ESC prepares for impending ORI

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gilmartin
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Electronic Systems Center is diligently preparing for an Operational Readiness Inspection at Hanscom by Air Force Materiel Command that could come as soon as this fall.

As part of that preparation, a number of Base Readiness Exercise scenarios were conducted throughout the week to test deployment and emergency response readiness, and more are planned for the coming months, according to Randy Robertson, chief of 66th Air Base Group's Plans and Programs.

The ORI, conducted by AFMC inspectors, will test ESC's ability to respond quickly to urgent Warfighter needs during exercise scenarios, as well as test the base's deployment readiness, emergency management and force protection. In addition to the operational inspection, a limited compliance inspection will also be conducted by the inspectors.

While the actual date of the ORI is unknown, officials said, ESC and Hanscom are clearly coming due.

"An ORI is held somewhere between 48 and 60 months from the last one," said Col. Jeffrey MacEachron, 66th Air Base Group Inspector General. "That would put ours somewhere between June 2011 and June 2012; however, the command also gives us 180 days notice, which we haven't received yet. All that considered, we're anticipating an ORI this fall."

The colonel stressed that no matter when the inspection occurs, it's up to each organization and each individual to be ready every day.

"This will not be just a military inspection," Colonel MacEachron said. "This will involve every member of our team, whether you wear the uniform, are a government civilian or a support contractor. It's going to take a positive attitude and a little extra effort from everyone to ensure ESC and Hanscom shine."

When it does occur, 80-plus inspectors will descend on Hanscom for more than a week to put the base through its paces. ESC will receive an overall rating of Outstanding, Excellent, Satisfactory, Marginal or Unsatisfactory. The center's Quick Response Capability will also be rated, along with the air base group's ability to handle force protection and emergency management.

"The time to practice hard is now," Mr. Robertson said. "If we have any weaknesses, we want to identify them up front and eliminate them. We intend to continue our rigorous exercise program and combat skills training throughout this year."