Compliance key to successful UCI

  • Published
  • By Stephen Delgado
  • Thunderbolt staff writer
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Conformity with Air Force Instructions is the key to having a good unit compliance inspection. The UCI is scheduled for Oct. 17 to 24 and is 122 days away. During those 122 days events are scheduled to prepare the wing for inspection, according to Maj. Douglas Charters, 56th Fighter Wing UCI project officer.

"I feel we are doing well in our preparation for the inspection at this point," Major Charters said. "We have energized the compliance portion of the inspection by asking ourselves, 'Are we doing everything the AFIs are requiring?'

"We recently announced there are two staff assistant visits scheduled. The initial SAV got underway Wednesday and will continue through July 15. It is a 'How are we doing?' SAV. The second SAV is scheduled for Sept. 1 through 9 and will be the 'dress rehearsal.'"

It is vital to be smart about how to prepare for a UCI, according to Lt. Col. Brian Elliott, 56th FW inspector general.

"I urge all sections and squadrons to have a good checklist and self-inspection program," he said. "Everyone is busy doing their jobs on a day-to-day basis, so it is possible for certain areas to get overlooked, which is why a good self-inspection program is a must. A continuity book, as well as a good self-inspection program, should provide a good barometer of how a section is doing in preparing for the UCI."

It's important to know how each shop fits in with the vision and goals of the squadron. How does each section meet the squadron's vision and goals? Commanders provide the blueprint and regulations and guidance for a successful inspection.

Compliance is a must, but documentation is paramount.

"The SAV must ask the hard questions," Colonel Elliott said. "We don't want the IG inspectors to be the first to ask the hard questions. It is also important to be able to show inspectors the documentation you are complying with. Again, this is why a good checklist and self-inspection program are so important. The self-inspection check list makes a person think of how the job can be done better."

In addition, when questions are asked by inspectors, it is a must to justify those answers in detail, according to Major Charters.

"Whether your answer is yes, no or not applicable, the answer must be justified," he said. "A 'yes' answer is easier but still needs to be justified in the comments block. 'No' answers change the format, but the step-by-step process is still the best way to explain why something wasn't done in accordance with the regulation. The 'N/A' answer can be tricky, and there is usually more that needs to be said than, 'It just doesn't apply to me.' It is important to follow the step-by-step process."

In the past, emphasis has been placed on outward appearances such as having the office and the grounds perfectly cleaned and manicured, but compliance with the regulations is what will pass the inspection, according to Colonel Elliott.

"If a section has compliance with the regulations and the 'spit and polish' aspect too, they have a great combination, but compliance has to come first," he said.

The 2009 UCI set the table for this year's inspection.

"We built the house in 2009 and must carry on the work we began," Major Charters said. "The compliance framework laid out then was for the future."

The UCI naturally leads to stressful situations, but it is important to manage that stress, do the homework and ground work now and relax later, Major Charters said.

Colonel Elliott and Major Charters echoed their final thoughts about preparing for the inspection.

They agreed on the importance of members being specific and asking themselves the question, "Does this meet the intent of the AFI?" They also stressed the importance of being realistic about self-imposing tasks and goals, complying with the AFI, and being able to justify it.

The wing scored an excellent in the 2009 UCI, but there are still opportunities for improvement. Every squadron should be aware of their UCI results to know what to work on.