KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. -- Welcome to the new Air Force Inspection System! Most of you have heard this acronym, but maybe were not quite certain what it meant. Some have said, "It's the same thing we've been doing for years", "Inspections are inspections no matter what new spin you put on it", or "We're having an inspection in September, I better get ready!" If you are one of these people, then this article is for you!
Let's start with what AFIS is NOT. It is nothing like the old inspection system. For those of us who have gone through an Operational Readiness Inspection, Unit Compliance Inspection, Compliance Inspection, Logistics Compliance Assessment Program, Multiple Systems Evaluation Program, Environmental Safety and Occupational Health Compliance Assessment and Management Program Assessment, etc., delete those memories from your brain. There is no more inspection prep. No putting together the perfect "book". No spending time ensuring all of your answers are "yes" on your IG checklists. No painting the grass green. No stressing about the inspectors; "Will I get a nice one, or will they be unhappy about every answer I give?" Now breathe, because it is about to get a lot better.
What IS AFIS? Per AFI 90-201, AFIS is focused on assessing and reporting a unit's readiness, economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and state of discipline to execute assigned missions. The AFIS gives the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and commanders at all levels an independent assessment of:
- A unit's compliance with established directives and ability to execute its assigned mission, leadership effectiveness, management performance, and aspects of unit culture and command climate.
- A unit's ability to find, analyze, report, and fix deficiencies.
- A unit's ability to prevent fraud and minimize waste and abuse.
What does this mean? Good news everybody! AFIS gives our commander the ability to build his own Commander's Inspection Program to the unique mission and needs of Kingsley Field. And, we inspect ourselves. Yes, that is correct - the 173rd Fighter Wing is responsible for inspecting our own.
How? It starts at the lowest level. Management Internal control Toolset is used for self-assessments. The Wing Inspector General Staff, with support from subject matter experts on the Wing Inspection Team, will inspect wing-wide performance and programs, and organizations below the Wing level. During these inspections, WIT members will review your MICT checklists, formulate questions based on those checklists (as well as any areas identified by your commander), visit your area to discuss those questions, and conduct "interviews" with select unit members. Big picture--the WIT will validate and verify your self-assessment program. Oh, and don't forget, the WIT also plans, organizes, and evaluates all wing-level exercises.
What do you need to do? This is the easy part--continue to do the fantastic job you're currently doing! If you are responsible for checklists in MICT, answer the questions thoroughly and honestly (it is ok to answer no), and provide documentation to support your answers. If you are a supervisor, pay attention to your people; be aware of, report, and try to fix any issues (not just those related to job skills, also personal, morale and welfare, etc. too). Think of ways to improve the unit--ask for help, share best practices, and be a great wingman.
What type of inspection will we have in September? Our inspection in September will be what AFIS describes as a "capstone" event. These happen every 4-5 years and are used by the Major Commands to validate and verify our CCIP. Yes, inspectors will look at MICT and will visit your areas. In addition, Air Education Training Command IG will send out a base-wide survey for all members to complete, and will conduct individual and small group interviews with select members. The IG Staff is available to provide additional information and answer any questions or concerns you may have.