CUI set to begin Jan. 7

  • Published
  • By Kenji Thuloweit
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  When Brig. Gen. Michael T. Brewer returned to Edwards and assumed command of the 412th Test Wing this past summer, one of his expectations addressed in his change of command speech was "always be inspection ready."

2013 is right around the corner and the base that is world famous for its historical testing of the most technologically advanced, lethal and capable aircraft, will be graded for its compliance with Air Force guidelines and mission readiness.

Beginning Jan. 5, inspectors will begin arriving for the base's Consolidated Unit Inspection, which begins on the 7th.

The Air Force Materiel Command inspector general will lead the inspection team of approximately 180 inspectors visiting Edwards and AFMC units in the area.

"A CUI is conducted for units every two years," said Col. Paul Meyer, 412th TW inspector general. "The CUI concept derives from a commander's inherent duty to inspect their organizations. The requirement to inspect includes both internal inspections and external inspections (CUI). This CUI represents an AFMC internal inspection and an external inspection for the 412th Test Wing and surrounding AFMC units. All AFMC units at Edwards, Gray Butte and Air Force Plant 42 are subject to the inspection."

Non-AFMC organizations located on base will have limited exposure to the inspection.

Organizations are evaluated on compliance with established directives and ability to execute its assigned mission, leadership effectiveness, management performance and aspects of unit culture and command climate. Each inspected organization is graded as: Outstanding, Excellent, Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.

Inspectors will focus on programs and files throughout the wing, such as Family Care Plans, civilian time cards and record management. The regular inspection will also be combined to include a Health Services Inspection and a safety program evaluation and Logistics Compliance Assessment Program.

Meyer said the "combined" part of the unit inspection is a concerted effort on behalf of the Air Force to consolidate as many inspections as possible into a single inspection timeframe so that organizations do not experience "inspection fatigue" by undergoing continuous year-round external inspections.

At the start, the AFMC inspector general will conduct a single CUI in-brief for Brewer, the installation commander, Brig. Gen. Arnold Bunch Jr., the Air Force Test Center commander, as well as other commanders participating in the CUI.

From Jan. 7, to Jan 10, inspectors will evaluate Edwards' Metrology and Calibration.

From the 8th to the 10th, a six-member team will conduct a Health Services Inspection.

On Jan. 9 and 10, Air Force Research Laboratory Detachment 7 will undergo its Compliance Inspection, Commander's Interest Inspection and Logistics Compliance Assessment Program.

Jan. 9 to 12, The Readiness Inspection will be conducted and will be tailored to focus on Edwards' limited deployment responsibilities. The RI will focus primarily on the base being able to demonstrate the capability to prepare and train individuals on tasks necessary to support a small contingent deployment. The Battle Rhythm will consist of Edwards identifying 30 individuals who will then be trained in areas such as weapons handling, gas mask operation, transition training, etc. The RI will not inspect the proficiency of these individuals since it is assumed they are not yet qualified but rather focus on the ability for instructors to prepare individuals to perform these tasks.

"Edwards does not maintain a full mission mobility commitment, therefore, the Readiness Inspection will not entail exercising the entire base for a deployment. The 412th Test Wing's RI will be scoped to evaluate the organization's true mobilization requirement," Meyer said.

From Jan. 14 to 18, Edwards will undergo its CI, CII, LCAP and Article 6 inspections. The CI consists of all items listed in AFI90-201 to include a Safety Program Evaluation and Environmental, Safety, Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Management Program.

The CUI Out-brief is scheduled for Jan. 22.

Base personnel should anticipate increased activity while the inspectors are visiting. There will be some short delays and inconveniences associated with the inspection process.

"The inspection provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate how proud we are of our unique mission; demonstrate how well we can perform; and identify areas where we can improve. If you encounter a member of the inspection team; be courteous, professional and honest regarding any questions the inspector may ask," said Meyer.

Meyer said base leadership appreciates the extra effort Team Edwards has contributed for the inspection; on top of the tempo of day-to-day operations.

"The appearance of the base facilities and the behavior of unit personnel have a direct impact on the rating awarded to the units. Enjoy the holidays and be ready to kick off the New Year by welcoming the AFMC/IG inspection team."