Positive results for recent inspections

  • Published
  • By Patty Welsh
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Recent inspections of Hanscom's major units yielded successful outcomes across the board.

The 66th Air Base Group had a Unit Effectiveness Inspection, while the Battle Management and Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence and Networks Directorates underwent Unit Compliance Observations.

According to personnel from Hanscom's Inspector General's office, these types of inspections are a "completely different way of doing inspections." They expand beyond traditional compliance to see how effective an organization is in preparing for and accomplishing its mission. And rather than traditional Operational Readiness or Combined Unit Inspections, the new inspections focus on four major graded areas:  Managing Resources, Leading People, Improving the Unit and Executing the Mission.

"This was a very comprehensive inspection and the inspectors took a very thorough look at our operations," said Lt. Col. James Lee, Hanscom IG. "There were four separate elements: a virtual piece; Airman-to-IG interviews; the evaluation of a base readiness exercise; and the final on-site capstone visit."

All major organizations at Hanscom scored an "effective" or better in their perspective MGAs.

"This is a very positive result," said Lee. "It means we're performing our mission at or above the same level as our (Air Force Materiel Command) peers."

The 66th Air Base Group received a "highly effective" rating in Leading People and "effective" ratings in the categories of Managing Resources, Improving the Unit and Executing the Mission, resulting in an overall "effective" rating.

Previously, Col. Michael A. Vogel, 66th Air Base Group and base commander, said that the inspections gave Hanscom personnel an opportunity to demonstrate their work's "crucial role in helping the Air Force accomplish vital missions."

According to Vogel, Team Hanscom was successful in showcasing that to inspectors.

"Inspections are about proving that you are doing what you say you're doing," he said. "This inspection validated that and also let us highlight the important work done here to support the warfighter."

The C3I and Networks Directorate received "highly effective" ratings for Leading People, Improving the Unit and Executing the Mission and an "effective" grade in Managing Resources for an overall rating of "highly effective."

Maj. Gen. Craig Olson, C3I and N program executive officer, congratulated his directorate for the strongest inspection performance of any organization he'd been a part of in his career. He further emphasized that the results clearly demonstrate that self-assessment and continuous improvement have become an enduring part of the Hanscom culture.

The Battle Management Directorate received an overall "effective" rating, with a "highly effective" rating for Executing the Mission and "effective" ratings in Managing Resources, Leading People and Improving the Unit.

"After 26 years, I've been on the receiving end of a lot of inspections," said Col. Dale VanDusen, Battle Management deputy director. "Of all, none have better highlighted the rock-solid teamwork a single installation performs. Whether it's our small size, our attitude, or our strong tradition of partnering in the area, Hanscom should be proud."

Although the inspection team identified some areas that need improvement, overall, Hanscom personnel were able to illustrate how effective they are in accomplishing their mission.

And even though reports are still in draft form, many outstanding performers and teams were recognized. Noted was the work of more than 20 outstanding teams and more than 25 outstanding performers. Once reports are finalized, findings will be shared with appropriate units.

"Again, thank you for all your support before and during the inspections," said Vogel. "The positive outcome reinforces the fact that Hanscom has a solid and important impact on Air Force operations."