Peterson Reserve wing rates 'effective' in first inspection of new system

by Ann Skarban
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

7/21/2014 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- The Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift wing successfully completed its first Unit Effectiveness Inspection under the new Air Force Inspection System here July 16 with an overall rating of "effective".

The Unit Effectiveness Inspection or capstone inspection is a culmination point of the new, continuous 24-30 month evaluation process of wing performance in four major graded areas. The capstone event validates and verifies the commander's inspection program. Throughout the 24 to 30 months leading up to the capstone inspection, units will regularly assess programs and continually improve processes. The wing can expect its next wing-wide AFRC capstone inspection event in late 2016 or early 2017.

As part of its overall effective rating the wing was rated "highly effective" in executing the mission and effective in three of the four major graded areas.

The 302nd AW received the following grades:

Managing Resources: Effective
Leading People: Effective
Improving the Unit: Effective
Executing the Mission: Highly Effective

Discussing the transition to the new inspection system with the wing staff, 302 AW commander Col. Courtney Arnold said, "I think this system will offer a greater opportunity to maintain and sustain our overall mission readiness."

The 302nd Airlift Wing is a unit-equipped C-130 wing with 12 aircraft assigned performing the principle mission of tactical airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation. In addition, the 302nd Airlift Wing is the only Air Force Reserve Wing to support aerial fire fighting with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System mission.

"I am extremely proud of our wing's ability to quickly adapt to both the culture and process of the new inspection system. We have been extremely successful in accomplishing our mission and throughout the inspection cycle, we've been making improvements. The capstone event tells us we are placing the right focus on areas that ensure our mission readiness and it also tells us our internal inspection program is of value," said Arnold.