Local inspections improve wing readiness, teamwork Published April 10, 2007 By Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel 48th Fighter Wing Commander ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- As the 48th Fighter Wing continues to prepare for the Unit Compliance Inspection in August, I know workloads are increasing as every unit and agency crosses their "t"s and dots their "i"s. The UCI is a mandatory inspection to ensure the Liberty Wing meets Air Force requirements imperative to measuring the strength, performance and readiness of every unit. I'm sure many of us often think inspections like the upcoming Local UCI April 16-20 add a large burden on our already busy work schedules. Instead, I ask you look at these exercises and practice inspections as an opportunity to improve your unit processes, identify shortfalls or areas for improvement, and even highlight your work center and top performers to wing leadership. While some may believe base exercises and inspections hold little pertinence to your particular unit, the reality is everyone has an active role in the upcoming UCI. Presentation is everything--take this time to prepare your team on an individual and group basis. One way to prepare is to conduct self inspections. When conducting a self inspection, don't cut corners. Be critical of your unit processes and document the areas needing work--this is your chance to fix areas in a no-consequence environment. With several months left before the U.S. Air Forces in Europe UCI inspectors comb through your unit's paperwork, you still have time to identify overlooked items and update out-of-date records or training requirements. Take every opportunity, like the upcoming Local UCI, to ensure your unit follows Air Force regulations and policies. The Local UCI will be conducted by Airmen from different units. Don't dismiss their findings or deny challenges exist. It is better to find the problem now and take the necessary steps to fix it. Treat the inspectors with respect and bear in mind they are here to help. Remember to take notes on all the discrepancies. On the other hand, if you are asked to inspect another unit, take the responsibility to heart and assist the unit in identifying challenge areas. Take the time to conduct a proper and thorough inspection of all material. If a discrepancy is found, annotate it and communicate possible corrective actions to the unit. Remember, this is a practice inspection in a no-consequence environment--our sole goal is to help each other and our wing improve readiness and performance. When the USAFE UCI team finally arrives in August, my hope is their only purpose at RAF Lakenheath will be to validate what we already know: the Liberty Wing is ready and performing at our peak!