Fairchild to demonstrate self-assessment, effectiveness under new inspection system Published Jan. 29, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Sam Fogleman 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The capstone event of Fairchild's Unit Effectiveness Inspection will take place from Feb. 4 to Feb. 15. Although some special accommodations may be made for potential in-person interviews by Air Mobility Command inspectors, most personnel should remain grounded, conducting operations as usual. "Team Fairchild's mindset should be on their regular duties just like any other day," said Lt. Col. David Parlotz, 92nd Air Refueling Wing inspector general. "The UEI is different than traditional MAJCOM inspections. They are not here to see if we are perfect or to hammer us if our performance is not the peak of perfection. Just the opposite! The UEI team is looking to see if we know where we are doing well or not and have a plan to get better. They call it 'undetected non-compliance.'" Parlotz said that roughly 90 inspectors from AMC will be at Fairchild during the capstone event. He added that while people need to be aware of the special nature of the guests to the base and should follow protocols accordingly, the inspection should be a non-event for most Airmen. Still, some may be selected to participate in a confidential interview process with the inspectors. "Answer their questions honestly and truthfully," Parlotz said. "If something is broken, it's OK to say so, but be prepared to tell them what the plan is to get it fixed. If something is working the way it should, be proud and show them how you do it. You should already be familiar with what and how your AFIs and tech orders tell you to do your duties." Participation in Airmen to participate in Airmen-to-IG individual and group interview sessions is mandatory for selected Airmen, said Col. Brian Hill, 92nd ARW vice commander. "Selected Airmen need to arrive at the Red Morgan Center on time, looking sharp, prepared to engage in a candid dialogue with the Air Mobility Command Inspection Team," said Hill. "Additionally, the wing commanders are especially grateful for the participation of Team Fairchild's spouses who volunteered to be part of the Inspector General interview sessions. Their feedback and inputs are an important part of this inspection's success." Spouses who would like to take part in an interview session should contact their unit Key Spouses, who are the points of contact for any spouses who would like to volunteer. Outside of the interview sessions, AMC inspectors may also be inspecting various unit's self-assessment processes. "If the inspectors find something that is deficient and needs fixing, fix it as soon as possible," said Parlotz. "If something is not right, and you can fix before they leave, then that's a good thing. Do not ignore or argue with the inspectors. Inform your chain of command if it can't be fixed or you disagree with the inspectors. Let your leaders make the decision on how to resolve issues." The UEI process also serves as a reflection of the implementation of the Commander's Inspection Program at Fairchild, rather than a mere snapshot of a moment in time, said Hill. "The UEI event will help AMC leadership make an accurate assessment of 92nd and 141st progress under the new Air Force Inspection System." Over the preceding months, Fairchild's units have been striving toward meeting the standard set forth by this new inspection program. Therefore, challenges should be minimal in the closing days prior to the capstone event. "Be proud, Fairchild," Parlotz advised. "We are excellent at what we do. The UEI is our chance to show how good we really are."