Roadmap laid out for success in ORI

Published Sept. 24, 2009
72nd Air Base Wing Plans and Programs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Operations Readiness Inspection is 35 days away and in advance of the Inspector General's visit, the 72nd Air Base Wing Plans and Programs office has a few tips for everyone to remember. This is the second in a series of articles to be published leading up to the inspection.

Simulations:
· Due to financial and manpower considerations, the base has implemented simulations that demonstrate a required capability and "simulate" repeat actions.
· One such simulation is placing concrete barriers in higher Force Protection Conditions. Several buildings will be selected and barriers will be placed to prevent vehicles from entering restricted zones around these structures. Other buildings will "simulate" barriers by using traffic cones. Do not attempt to bypass areas blocked off with cones to get a better parking space.
· In some cases, primarily due to airborne aircrews, some vehicle owners will be out of communication and moving vehicles will be "simulated" by placing a "simulated towed" sign on the windshield. This option is for special circumstances only and is not intended as an excuse not to move your vehicle. Vehicles not deemed to be a special circumstance by the 72nd Air Base Wing commander or vice commander will be towed at the owners' expense.
· Approved TAFB simulations can be found on the Team Tinker Exercise Program Community of Practice website.

Targeted Compliance Inspections:
· The IG's purpose is to check the health of our organization and report to the AFMC commander. This report will eventually be shared with other AFMC wings.
· Expect the IG to look at your unit.
· The inspectors are often experts in the areas they will be reviewing and are aware of the common mistakes and problem areas.
· Inspectors will make an initial visit, a second, then a third to check problem areas, best practices or validate other information.
· If inspectors find something out of compliance, they will try to determine why, to better define the problem and provide corrective actions.

TCI preparation:
· Don't just rely on checklists; use and know all regulatory guidance.
· You need to be an expert and show how we are compliant with instructions and regulations. Documentation has tremendous convincing power to demonstrate your compliance. Additionally, data trails and documentation are a must.
· Identify items that are not compliant. Make sure they have been identified/documented in your self-inspection forms, you understand the root causes, your boss knows about it and that a corrective action is in progress.