To the Knights of the 21st Space Wing Published Feb. 15, 2011 By Col. Stephen N. Whiting 21st Space Wing commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Since taking command nearly 18 months ago, I have given you four over-arching priorities toward achieving our wing's mission. Three echo our core missions of space superiority, base support and protection and preparing and deploying warrior Airmen. The fourth principal, building a culture of compliance and continual improvement, fortifies the foundation of our efforts. It is not just an effort to be inspection ready, but to ensure we complete our missions with precision and discipline each and every day. The Air Force Space Command Inspector General team wants to know how well we execute these four priorities. And so, starting February 25th, they will test us. And by February 26th, they will know that we are ready. Your commanders, Senior Enlisted Leaders, and I look forward to this inspection. You have prepared tirelessly while continuing to maintain your expertise in your core mission tasks. And you've done all of this while being challenged by regular deployments and constrained resources. I welcome this inspection as an opportunity to showcase the great work our military, civilians, and contractors do in this Wing every day. Hard work should be rewarded with recognition. And the most significant recognition - the kind that you know you've earned - is only granted after careful scrutiny. I appreciate everyone's effort to make compliance a priority. Blue team inspections, deep dives, countless self inspections and staff assistance visits across the wing have readied us. Not without their challenges, these preparations will pay great dividends when we perform under the IG's microscope. When the inspectors arrive, our priority is to showcase our daily operations and execute their evaluation tasks in accordance with our core values - integrity, selflessness and excellence. Always be ready for the inspectors. First impressions are lasting and this truth is equally important whether you are working an evaluation task, running your compliance inspection checklist, or even if you just pass inspectors in the dining facility. Take extra time to ensure your appearance, workplace and attitude display the professional image of a 21st Space Wing warrior! Show them what I see in you each day. Definitely take this time to showcase the great things you do - the inspectors want to see them. Be open and professional but remember to extend proper courtesies at all times, even when you don't see any inspectors around. Much of this inspection will be open book test. We've been given compliance checklists, so be ready to answer those items fully; show supportive information, explain your processes to the fullest extent and leave the inspector feeling satisfied with the way our wing supports the mission. If a problem is discovered, don't argue it with the inspectors or try to cover it up. Use your chain of command to inform your commander quickly. It is better to self-identify than let the inspection team catch us unaware, and your commander is the appropriate agent to work through discrepancies. If possible, correct the problem on the spot. If it can't be corrected immediately, seek the guidance of your commander - we may be able to fix the issue prior to the end of the inspection or save other units from gaining a similar write-up. Remember, the inspectors are professionals charged with examining processes, products and procedures across the command. Their mission is to identify positive and negative issues and report back our unit's readiness. Expect each inspector to be very vigilant to identify and record our actions - that is their job. When you demonstrate your proficiency, don't assume or simulate anything. Participate in inspection scenarios with the same level of motivation as you would a real-world event. Again, do not simulate, always hustle and treat every input as if it was real world. A demonstration of urgency and enthusiasm can add to a solid performance. Compliance is more than just checklists, it is a culture. From wearing our seatbelts, proper cell phone use, adhering to approved safety practices, to following good operational security - these are all items we must continue to practice. Before February 25th, ensure you review Attachment 7 of the AFSPC supplement to AFI 90-201 for more information on inspection ground rules and simulations. I have confidence in each and every person in the wing. No matter what the IG out briefs us on March 21st, we will all be proud of the dedication, professionalism and teamwork we have demonstrated during the inspection and over the last 18 months. Thank you for what you've done, and thanks for what you are about to do! I am truly honored to count myself among the Knights of the 21st Space Wing.