D-M preparing for unit compliance inspection

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Duane Helton
  • 355th Fighter Wing Inspections, Plans & Programs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Air Combat Command Inspector General team will be visiting the 355th Fighter Wing, the 55th Electronic Combat Group and the 563rd Rescue Group to conduct unit compliance inspections Aug. 22-27, 2010.

A UCI occurs every five years and provides ACC, numbered Air Force and wing leadership an independent evaluation of an organization's adherence to public law, executive orders, and Department of Defense and Air Force directives. It includes areas identified by senior leaders as critical to the health and performance of the Air Force.

In a nutshell, the UCI allows local commanders and ACC Headquarters to see how well D-M units accomplish their missions at the base and squadron levels. It also highlights "best practices," which are then shared throughout the major command.

Over the last year, D-M units have been conducting quarterly unit self-inspections. During these self-inspections, units used relevant checklists to ensure they followed the proper procedures. AACI 90-202, Para 6.2.5, gives self inspection managers the authority to coordinate and conduct cross-organizational spot checks of individual processes and programs. Although this is still an internal inspection, it is from outside the unit's perspective. These inspections are crucial to success during the actual UCI.

A UCI is generally a six-day event, with the inspectors evaluating unit compliance on the second, third and fourth days. Then, the focus switches to report preparation, unit validation and follow-up visits. The IG will send a team consisting of inspectors from almost every functional discipline that exists. The inspectors will sit down and interview a representative of each functional discipline who knows and understands the inner working of that function.

The inspector general team uses compliance and standardization requirements lists (C&SRL's) during the course of the inspection. Each headquarters functional area -- such as contracting, financial management, communications, personnel, etc., -- has developed these checklists based on official regulations, instructions and laws.

While this is an Air Force inspection of Air Force offices, contractor personnel may also be asked to provide input to the inspectors.

Keep in mind that a UCI is a time for units to showcase to higher headquarters how well they operate, but it's also an opportunity to identify areas needing improvement.