MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. -- The AFRC Inspector General (IG) team from Robins AFB, Ga. kicked off the capstone event of the Unit Effectiveness Inspection (UEI) for the 927th Air Refueling Wing, December 9, 2017 here.
Forty Air Force Reserve Command IG team members arrived this week as part of the Air Force Inspection System (AFIS) that was initiated in 2013 to give an all-inclusive picture of overall unit effectiveness.
The UEI is a multi-year, continual evaluation of the unit’s effectiveness, and is intended to validate and verify the wing commander’s inspection program for accuracy and adequacy. It also provides an assessment of the wing’s process improvement efforts and ability to execute their missions.
“This inspection system allows wings to assess themselves through the commander’s inspection program.” said Lt. Col. Andrea Pitruzzuella, AFRC IG Inspector, “Our job is to detect areas of undetected risk and inform the wing.”
The capstone event, which was held here, is the final onsite visit of the UEI and is the catalyst for the final UEI report. During the capstone event the IG will validate the commander’s inspection program, conduct Airmen to IG discussion sessions, and assess the unit’s effectiveness. This is accomplished though task evaluations, audits and observations by the IG.
Prior to 2013, inspections captured a snapshot detailing a wing’s performance but for the past four years it has created a big picture view in the major graded areas including: managing resources, leading people, improving the unit and executing the mission.
“Putting the ownership onto the units allows for consistent effectiveness,” said Senior Master Sgt. Heather Bragdon, 927 ARW/IG Superintendent. “By self-identifying shortfalls the wing can bring it to the major command level and look for ways to increase and maintain mission readiness.”
Misconceptions of any inspection program can lead to stress and anxiety for Airmen, it was important for Bragdon to ensure them not to worry.
“There is nothing to be afraid of,” said Bragdon. “Inspection teams are not here to write people or programs up. When properly identifying programs that need help will increase mission readiness and bring to light what each unit and program needs to be effective.”
Following the capstone the UEI team will provide a final draft with all their findings prior to their departure. Once the report is finalized the wing will have 18 months for corrective action for any major discrepancies or shortfalls.