Luke preps for ORI

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Phillip Butterfield
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE --  In May, Luke Air Force Base will be experiencing an operational readiness inspection. But what is an ORI and how will it affect the Airmen here? 

Air Force Instruction 90-202 states that an ORI is conducted to evaluate the ability of a unit, with a wartime or contingency mission, to perform an assigned operational mission. 

Some Airmen may wonder what Luke can expect from the upcoming ORI.
"Luke can expect each organization and their support functions to be inspected," said Tech. Sgt. Garry Russell, 56th Fighter Wing exercises and evaluations NCO-in-charge. "The ORI team will determine if the organization is in compliance with Air Force instructions, technical orders, directives, and other mandatory publications and orders. These are all basic unit compliance items." 

During an ORI, a major command inspector general evaluates common core readiness criteria in the areas of threat, safety, security, communications and information, and training. Units are evaluated on how well they respond, employ forces, provide mission support, and survive and operate in a hostile environment. The inspector general teams focus on mission performance and attempt to create a realistic assessment environment. Scenarios are developed to evaluate sustained performance and contingency response while ensuring safety is not compromised. 

Luke will also be inspected on a field exercise a major accident response exercise, overall base appearance and any section or organization required to maintain Special Interest Item 0801 Lockout-Tag Out Program. The Lockout-Tag Out program is a program used to ensure safety precautions are followed when operating equipment or performing an operation that requires tagging of equipment for safety reasons. The inspectors will also be observing Luke's compliance with customs and courtesies and dress and appearance. 

"So far Luke has prepared itself well for the ORI," said Master Sgt. Russel Fowler, 56th FW exercises and evaluations superintendent. "However it's important to stay the course with the current game plan which includes identifying and resolving self inspection discrepancies, ensuring compliance with work related AFIs and procedures and unit specific inspectable items." 

Currently, the ORI is scheduled for May 3 through 12. Luke will continue to prepare with additional exercises and training opportunities.