Wing prepared for PACAF inspection

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing will be put to the test during Pacific Air Forces Inspector General Initial Response Readiness Inspection slated for this week.

The inspection will assess the wing's ability to deploy personnel and equipment during contingency operations. "We're ready to go," said Col. Scott Goodwin, 374th AW commander. "As long as we keep up the great attitude, communicate up and down the chain, pay attention to detail and continue to execute the way we've been practicing during the past few exercises, we'll do well."

Training has been ongoing throughout Yokota Air Base with many transformations taking place in deployment functions to help streamline processes that allow Airmen a better opportunity for success.

According to Col. Tom Davidson, 374th AW Inspector General, Airmen should take what they've learned from past exercises and take pride in the duties they need to accomplish. "The wing has created or adopted some great procedures that have worked really well during the exercises," said the colonel. "Stick with those procedures - this is not the time to try out something new."

Often times, Airmen find themselves in a situation where the events practiced during exercises become reality. The skills and procedures learned during those exercises have a direct effect on how an individual responds to an incident.

During the inspection, Airmen should treat every situation as if it is a real-world event. "Simply use your training and make sure you understand the situation. Project yourself into the scenario and continue to work the problem until the inspector tells you to stop," said Colonel Davidson. "Carry everything to a logical conclusion unless the inspector tells you otherwise. Don't say, 'I'd call for an ambulance.' Make the call or get someone else to make the call if you are busy doing Self-Aid and Buddy Care. A sense of urgency is part of the grade, so take charge and treat it like a real life situation."

According to the colonel, motivation is a force multiplier. If you are driven to succeed, others will pick that up and eventually help an entire squadron, or even the wing, adopt a sense of accomplishment in doing their tasks. Colonel Davidson also noted that making mistakes will not fail the wing during the inspection.

"Don't lose your focus just because one bad thing happens. If you make a mistake with an inspector there, fix it and move on. They know people will make mistakes and don't determine the grade based on a single event. They really do want the wing to be successful in the inspection," said the colonel.

Associate units will also play a role in the upcoming IRRI. Ensuring the proper posting of force protection signs, as well as watching for suspicious activity, is everyone's responsibility. Remember to report anything out of the ordinary and make sure to keep people informed of changes in your work area.

"The wing is ready to take on the challenge," added Colonel Goodwin. "Our Airmen have honed their skills and are ready to show the PACAF/IG team that Team Yokota will succeed at any task it is given."