82 TRW prepares to show off tech. training expertise in inspection

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bell
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 82nd Training Wing will showcase its technical training expertise for the Air Education and Training Command Inspector General in January 2010. 

Although the wing is always inspection ready, an awareness of such a visit provides ample time for folks to prepare presentations to highlight how their procedures and programs exceed compliance standards.

One way to stay prepared is through each unit's self-inspection program. This plays a huge role in ensuring the programs remain in compliance with current directives, and provides an opportunity to evaluate how the wing continues to implement improvements that will yield the highest degree of technical competence in our warfighters. 

Annual self-inspections are underway throughout the wing and are due to the 82nd TRWs IG office by April 3.

The AETC IG eliminated the field exercise portion of its inspections and transformed the Operational Readiness Inspection into a Unit Compliance Inspection. This enables them to continue to operate efficiently and effectively in assessing all functional areas, while keeping in mind that limited resources dictate a leaner approach to inspections.

However, elimination of the field exercise activity will allow them to execute a deeper and broader compliance examination of all readiness functions. 

This evaluation includes validation of Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive training statistics, computer based training and hands on, random personnel sampling to include a written test, actual gear donning, mobility bag and weapons issue, and other related tasks. A similar evaluation process will be applied to self-aid and buddy care.

With that in mind, the 82nd TRW will begin readiness training this month for the wing's exercise evaluation team. This will help ensure they are fully prepared to evaluate the rest of Team Sheppard's readiness training in June 2009 to sharpen skills in the highly critical area of personnel protection.

The AETC IG's implementation of a no-notice or minimal-notice inspection program began on Feb.1. When used, the program will utilize smaller, targeted inspections to assess the day-to-day compliance of inspected units. No-notice notification is defined as 72 hours or less. Minimal-notice is less than 45 calendar days.

Please visit the AETC Inspector General's website at https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/globalTab.do?command=org&channelPageId=-1494389 to learn more.