Polishing the details before the inspection begins
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
Next week, the Unit Compliance Inspection team from Air Education and Training Command arrives to take an in depth look at how well Vance AFB follows Air Force Instructions in accomplishing the mission of training student pilots.
Lt. Col. Stephen Wisser, chief of Plans and Exercises with the 71st Flying Training Wing, and a veteran major command Inspector General team member, offered some tips for Team Vance in the final days of preparation.
"Attitude is everything," he stressed. "When an inspector comes into your area, give him a firm handshake, make him feel welcome, show that person you are proud of what you do and know how to do it."
You'll have a limited amount of time to walk the inspector through the steps of how your section contributes to the mission, said Colonel Wisser. "Take the initiative and show how highly compliant you are. Most inspectors come in with the basic assumption that you are satisfactory. It is up to you to elevate the bar, to show how you are going above and beyond."
If you plan to show the inspector continuity books, make sure you've gone over them thoroughly, the colonel pointed out. "Appointment letters should be current and all the material up to date," said Colonel Wisser.
Recalling his past experiences as an inspector, the colonel noted that first impressions are critical. "Sit up straight and look the inspector in the eye," he said. "Don't stop to answer phones. Have them forwarded to another location or arrange for others to take the calls. Give the inspector your 100 percent attention."
He recommended paying attention to your body language. "Don't take a defensive position like leaning back and crossing your arms. Don't constantly look at the clock or fidget with things on your desk."
Colonel Wisser suggested anticipating the inspector's questions and answer them by showing how your program meets the AFI's. "A compliance inspection is exactly that. It is all about the AFI's. It is not a time to complain about leadership, manpower, money or anything else. The inspectors are looking at your programs. They will figure out why you're not compliant," he said.
A question everyone should be able to answer is, "What AFI's govern your program," he said. "Everyone in the wing needs to be prepared for that question."
Colonel Wisser offered two final pieces of guidance for handling the inspection.
"When an inspector finds things like a letter out of date or a policy incomplete, take time to fix it on the spot if possible. If they ask you a question you can't answer, get an answer," he said. "Then, seek them out and demonstrate the ability and drive to make things right."
And his last piece of advice is, "walk around your area with a critical eye. Check the fire extinguisher's inspection tag. Look over the bulletin board. Is everything current?"
Lt. Col. Stephen Wisser, chief of Plans and Exercises with the 71st Flying Training Wing, and a veteran major command Inspector General team member, offered some tips for Team Vance in the final days of preparation.
"Attitude is everything," he stressed. "When an inspector comes into your area, give him a firm handshake, make him feel welcome, show that person you are proud of what you do and know how to do it."
You'll have a limited amount of time to walk the inspector through the steps of how your section contributes to the mission, said Colonel Wisser. "Take the initiative and show how highly compliant you are. Most inspectors come in with the basic assumption that you are satisfactory. It is up to you to elevate the bar, to show how you are going above and beyond."
If you plan to show the inspector continuity books, make sure you've gone over them thoroughly, the colonel pointed out. "Appointment letters should be current and all the material up to date," said Colonel Wisser.
Recalling his past experiences as an inspector, the colonel noted that first impressions are critical. "Sit up straight and look the inspector in the eye," he said. "Don't stop to answer phones. Have them forwarded to another location or arrange for others to take the calls. Give the inspector your 100 percent attention."
He recommended paying attention to your body language. "Don't take a defensive position like leaning back and crossing your arms. Don't constantly look at the clock or fidget with things on your desk."
Colonel Wisser suggested anticipating the inspector's questions and answer them by showing how your program meets the AFI's. "A compliance inspection is exactly that. It is all about the AFI's. It is not a time to complain about leadership, manpower, money or anything else. The inspectors are looking at your programs. They will figure out why you're not compliant," he said.
A question everyone should be able to answer is, "What AFI's govern your program," he said. "Everyone in the wing needs to be prepared for that question."
Colonel Wisser offered two final pieces of guidance for handling the inspection.
"When an inspector finds things like a letter out of date or a policy incomplete, take time to fix it on the spot if possible. If they ask you a question you can't answer, get an answer," he said. "Then, seek them out and demonstrate the ability and drive to make things right."
And his last piece of advice is, "walk around your area with a critical eye. Check the fire extinguisher's inspection tag. Look over the bulletin board. Is everything current?"
