Inspection preparation to focus on combat operations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing public affairs
The focus of the 442nd Fighter Wing's operational-readiness inspection, scheduled for October, has shifted from a Phase I and II to a Phase II only, due to an agreement between the Wing and the Air Combat Command Inspector General.

Phase I of an ORI tests a unit's ability to deploy Airmen and equipment, as well as aircraft to another location to most effectively carry out the unit's assigned mission. Phase II examines a unit's ability to accomplish its mission while already serving at a deployed location.

"We had a lot of input from a wide variety of folks and Colonel Clemons (442nd Fighter Wing commander) and I decided to focus on Phase II due to our confidence in the Wing's capabilities while executing the Phase I portion of the operational-readiness exercises," said Col. James Mackey, 442nd FW vice wing commander.

The greatest challenge for the Wing will be to keep the maintenance teams free so that they can keep the planes in the air, as well as ready for combat flights, he said.

"They call it maintenance-101 and it's the most important factor," Colonel Mackey said. "There will be a variety of attacks ranging from chemical, mortar, direct, computer viruses and even power outages. We need to keep the maintainers out of the bunkers and under the planes."

Airmen might be curious as to what they should expect when they consider practicing for an ORI over the next eight months.

"Unit Training Assemblies will be similar, but there will be a few differences so as to avoid redundancy," Colonel Mackey said. "Attacks could come when the planes are in the air, or in the middle of a turn. Following attacks communication will be paramount so leaders can clear maintainers to get back to work."

The key to any training is to simulate a combat environment where Airmen can get a feel for what it might be like to function in high-stress situations to prepare for real combat.

"The expectations on Airmen will be to perform their jobs at a high level whether inside or outside the operational readiness exercise parameters, and their ability to survive under attack while executing their job functions," Colonel Mackey said.

For some sections the load may be heavier than for others.

"The biggest part of the grade falls on the shoulders of Operations," Col. Mackey said. "If they get an excellent score the Wing can't score an outstanding."

Colonel Mackey has experienced inspections throughout his career and understands what is needed to excel while being evaluated.

"Last month I'd have said we were behind. I feel like we are now on a path that places us somewhat ahead of the game. We know what to expect, we have a plan, all that remains is for us to execute," said Col. Mackey.

Both Colonel Mackey and Chief Master Sgt. Al Sturges, 442nd FW command chief, agree that attitudes are vital to a successful ORI.

"If an Airman doesn't have a positive attitude they won't be affective," Chief Sturges said. "Positive mental attitudes are addictive as well as contagious and are the greatest reason for an outstanding or a poor score."

Both men agreed that whether in the sky or on the ground, ORE's and ORI's are all about readiness. Citizen Airmen need to be ready to function in the combat zone and accomplish the mission as precisely as possible. Readiness at Whiteman equals readiness in Afghanistan and wherever the Air Force sends it's Airmen - they will be ready.