ORI focus: Be the expert and know the rules Published Feb. 10, 2010 By Col. Gary Goldstone 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- We all know that rules are important, and because of the nature of our business, they're even more important in the military. Rules, and adherence to those rules, are vital to our success. Since the American Revolution, it has been recognized that disciplined soldiers win wars. Unwavering adherence to orders and regulations is expected in order to keep us safe, win wars and ultimately to defend and protect our freedom. Examples of rule violations are all around us and continually remind us of the serious consequences when rules are not followed. Innocent children, civilians, dignitaries, fellow soldiers and loved ones have all died or been seriously injured due to lack of adherence in following regulations, rules of engagement or other orders. On the other hand, wars are won, humanitarian aid is provided and lives and liberty are preserved thanks to rules and safe mission accomplishment. Our exercises have given us the chance to practice our disciplined approach at deploying and prosecuting war under given ROEs. The Air Mobility Command Inspector General team has outlined all the ground rules we need to follow to make sure we are successful in our deployment of forces and during the wartime scenarios of the ORI. Those guidelines are there to ensure our safety, ensure we are evaluated fairly and to make sure we can adhere to strict ROE when going to battle. The ground rules are clear and are to be followed, just as they are when we deploy to war. We've had plenty of time to digest them and practice them. We all should know what's expected of us. Whether it's leaving our cell phones at home or making sure our paperwork is in order, we must comply with the rules if we are to be successful. When we go to war, we rely on each other to be the expert in our field, whether it be providing airlift, providing communications, or loading our gear properly. We each have a job to do and each person should not only be an expert in their chosen field, but also an expert in how this ORI is to be conducted. If we're to be "ALL IN" then we need to comply with the ground rules and make them second nature. If we do that, we will be able to move forward and take care of the details that will result in an outstanding inspection. Knowing these ground rules will allow us to focus on the broader taskings and scenarios that will come our way and how we will respond to them. If you haven't had a chance to fully review the ground rules you are way behind! They can be found on the ORI Community of Practice or check with your supervisor for a copy. Knowing the ground rules isn't just good practice for the ORI, but it's good practice for our daily mission. Read them, learn them, KNOW them! We already should know the regulations that guide our actions and give us a framework with which to make decisions. We should continually review those throughout the year to ensure we are compliant or see where we need to fix areas of concern. During these past several weeks, I've talked specifically about displaying a can-do attitude and showing a sense of urgency. I can't stress that enough! If we know the ground rules, we will be able to fight the war, and not the IG. We will be able to keep the communication flow open so commanders can make timely decisions. Knowing the rules is a core characteristic of professionalism and military bearing. Please review--and know--the rules, and then let's move forward to show how we Enable Combat Power!