Show your stuff

  • Published
  • By Col. James Crowhurst
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander
To follow up on the command chief's Super Bowl analogy last week, "game day" is here. On sunday, approximately 200 Air Force Teammates will give us and the 931st Air Refueling Group several inspections. If you get the opportunity to interact with inspectors they may be a functional expert for the unit compliance inspection, the aircrew standardization evaluation visit, the logistics capability assessment program, or the standardized evaluation program for our weather office. Regardless of the type of inspection, remember three simple things: you know your jobs, you're part of a great team, and your positive attitudes will make a difference.

As Team McConnell Airmen, each of you plays an important role in ensuring we provide superior warfighter support. Like a job interview, the inspections will be a great opportunity to show how well you know your specific role. The keys to success in a job interview and an Air Force inspection are the same - be prepared, be professional, and make your first impression count. Each of you is capable of walking an inspector through your programs and processes with competence and confidence. I've spent time in your work centers and seen your professionalism as you've shown me how well you know your jobs - I'm counting on you to do the same thing for the inspectors.

As Airmen in the world's premier Air Force, we're trained to get the job done right the first time. However, I recognize that mistakes happen and that discrepancies may be found by the inspectors. If that happens, we want to accept their feedback and if possible fix any problems on the spot. Also, remember that if you cannot answer an inspector's question, you can use your peers and your chain-of-command to find the answers in a timely manner. The inspectors will leave no stone unturned when reviewing our programs, and we have a duty to do the same when addressing their questions and concerns. We have a great team and rely on each other to accomplish our mission - teamwork will be a big plus during the inspections.

Finally, I'm excited about having these inspections because they will validate what a great job each of you does every day as we perform our mission. It's important that you make a good first impression when the inspectors show up to your workplace - treat it like a job interview. Showcase your job knowledge - confidently walk them through your processes and answer all the questions that you can. It is okay if you don't have every answer;your teammates will help you. You've spent many months preparing for this, and the inspectors will validate your efforts. Most importantly, we've put processes in place that will be enduring and ensure we're inspection ready anytime. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.