Our journey to the 2010 ORI Published Feb. 12, 2009 By Col. Gary Goldstone 375th Airlift Wing commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Airlift Wing received its official notification that the Air Mobility Command Inspector General (AMC/IG) will be inspecting us in March of 2010 in what's called an Operational Readiness Inspection, or ORI. ORIs are the "crown jewel" for assuring and validating the readiness of an organization. We have a big job ahead of us in the year to come as we prepare for this inspection, which will grade us on how effectively we perform our mission during crisis situations. The key to any successful inspection is early preparation and continuous improvement. The 375th AW is already well on its way to ensuring success during the ORI. Our efforts during this next year will be most important as we work toward reliable and sustainable processes that will not only serve us during the inspection, but also in our day-to-day mission. These reliable and sustainable processes must be repeatable. In order to focus our efforts, it's imperative to link all of our efforts with actual checklists and lessons learned, while operating in accordance with publications and regulations. The linkage between these resources are sure to align us with the highest standards. And, it is a fact that in order to prepare, we must practice. The Air Force uses ORIs to assess readiness, which may not necessarily be what servicemembers will face on the frontlines or in combat. But, the ORI is a report card that will detail our wing's readiness and ability to respond to a host of challenges. ORIs help us to answer the question, "Ready for what?" Our units are organized, trained, and equipped to fulfill a specific purpose. We have to ensure we can meet our steady state mission, respond to short-notice contingencies, or even execute a major operational plan. As Lt. Gen. Ray Huot, the Air Force Inspector General, puts it, "We have only two real tests of readiness: an ORI and war." I know our team is working to ensure the scenarios we practice are as realistic as possible, and that is why it's critical that those who are appointed as evaluators bring their expertise to the table and contribute throughout this process. We should view the preparation for the ORI as an excellent training opportunity and set aside the time required to go over the basics, to include checklists while we practice our responses with as little simulation as possible. The 375th AW is conducting its mission in superb fashion. Our efforts and preparation will garner the highest rating in the five-tiered rating system. It may seem like March 2010 is a long way off, but it is truly just around the corner. We will train, prepare, and exercise while maintaining mission focus and the appropriate balance for our people and resources. If we do that, we will avoid the "ORI fatigue" that can come with a year-long preparation schedule. Senior Air Force leaders have continued to support this particular readiness evaluation system, which they agree "inspires confidence within our units that they have passed the toughest test." Our goal is to inspire that level of confidence-and Enable Combat Power!-within our units each time we exercise a crisis scenario and not just during one week of the year. As we move out and prepare for our March 2010 ORI we are one step closer to achieving an outstanding inspection. Air Power!