'Lik' preps for UCI home stretch

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Jones
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  'With less than 100 days until the Unit Compliance Inspection, Team Incirlik is entering the home stretch in preparation for the assessment.

The UCI team will scrutinize every aspect of an organization's operations and thorough preparation will help ensure unit success.

"Units should focus on dotting their I's and crossing their T's. The UCI is all about documentation and being able to show an inspector with written proof that you are complying with directives," said Capt. Martin Fagan, 39th Air Base Wing officer in charge of plans and readiness. "The USAFE checklists are the starting point for most programs with particular attention paid to the items in all caps or bold, as failure to comply with these will get you a critical finding. Additionally, focus in on the program areas that are out of your control and ensure the job is being done. In other words, if you rely on another unit to accomplish part of your checklist, contact that unit to get a POC and make sure they know they're accountable for those checklist items."

In addition to unit checklists, part of the UCI will focus on the wing's Ability to Survive and Operate during an exercise scenario.

"We have the exercise scenario set and now need to polish our execution," said Lt. Col. Tom Svoboda, 39th ABW plans and readiness chief. "Airmen need to make sure their JLIST suits are marked properly, they don their chemical gear quickly and show a sense of urgency."

"It all comes down to individual preparedness and knowledge. We have run this exercise several times and continue to see some of the same findings which can be easily fixed," said Captain Fagan. "Additionally, everybody should know evacuation procedures for their facility and reporting procedures."

While inspectors will be evaluating units as a whole, much of an organization's success will come down to the performance of individual Airmen.

"The UCI focuses us on our day-to-day mission. Everyone needs to know their section's self-inspection checklist and make sure they're accomplishing all identified tasks," said Colonel Svoboda.

"Airmen need to know what they are responsible for and what their strengths are so that when the inspector comes in they can present their program in a way that focuses on the positive," added Captain Fagan. "You want to try and lead the inspector through your program and you can't do that unless you thoroughly know your program."

The professionals in the plans and readiness office urge Airmen to review the Airman's Manual and the quick reference checklist that is posted on their site on the Source. With proper preparation, the UCI will be another victory for Team Incirlik.