It is time to shine Published Feb. 8, 2011 By Col. Kimerlee Conner 21st Mission Support Group commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The time has come...our Unit Compliance and Operational Readiness Inspections are just a few short weeks away. I am sure you are all aware; you have heard people talking about it daily and you have been working extremely hard to get ready. Your dedicated work and preparation are going to make us shine through these critical inspections. Many of you have been through this before, for others it is a new experience. As we are inspected in the UCI, the inspectors will be looking at our ability to comply with higher headquarter directives, such as Air Force Instructions, Department of Defense Instructions and local policies (Operating Instructions, for example). This can range from how a dining facility is supposed to be run, the operational requirements for a flight line and the execution of a myriad of programs. A very specific example is ensuring that all personnel who enter through any of our gates have their identity verified. Many of you have labored for hours ensuring your programs are in exceptional shape. You have run your self-inspection checklists, ensured you have your documentation, and are ready to fully describe your processes and procedures. Be proud of all you have accomplished, it is your time to shine. The ORI will focus on our ability to conduct our war time mission. Some examples of what this means are: deploying unit members and/or equipment to support theater requirements, responding to local threats (such as an active shooter scenario), or recovering from natural disasters like tornados. Did you know that your Airman's Manual (AFPAM 10-100) implements AFPD10-25, to "organize, train, and equip forces to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the full spectrum of physical threat events and to maintain and restore mission capability." In simple speak - the Airman's manual is designed specifically by the Air Force to enable you to respond to the kind of situations that you'll see in an ORI or in a deployed location. Don't leave home without it, you should keep this critical document handy, as well as the 21 SW Deployment Readiness Manual. When confronted with a scenario, do not hesitate to pull out these tools, they are intended to help you. When adrenalin is flowing fast, using these manuals can ensure all necessary steps are covered. We've gone through all the applicable portions of AFI 90-201 and the AFSPC supplement. We've done bag drags, deployment lines, short sprints, long jumps and hurdles until our eyes pop. It is only a short while until show time. For some of you, the closeness of the inspection seems daunting...for me; it generates a wave of excitement. I am sure you are asking why that might be. It is because I know how hard you have all worked to prepare for this inspection. I know how much you want to succeed and to show with pride what an exceptional Wing this is. Our people are our number one resource; we have asked a lot of you, and you have risen to the occasion. Each of you has significantly contributed to developing and sustaining our culture of compliance. I've seen the hard work, determination, skill and hope in your faces every day. I'm proud to serve with every last one of you and confident that we will succeed. You've done the practicing, been to the playoffs, now it is time for the big game. You are the key to our success. You've worked hard - you are dedicated, diligent and competent, and in a short two months time - you'll see the fruits of your labor. Let's get 'er done...it is your time to shine.