Inspections -- What are they good for?

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. James Standley
  • 349th Maintenance Group
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Why inspect? We have gone through this before. It's to validate and revalidate, why Travis Air Force Base is America's first choice! As a base, we're well aware of the requirements to do what's right. We've gone through these inspections so many times, and we're fully aware of what's required to accomplish our mission as a whole.

As a chief at the top of the enlisted structure, my first responsibility is mentoring the enlisted force, helping the young Airmen to see where they fit in this global organization, the United States Air Force. Just as important, if not more important than where they fit in, is how they bring air power together. I'm sure you have all heard the saying, "ALL IN!" Everyone has to be "All In" to make our Air Force mission go.

Whatever you do here, whether you serve in the military or as a civilian, we all serve the same purpose of supporting this great nation. At the same time, I want you to remember: no matter how trivial a job may seem, one is just as important as the other. When I write a performance evaluation on an Airman or a civilian, the statement about our "high ops tempo" has been removed. Why? Here at Travis, it is "business as usual" to aim high every day, and accomplish our global reach. During an inspection or going down range, we take our job to another level. If I attempted to adequately describe what we do, I would come up short.
It's when we reach inside ourselves to do our very best then go a little further, that we reach that "high" of success. The only way we can fail is not being "ALL IN!"

I watched the Super Bowl after returning from our own Super Inspection, and heard a coach say "All of my players are at their best. The only concern I ever have with any player is he will over compensate and in-turn, make mistakes." Those coaches have steps to prevent this from happening; our inspection process helps mitigate mistakes in order to execute flawlessly.

We are required to take a look through the eyes of others, examine interpretations and processes in place, then validate the performance of our actions. In understanding the inspection process, the young troops can embrace its culture, and know it makes them stronger Airmen. It also helps me in my work as a Chief, to prepare future leaders by identifying our strengths and weaknesses. In between the inspections that come and go, you need to understand the attention needed to maintain currency with job tasks, more importantly, staying proficient in those tasks.

Abraham Lincoln said "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." Sharpening your skills in anything you do makes you more confident and stronger, as you take on all things in life, your work, fitness, faith and relationships.
The next inspections will come and you'll say "Bring it on!" My feelings are, "Let's do this!" I'm ready, knowing that we continue to sharpen our skills in all we do to support the defense of this great nation.