30th Space Wing makes the grade

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ian Dudley
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
The 30th Space Wing recently completed the capstone event of the new Air Force Inspection system process by the Air Force Space Command inspection team, Dec. 16.

The wing earned an overall rating of "Effective" in three of the four major graded areas; managing resources, leading people, improving the unit and earned "Highly Effective" for the final major graded area, executing the mission.

This UEI was part of the new Commander's Inspection Program that was implemented within the last year, and is based around the self-assessment of units.

"In 2013, we had 170 inspectors versus the 90 we had during this inspection," said Angel Garcia, 30th Space Wing inspector general. "The IG team used a different method to inspect us this year.  First they virtually inspected us; second, they conducted an on-site visit in September, and thirdly, they conducted random sampling of the units versus full compliance during the UEI."

There is always a learning curve for any newly implemented system, and the UEI is no different, ultimately hinging on education.

"We have to educate our people on the Commander's Inspection Program so everyone understands their role," said Garcia. "Our wing commander recognizes the importance of self-reporting at all levels and ensuring that the wing leadership team is aware of areas of noncompliance so we can all work together to improve."

Maintaining standards is part of any job, but for 30th SW personnel, setting the bar one notch higher is always the goal and that was proven with 52 professional performers and 24 professional teams recognized by the AFSPC inspectors.

"This wing has a long history of outstanding performance, whether launching assets into space or responding to manmade or natural threats and events," said Garcia. "Complying with standards is only one aspect of the job but we also have to ensure our personnel are trained, educated and have the necessary resources to perform their duties as effectively as possible."

Even though there were no critical areas found within the wing, it allowed members to see the deficiencies that do exist and ready themselves to start the New Year on a stronger note.

"I definitely appreciate the feedback this UEI provided," said Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander. "It is all in the name of making us better. The IG team had 90 personnel that were away from their families this Christmas season, all geared to help us improve. We are going to take the information that they gave us, and we are going to improve where we need to and continue excelling in those areas where the IG validated our strong performance."

For questions on the new inspection process, contact Angel Garcia or any of the IG staff at 805-605-6366