Wing prepares for series of Higher Headquarters' inspections

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Christopher Botzum
  • 111th FW Public Affairs
1/10/2012 - WILLOW GROVE AIR RESERVE STATION, PA --       Programmed for December 2012, the Wing will undergo three, nearly simultaneous inspections: the Unit Compliance Inspection (UCI), Health Service Inspection (HSI) and
Information Assurance Awareness Program (IAAP) review. The UCI inspection will encompass all areas and work centers through-out the Wing, while the HSI and IAAP aspects will primarily focus on the Medical Group and Communications Flight respectively. These critical inspections are mandated to ensure conformity to established Air Force instructions (AFI) and mission objectives.
     UCI inspectors will review each area on its specific core competencies. Checklists have been developed, using applicable AFI's and Air National Guard regulations.  These guides are available for all work centers and provide the stepping stones to confirm that your assigned programs, procedures and plans are intact, followed, reviewed and revised as defined.  Frequently visiting, annotating and following the step-by-step outline, management, supervisors and responsible program administrators can readily identify shortfalls and program weaknesses.
     The involvement and knowledge base of all members within your areas directly contributes to the outcome of these inspections. Serious consideration of a work center continuity binder will ensure consistency between leadership and streamline your way through the interview with your respective inspectors.
     The HSI is required to be performed at 48 to 60 month intervals. Lt. Col. Stanley Strauss, Optometrist with the 111th Medical Group, has taken a lead role in the self inspection database utilized within the group. Portions of a 3000 question bank are reviewed monthly by respective supervisors. "This provides a snap-shot of our abilities," said Lt. Col. Preston Smith, Medical Administrative Officer with the 111th Medical Group. "Responses, details and potential shortfalls are channeled to senior leadership and assist in developing action plans and priorities," he added.
     "We received an excellent rating during our last inspection in 2008. This time around, I believe we're so much further ahead," said Smith. "We'll be highlighting to the inspection team the contributions and attitudes of the younger airman and NCOs, especially within our nursing core. The junior individuals throughout the group are the ones that make it all happen," he said in closing.
     "The IAAP inspection, among many things, will focus on our compliance with guidelines in areas such as Information Assurance Awareness, Computer Security, Identification and Authentication and safeguarded against unauthorized access," said Lt. Col. Claudia Malone, 111th Communications Flight Commander. "The Air Force mission is to fly and fight in air, space, and cyberspace. Unfortunately, in cyberspace, the enemy is not usually visible.'"
     Chief Master Sgt. Harley Delp, Chief of Plans and Resource with the Communications Flight identified several key points we all need to be aware to succeed: "Use good practices and common sense by not leaving your CAC card in the workstation when you leave the room. Everyone should know your respective unit Information Assurance Officer and keep up with your Information Assurance training in order to understand potential risks to your data and system security."
     Within our military realm, we have been subjected to inspections since our first day of basic training.  Following directions, developing innovative programs and providing a positive example to future leaders should be your motivation. We are all charged with ownership of mission accomplishment, adherence to Air Force core values and driven to the betterment of our unit.