IG inspections ensure Ramstein sustains readiness

by Airman 1st Class Jordan Castelan
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

 

“Evacuees” wait to process during a readiness inspection May 2 on Ramstein. The purpose of this readiness inspection was to test the ability of the wing to safely evacuate and receive noncombatants from a hostile environment.
“Evacuees” wait to process during a readiness inspection May 2 on Ramstein. The purpose of this readiness inspection was to test the ability of the wing to safely evacuate and receive noncombatants from a hostile environment.

Once upon a time, the inspector general approached inspections as the mode to identify and eliminate problems. Today, the IG has been redesigned with a more efficient way to accomplish the same goals while ensuring readiness is maintained.

This new commander inspection program is a way to test Airmen’s abilities and sustain constant readiness throughout.

The theory behind the commander inspection program is to keep bases in a constant evaluation cycle, which eliminates a need for some bases to “ramp up” and prep for its next inspection.

“Evacuees” leave their bus for in-processing May 2 on Ramstein.
“Evacuees” leave their bus for in-processing May 2 on Ramstein.

“We plan, coordinate and conduct inspections to strengthen the commander’s ability to focus on our most important missions,” said Capt. Drumarie Grandon, 86th Airlift Wing exercise and inspections coordinator. “We ensure the wing commander is sufficiently informed in order to assess risk and identify areas of improvement.”

The wing inspection team, or WIT, provides an outside-the-unit perspective and acts as an outlet for agencies to inform the IG where problematic areas and procedures lie. This team becomes the new “inspectors” and replaces the old way of thinking of exercising wing capabilities.

 “Evacuees” wait to be processed into the Ramstein Southside Fitness Center for lodging.
“Evacuees” wait to be processed into the Ramstein Southside Fitness Center for lodging.

“First and foremost, we had to create a whole new inspection system,” said Col. Scott Morris, the 86th AW IG. “Our Air Force instruction was completely rewritten and we had to create the entire program from scratch.”

There is no longer a need for units to plan and prepare under the new inspection plan. Readiness is something the chain of command expects all Airmen to have every day.

“Evacuees” rest while awaiting transportation.
“Evacuees” rest while awaiting transportation.