5th FTS flies through unit inspection

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Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  No one likes to be inspected, but they're a way of life in the Air Force.
It is no exception for members of the 5th Flying Training Squadron.
However, the 5th FTS showed its excellence and professionalism Jan. 31 during the Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command Inspector General Unit Compliance Inspection.
The UCI is the Air Force Reserve equivalent to the active-duty Operational Readiness Inspection the 71st Flying Training Wing experienced in August 2005.
Preparations for this inspection began more than a year ago.
"Our last inspection occurred four years ago," said Maj. Dave Chael, 5th FTS chief of training and UCI team chief. "The 5th has been involved in a lengthy preparation process for the UCI since early 2005."
During the past year, the 5th FTS staff closely scrutinized numerous self-inspection programs and was evaluated by a staff assistance visit from the 340th Flying Training Group from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
"We knew we were ready for the inspection, validated by excellent marks from the 340th FTG and our own inspection process. But you never really know what they'll look for until they're here," Major Chael emphasized.
Historically, the 5th FTS has done well during the UCI process, and this year's inspection was no exception, the major said. The inspection four years ago yielded a strong excellent rating overall, several best practices and two superior performers were identified. During this year's day-long inspection, the IG team closely scrutinized more than 20 functional areas, including the support staff personnel program, aviation resource management, government travel card, commander support staff, information management, resource advisor, information technology, information security, operational risk management and ancillary training programs. This year's results were equally impressive, Major Chael said. There were no major findings in the functional areas inspected, numerous strengths identified, and again, two superior performers were recognized by the IG team.
"We're fortunate to have some of the best and brightest from the Reserve command working here in the 5th, " said Lt. Col. Gerald Kirchner, 5th FTS commander. "Our troops immediately impressed the entire IG team with their professionalism and breadth of knowledge that we already knew was second to none. They just validated it for us. It also gives me great pleasure to announce the two superior performers who were recognized during the inspection, Master Sgt. Paul Williamson for excellence in commander support and staff personnel programs, and my chief of training Major Chael, recognized for his superior ancillary training and tracking programs." Major Chael was also tasked with the squadron's overall preparation for the inspection.
The squadron now anticipates the next UCI in 2010.
(5th FTS)