LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Team Lackland is gearing up for the Operational Readiness Inspection, which will be held in June 2009. For the first time, the inspection is being conducted every three years, instead of every other year.
"The last time we had [an ORI] was 2006," said Chief of Readiness and Plans Chris Sharp. "There are a couple of things we're doing to prepare for this. First, we're coordinating all the preparation activities for the wing. We're also working with the Inspector General on compliance and tying that together for the [ORI] in June. The team will arrive June 14 and in-brief June 15. They could leave [anywhere from the 23rd to the 26th]."
Deputy Inspector General Janet Daluz said there will be 175 to 200 inspectors on base during the ORI.
"The visit will provide the 37th Training Wing an opportunity to showcase every facet of our mission and how well we do it," she said. "Our goal is to achieve an 'outstanding' rating with no write-ups and no surprises. The team is here to evaluate and measure how effectively, efficiently and safely units accomplish their mission."
Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Kahapea, chief of the 59th Medical Wing's ORI compliance, has experience with the ORI, as he has visited other bases and been part of the inspection team.
"We've started the self-assessments using all the ORI checklists to ensure we have firm programs in place," he said. "We're working with the 37th TRW to ensure we both understand each other's processes. They're sending me over there for a week to look at their processes and for me to share my experience with them. This is to ensure that both the 37th MDG and the 59th MDW are ready to participate in this joint ORI."
During the ORI, many exercises will be conducted to evaluate the 37th TRW's operational readiness.
"There are really two main exercises we'll be doing for this," said Mr. Sharp. "The first is the Major Accident Response Exercise. It's a major piece (of the ORI) and is (conducted on) the second day [of the inspection]. The second will be a deployment exercise. They will pull folks that are part of n AEF evaluate how well they operate in a deployed environment."
To prepare for the ORI, Mr. Sharp encourages units to conduct self-inspections to ensure they are running their programs well above standard.
"There are lots of different checklists that are out there to follow for each area," he said.
Ms. Daluz said she is confident the wing will be prepared.
"I am very excited to again have the opportunity to assist in the wing's preparation for the upcoming inspection," she said. "The 37th Training Wing is very impressive, and with the top-notch military and civilian personnel assigned, we will make this upcoming ORI a huge success."