Patriot | page - Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass

PATRIOT | NEWSPractical ORIby Lt. Col. James BishopThe 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office recently called itsfunctional inspector at the Inspector General's office at Scott AirForce Base, Ill.Our inspector spent about 30 minutes on the phone with us.He offered numerous suggestions that are useful to any player inthe Operational Readiness Exercise and Operational ReadinessInspection.Here are a few:>> First off, this underscored the importance of calling IG counterparts.Our contact was helpful, appreciative, and gave us sometips that people who had been on multiple ORIs didn't know.>> He emphasized asking the inspector any question you have andnot being intimidated, including confirming that you are finishedwith your Mission Essential Tasks.>> He recommended having a copy of your METs with you andchecking each off as you go along.>> He said the shifts will run from 6 to 6. The 439th AW willbe on day shift. The outgoing shift can share information with theoncoming shift, but they can't do their work for them. Both wingsneed to accomplish all METs.>> He recommended keeping an inventory of key equipment andchecking it each day.>> The number one problem he sees during inspections is "not beingproactive. It's easy on day 1 or 2..." but people need to continuethinking ahead throughout the ORI, planning for a backup to thebackup, etc.>> Finally, he recommended that people show their competenceand explain what they're doing to the inspector rather than silentlydoing their work and making him guess. Talk the inspector throughthe process.TROOP TALK | What lessons did youlearn from the last ORI to pass along?EDITOR’S NOTE: Patriot editor Master Sgt. Andrew Biscoeinterviewed several senior enlisted members of the 439th AirliftWing who passed along some important lessons learned fromtheir previous Operational Readiness Inspections.“Have a backup plan; ifthe inspector see’s somethingworking well they willprobably take it away -- beready; fight the enemy notsaid retired Col. Mary Hill, the chief IG, of the the inspectors Yellow are RibbonProgram for the Air Force Reserve.invisibleAwayevaluators,from homefocuscouldon solving the problem;mean you were activated in place maintain at Westover a sense of and urgencyand stay positive.you liveoutside the commuting area.It will be over before you“Each wing makes the decision know about it.” who is eligible” withinestablished guidelines, Colonel-- SeniorHill said.Master Sgt. KeithKeynote speaker for the weekend, Bodley, author 439th Maintenance and counselorSquadronKristy Tubbs, told the crowd that the biggest challengespeople returning from deployments faced included depression,marriage and money.She gave three time- and research-tested steps toward“When in doubt, open yourchoosingAirman’sto avertManual;depression:have- Believe a sense that you of urgency deserve but to be happy.don’t panic!- Behave Carry like out every you already scenario are happy. (Smiling when youare depressed to completion actually or until increases the your body’s endorphin lev-IG tells you to stop;communication andaccountability are key tosuccess.”-- Chief Master Sgt. NicoleRemy, 439th SupplySquadronPATRIOT PUNS“Try your hardest ... if aninspector sees you have agood attitude and you aretrying they will take thatinto consideration. If youhave any questions don’tbe afraid to ask. Be prepared- go in with all yourequipment and checklistsin order.”-- Senior Master Sgt. AlanDedinas, 439th CivilEngineering Squadron