Self inspections a key process for mission Published Sept. 18, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Conducting regular self inspections may prove to be more of a benefit than a hindrance. Guidelines for Air Force-mandated inspections are changing. Tinker personnel may soon be subjected to no-notice checks, in addition to unit compliance and operational readiness inspections. Furthermore, evaluators may request to assess the practice of "self-inspections." To prepare for such occurrences, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center officials are requiring Air Force Materiel Command units here to conduct self-inspections. "Self inspections allow individuals to make honest assessments of how well they do in their job," said Rick Colina of the 72nd Air Base Wing Installation Exercise Program office. "It provides a check and balance to ensure individuals are in compliance with regulatory guidance and deficiencies are brought to light." Mr. Colina said self inspections have always been around in one form or another. But, by acknowledging the benefits of self inspections, individuals can prevent mission failure and provide commanders with updates about the unit's health. Furthermore, personnel will be better prepared to support their customers. "Self inspections can assist us by alerting us to the level of awareness we need to be at to support our mission," Mr. Colina said. "Self inspections instill a culture of compliance." Since individuals may also be quizzed on their ability to provide an honest self inspection, Mr. Colina said, Tinker personnel should be prepared. Armed with a checklist, internal supervisors and Air Force-mandated inspector generals' will grade a self inspection based on a corrective action plan, progress made, remaining actions, timelines, limiting factors, estimated completion dates and collaboration with functional experts, to determine the integrity behind the effort, Mr. Colina said. "Rather than ignore a problem, tell your supervisor of the problem and fix it," Mr. Colina said. "It is easier and less painful to correct a self-identified problem than to have someone outside your organization, address it." Mr. Colina said the next higher-headquarters inspection, an AFMC ORI, is set for November 2009, although that may change. For more information on self inspections, call Mr. Colina at 739-5014.