Air Force Reserve at Risk With the New Inspection System
Abstract
The Air Force Inspection System (AFI 90-201) transitioned in 2013 from large-scale external Unit Compliance Inspections and Operational Readiness Inspections to a system of majority self-reporting for all Active Duty, Guard and Reserve units. The purpose of this research is to evaluate whether the new Air Force Inspection System (AFIS) is adequate for Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) to measure readiness and compliance with self-assessments and internal wing inspectors. By using the evaluation methodology, this paper analyzes AFRC data from inspection performances, self-assessment completion, and compares it to the other nine Air Force Major Commands (MAJCOMs) in order to determine the effectiveness of the system within AFRC. Key findings of the paper include: since 2013, AFRC wings have completed far fewer self-inspections and exercises on average than wings within the other nine MAJCOMs; AFRC headquarters inspectors cannot give continual guidance to wing inspectors or complete Unit Effectiveness Inspections (UEI) as frequently as the other MAJCOMs, and the risk of non-compliance or lack of readiness is greater in AFRC. The paper concludes that AFRC has accepted too much risk under the construct of the new Air Force Inspection System, which relies too much on self-assessments and self-reporting. It recommends that AFRC consider going back to in-depth MAJCOM inspections and exercises or develop a specialized traveling Inspector General (IG) team made up of multiple wing level IG personnel from various wings to perform inspections that rotate throughout the various wings in AFRC.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1054683
Entities
People
- Robert G. Atkins
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College