341st Missile Wing receives unsatisfactory rating in inspection

by Air Force Global Strike Command
Public Affairs

8/13/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The Air Force Global Strike Command Inspector General team visited Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., Aug. 5-13 to evaluate the 341st Missile Wing's ability to execute operations while complying with nuclear surety standards.

The 341 MW received an 'unsatisfactory' rating after making tactical-level errors -- not related to command and control of nuclear weapons -- during one of several exercises conducted during the inspection. This failure resulted in the entire inspection being graded 'unsatisfactory.'

A failed inspection does not mean that the safety of the nation's nuclear arsenal is at risk, AFGSC Commander Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski said.

"These inspections are designed to be tough to pass," he said. "A failure doesn't mean the wing isn't able to accomplish its mission."

Rather, Kowalski said identifying discrepancies is part of the process to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear arsenal.

Nuclear Surety Inspections are extremely demanding, ensuring the highest standards of compliance and accountability.

"Commanders use these inspections to continually improve our training and procedures," he said. "These inspections allow us to identify causes and find solutions to problems in areas that aren't meeting our exacting standards."

The AFGSC/IG will return to inspect appropriate aspects of 341 MW within 90 days in accordance with established Department of Defense and Air Force guidance.