Commentary: Focus is key to readiness success

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Ronald "Bruce" Miller
  • 301 FW Commander
NAS FT WORTH JRB, TEXAS --  As you know by now, the 301st Fighter Wing is entering a rigorous period of preparation for an operational readiness inspection (ORI) in March 2012.

An ORI is one of the few events - short of full-scale combat operations - that affect everyone in the wing no matter your job, rank or participation level. Everyone will play a role in the actual inspection and preparation.

During the next year, it will be important that everyone in the wing maintains focus on the preparation for our ultimate goal, which is to receive an "Outstanding" rating from the Air Combat Command Inspector-General team.

I'll be counting on all of you and the support of your families and civilian employers as we make the journey down the road to the ORI. Everybody in every job in this wing is crucial to our success or failure at the end of this journey.

No matter your position in the wing, there are steps all of us can take to make the ORI a success.

The first is to focus on the very fundamentals of your job - make sure you know the proper steps and follow the proper procedures for accomplishing your part of our mission. Whether you maintain aircraft or work on human patients, you will need to work "by the book" - following your AFI's and technical manuals to the letter. This is known as "Job-101."

The second is to focus on your personal readiness. Develop a mental checklist and ask yourself: "Is my chemical-protection gear ready for inspection? Do I have everything I need to complete my mission - to include working in a chemical or combat environment? Are my co-workers and battle-buddies ready?"

Third, focus on your personal well-being and safety. This is extremely important! Again, everyone in this wing is important to the success or failure of the ORI - we can't afford to lose manpower through neglecting safety concerns. Nothing we will accomplish preparing for or in the conduct of the ORI itself is worth risking injury or the loss of someone who is vital to the wing's mission.

Fourth, it will be important that each of us displays a "positive mental attitude" at all times - especially when the IG team arrives in 2012. In our preparations and during the actual inspection, there will be times when you are stressed, uncomfortable or generally would rather be someplace else. This is the time to demonstrate your professionalism and determination. If you maintain a positive attitude, it will rub off on those around you.

We face an extremely busy year as we prepare to show the ACC IG team the character and professionalism of the 301st Fighter Wing.

I expect you to perform to the high standards that have been a hallmark of this wing in the past. I'm extremely proud of what you have accomplished and I know you can meet the challenges ahead.
It's time for us to show the Air Force and Air Force Reserve who we are and the quality of our character.