Readiness inspection includes more than ORI Published Aug. 31, 2006 By Col. Jay G. Santee 21st Space Wing commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As the Air Force's only space wing, the time is fast approaching when we will show Air Force leadership how we save the nation, each and every day. Last week, I emphasized the importance of knowing our job better than anyone else. I also stressed the importance of teamwork and a positive attitude as pillars for success. By now, we should be familiarizing ourselves with the nature and scope of the upcoming inspections. I'll take a moment to summarize the types of inspection we will see in the next two months. Usually these inspections take place every two years and, for the 21st Space Wing, take a full two or three months to complete. As many of us know, these inspections have always proven to be quite demanding at every level. While commonly grouped under one name, Operational Readiness Inspection, we should understand that there are actually three different inspections for which we should be well prepared: Unit Compliance Inspection, Expeditionary Readiness Inspection and ORI. The UCI measures our compliance with AFSPC checklists - from job requirements to special interest items, this inspection determines how well we comply with higher headquarters checklists. The ERI measures our unit type codes by looking at our deployment processing and field exercise capabilities. Finally, the ORI measures our ability to "fight in place" by assessing our local emergency management programs (previously known as Full Spectrum Threat Response). Throughout the inspections, close attention will be paid to special interest items,common core readiness criteria, and common core compliance areas. We should understand that virtually no stone will be left unturned. The inspections go far beyond the boundaries of Peterson AFB - personnel are also dispatched to geographically separated units throughout the wing to assess compliance. It goes without saying that everyone, from Colorado to Thule, will be affected. While some members will be more involved than others, we must all understand that everyone plays a vital role in any team's success. For this reason, each of us should be familiar with all governing checklists and special interest items. In addition, we should be aware of challenges facing the Air Force today and how we work together to overcome them. Often, if something is affecting the Air Force as a whole, it's affecting us also as a wing. I've only briefly discussed nature and scope of the upcoming inspections. I urge commanders and supervisors at all levels to pass on this and any other applicable knowledge to others in their chain. By ensuring that everyone understands the focus of these inspections, we will be in better position to demonstrate how we bring the full weight of our resources into the fight to save the nation. Submitting Action Lines The Action Line is a direct link to the 21st Space Wing commander. It should be used when other avenues have failed. Concerns should be addressed at the lowest possible level in the chain of command and elevated as necessary. If satisfactory results have not been attained by addressing the chain of command, call the Action Line at 556-7777 or fax 556-7848. Though not required, Action Line users should leave point-of-contact information when submitting an Action Line. This will allow those who are addressing the concern to clarify the information and respond, if necessary. Not all responses are printed; however, if information allows, a response will be rendered in another format.