Base officials provide tips to enhance ORI readiness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. A.C. Eggman
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  As Misawa Airmen prepare for the Pacific Air Forces Inspector General Operational Readiness Inspection slated for next week, base officials have some tips to enhance their readiness.

During the inspection, the wing's ability to deploy personnel and equipment during contingency operations will be tested and mindset will be vital in successfully meeting that challenge, said base officials.

"Airmen need to get into a combat ready mindset," said Lt. Col. John Parker, 35th Fighter Wing plans, programs, and inspections deputy chief. "That mindset can be broken down into preparation, focus, vigilance, and attitude."

Preparation includes reviewing and understanding documentation such as the pre-Battle Staff Directives, PACAF/35 FW Simulations, 35 FWI 90-201, and the Airman's Manual.

"All this information is readily available and should be the first place for Airman to start," said the colonel. Preparation also includes making sure individual protective equipment and chemical gear are marked correctly and inspected prior to use.

Other aspects of preparation are familiarity with your deployed location. "Know where you are deploying to, what is available at the location, what the mission is and what support is available," he said.

"Being mentally prepared is all-encompassing," said Colonel Parker. "We need to be focused on the task at hand going into and during the ORI." Airman need to get rid of any/all distractions, concentrate on their jobs, rely on their training, and set a good pace for sustained operations.

Vigilance or situational awareness is also another key factor. "Be aware of what's going on around you," said the colonel. "Don't assume everybody knows what you know." Make sure everyone is informed of recent BSDs, accomplish good buddy checks with IPE/Chem gear, and do a good hand-off between shifts. "If you have a problem - don't keep a secret. Inform your chain of command and follow-up."

The final piece to doing well in the ORI is attitude. "Attitude wins wars," said Colonel Parker. "This is your chance to prove how well you can do your job and every Airman needs to adopt a go-to-war attitude." This wing is well prepared and ready to go. We need to show the IG that we are confident, professional war fighters ready to accomplish the mission.