72nd ARS prepares for success Published May 24, 2006 By Master Sgt. Laura McKee 72nd Air Refueling Squadron GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- The much anticipated Unit Compliance Inspection is on everyone's mind in the 72nd Air Refueling Squadron. According to the Commander, Lt. Col. Laen August, "We know from our day to day performance, that the unit is doing an outstanding job at its mission and our past inspections and deployments attest to that. The purpose of this inspection is to make sure that our documentation and procedures reflect the same attention to detail. As such, the burden for much this inspection falls on the shoulders of the squadron's Administration and Life Support sections." The attention to detail required to excel at this sort of inspection means that affected members are double checking their AFI's, scrubbing programs and running self-inspection checklists. While this can seem like tedious work, the professionals of the 72nd appear to be taking all in stride. UCI's are really designed to measure compliance over time; so if the unit has been operating correctly then nothing new is being done. It's just a matter of being able to show the inspectors that the squadron is functioning according to approved procedures. According to Tech. Sgt. Jan Darlin, 72nd Admin., there's no question the outcome of the inspection will reflect everyone's efforts. Members in the Life Support Shop have a similar approach to success. They are concentrating on "...running checklists, correcting discrepancies and ensuring our section is in compliance with Air Force and AFRC guidelines," says Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Terhune, Chief of the 72nd Life Support Section. "No doubt about it; we're ready for this one!"Part of the reason for that confidence is the fact that today there are plenty of resources for units to use to make sure that nothing is being missed. For example, the AFRC Inspector General has made other unit's inspection reports and sample checklists available online. This has proved to be a vast improvement over past inspections that often left units guessing what areas the IG would be concentrating on. Seasoned veterans of the 72nd stress that; knowing your job and making sure that the paper work reflects that facts are the best ways to prepare for the Unit Compliance Inspection. Thorough review of the AFI's and double checking checklists are the techniques they are using to ensure success. Colonel August added, "I know how much time our Admin and Life Support folks have been spending to make sure their programs are current and up to date. These folks are doing great work and their efforts often don't get the recognition they deserve; but I believe that everyone in the squadron appreciates what they do to keep us flying. There's no doubt that their contributions are a big part of what makes the 434th ARW the unit of choice."
