Sabers ready for UCI

  • Published
  • By Col. Lee T. Wight
  • 52nd Fighter Wing commander
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  The long-awaited Unit Compliance Inspection is here! I would like thank every Saber for your hard work, dedication, responsibility and drive toward this measurement of the performance and capabilities of our wing. 

Every person at Spangdahlem Air Base and at each one of our 15 geographically separated units is a key player in the UCI. Your work up to this point and actions throughout the inspection are the framework for success. This is our chance to highlight the people, programs and practices that make the 52nd Fighter Wing a unique asset to not only the U.S. Air Force, but also to U.S. Air Forces in Europe and our NATO allies. 

There is no magic formula -all you have to do is show the inspectors what I see every day -- a wing full of strong, hard-working, sharp Sabers who know their jobs. 

Regardless of your rank, job or unit, you have a direct impact on how the 52nd Fighter Wing is rated. Take pride in not only how you conduct your daily tasks, but also in your appearance, communication and behavior. The Air Force uniform should be worn with pride at all times - not just for the sake of an inspection - but take time now to comb over your uniform and make sure it's inspection ready by referencing Air Force Instruction 36-2903. Customs and courtesies foster respect and recognition between officers and enlisted members of the military and are direct visible evidence of our military professionalism. Finally, showcase the knowledge and skills you have by being punctual, professional and patient with your co-workers, leadership and inspectors. 

The scope of the UCI reaches far beyond the inspection itself -- it evaluates our effectiveness in the short- and long-term. Assessed programs such as safety, operational security and training are just a few of the processes that keep our personnel, resources and working environments safe and secure at all times. Specific job requirements - dictated by various AFIs - are the link between the wrenches we turn at Spangdahlem and the success of the U.S. Air Force, USAFE, DOD and NATO as a whole. 

After counting down to the UCI for the past six months, it's important to realize that our hard work shouldn't cease after the inspection passes. Complying with standards is something we must internalize at all times, regardless of whether an inspection is pending or not. With the advent of "no-notice" UCIs, it is a real possibility that we will be tested again when we least expect it. Rather than look at this as a threat, we should view these inspections -- as well as any other evaluation -- as an opportunity for us to improve personally and as a team and highlight our outstanding performers and world-class processes. 

The bottom line is that continuously improving our processes, whether for an inspection or not, allows us to better accomplish our three unique missions of deterring NATO adversaries and providing combat-ready Airmen to fly, fight and win anytime, anywhere, while supporting and sustaining the combatant commander. Of course, when we more efficiently accomplish our mission, we can also dedicate more time to our families and personal needs. 

Good luck Sabers--this week and during all of our upcoming inspections--let's get ready to rumble and show our inspectors what first-class Saber Standard is all about! SEEK, ATTACK, DESTROY! 

- Saber 1