UCI on the horizon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter R.O. Danielson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Wing's Air Combat Command Unit Compliance Inspection is set to begin Sept. 19, and the Offutt community has been hard at work in preparation.

A UCI is held to assess legally mandated areas and key programs chosen by senior Air Force and major command leadership. The upcoming UCI will be conducted by an inspector general team scheduled to arrive here Sept. 19.

The goals for the inspection are 90 percent compliant items, 10 percent items that comply with comments, zero issues that do not comply, no findings and at least eight best practices awards, said Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander.

"The next two weeks is about sweating the details," said General Shanahan. "We only need to keep up the 55th's standard of excellence. There is no excuse for not kicking ass."

According to the most recent UCI reports by Offutt's CVI, the 55th WG is reporting 95 percent compliance, with 4 percent complies with comments. Making sure the last percentage is brought up to the goal is the major push for next week.

"Don't quit now," said General Shanahan. "There's more to do: it's time to put the finishing touches on all of your programs and to get ready to showcase them to the inspectors."

General Shanahan also released a list of tips for dealing with the IG team.

· First impressions are critical. Set the stage early. Be proud and professional.

· Commander involvement is the key to success. Keep your commander informed.

· You only receive help if you ask for it. Ask around if you are having trouble complying, especially if you encounter checklist items outside your area of expertise.

· Call on people who are not experts in your area to look at your programs. They will ask a lot of questions, and you will have to find a simple way of explaining what you are doing. It sets you up for success with the inspectors.

· If you have a welcome board, ensure it is correct. If you don't have one, build one. Ensure all bulletin boards are in compliance and standardized.

· Have all checklists, continuity books and supporting material ready for the inspector to review.

· Ensure all electronic records and web-based programs are IAW records management practices.

· When approached by an inspector, be courteous and have a positive attitude. Verify they have an inspector badge and provide requested information quickly.

· Never argue with an inspector. Never say "I don't know," instead, say "I will find that answer for you." Never try to talk around a deficiency.

· The inspector is always right! If you have a serious point of contention, be professional, accept the input, and talk to your supervisor immediately.

· Avoid the "easy kills:" poor presentation of an outstanding program, arguing with an inspector, and operational security violations like leaving a computer logged in.

· Last impressions are as important as first ones. Even if the inspector found one or two problems, be proud of your programs and leave the inspector with your key messages. It will pay off.