, but also keeps in mind the welfare of the Airmen.

“As advisors to the commander, we like to ask him ‘what’s the one thing that keeps you up at night?’” said Ranson. “That way we can help narrow down the real problems.”

Complaints can be made in person, by email or by phone. The 460th SW IG office can be contacted at 720-847-9175 or 460sw.ig@us.af.mil.