Team prepared to roll out the ‘red carpet’

Published April 3, 2009
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- There is no room for surprises for the Red Carpet Planning Committee. Their job is to be in the know and in the now.

Working by the adage, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression," the committee ensures an Air Force Inspector General's needs are met before and during a visit, potentially a no-notice inspection.

The committee provides namesake "red carpet" treatment to IG teams conducting assessments, including Logistics Standardization Evaluation inspections, Operational Readiness Inspections, Unit Compliance Inspections and Targeted Compliance Inspections or a combination of them at Tinker. Teams may range in size from six to more than 100 members. Visits can range from two or three days to two weeks, depending on the inspection. Since Air Force Materiel Command mandated its no-notice inspection guideline Feb. 1, the committee's job means being constantly ready.

"Good planning minimizes the stress," said Paul Logan, exercise designer for the Installation Exercise Program Office, lead and oftentimes only committee member. "We spend a lot of time thinking about and planning for those things that can bite us, therefore minimizing the surprises."

Since implementing the no-notice inspection mandate, an IG's office can give an installation as much as 14 days notice, or absolutely no warning. But, even if there is no notice, Donald Offutt, 72nd Air Base Wings Plans and Programs chief of the Business Operations Division, said he is sure inspectors will still receive "red carpet" treatment.

"Mr. Logan has reviewed and made improvements to the Red Carpet processes," Mr. Offutt said. "He has addressed such issues as notification timeliness and also developed a new checklist of required activities in order for his backups to fill in without breakdowns in support."

Typically, specific inspection teams, such as LSET, inform Tinker officials of their visit through a message or phone call to the Tinker Command Post. From there, Installation Commander Col. Allen Jamerson will instruct his staff to inform supported and subordinate units.

When the planning committee is notified, members take action to coordinate equipment and necessities for the team. Requested tools often include vehicles, workspace accommodations, overnight accommodations, computer and phone support and clearances to visit the areas they're inspecting. Necessary tools for the team are often requested by the commander, the team itself or what the committee deems as appropriate.

When an inspection team is at Tinker, Mr. Logan often works seven days a week plus evenings to ensure the teams have adequate support, Mr. Offutt said.

"We ensure they have everything they need from vehicles to pencils," Mr. Logan said. "While providing for the team is not strictly speaking a requirement for a good grade, it only makes