99th ABW commander offers tips for success during the ORI Published Jan. 12, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs Office NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- With the Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) scheduled to take place Jan. 25-29, the 99th Air Base Wing commander has some helpful tips to ensure Nellis and Creech Airmen are prepared and ready for success. The ORI is an inspection of the wing's ability to deploy at a moment's notice while maintaining the high standards of mission accomplishment and compliance demanded by the Air Force. As with every test, questions and conditions may change depending on the team giving the inspection. Ensuring all 99 ABW Airmen are ready to process the deployment line enhances the wing's ability to answer any scenario that may occur. There are a few ways to make sure you are prepared if tasked to process and deploy. First, it is important to have your personal bag and mobility gear packed in accordance with the Nellis Deployment Plan. By having your bags packed at all times, you will be able to "grab and go" with minimal time delays and stress. As with any real-world deployment, training is important. Completing all computer-based training and ensuring your mobility folder is complete and accurate goes a long way in being inspection-ready. Col. Dave Belote, 99 ABW commander and former Air Combat Command inspection team member, encouraged members of the 99 ABW to carry a few items that put the basic tools at each Airman's fingertips for the ORI. He directed each person in the 99 ABW to have their common access card or identification card, Airman's Manual, and an up-to-date recall roster for their respective squadron with them during all exercise and inspection periods. "Even though the wing has been preparing for the inspection over the past year, there are times when individuals may need information that they might have a hard time remembering," Colonel Belote said. "The items that I have ensured Airmen carry contain the correct answers to the questions the inspectors need to see. As a former IG inspector, I know that all the information that may be asked of you will be at your fingertips." Safety is also a major test during the ORI. While preparing for and executing such an important exercise, many people get carried away in doing their best to take care of procedures and forget to take care of the biggest asset the Air Force has--themselves. There is no set start time for steps in the ORI to take place and many squadrons will be going to 12-hour shifts. Therefore, it is important for Airmen to maintain a healthy diet and sleep pattern throughout the week. It is also important for Airmen to properly hydrate throughout the workday. Many Airmen might find themselves working during hours of darkness or inclement weather. To prevent safety issues during these conditions, it is imperative for all Airmen to wear a reflective belt at all times; the belt also instantly identifies 99 ABW personnel as ORI participants. The 99 ABW ORI is a chance for Nellis to show its ability to fly, fight, and win, in air, space, and cyberspace--whenever put to the challenge. By following the tips above, each Airman will succeed during this test of Nellis AFB's ability to carry out the Air Force mission.
