What to expect with upcoming NSI, ORI

  • Published
  • By Capt. Pat Booker
  • 341st Missile Wing Plans and Policy
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  
Editor's Note: This article is the first in a series of seven articles to help inform and better prepare Malmstrom AFB personnel for the upcoming inspections.

Malmstrom leadership has received formal notification that the Headquarters, Air Force Space Command Inspector General will conduct a Nuclear Surety Inspection and Operational Readiness Inspection Phase I from Oct. 26 to Nov.10.

Her is a short primer on what each inspection actually consists of, what capabilities it measures and how often they occur. Each inspection is designed to observe different aspects of our profession. Everything from everyday readiness, contingency response and deployment scenarios, to wartime operations is of national interest. By understanding the different types of inspections, peronnel will have a better idea of what to prepare for, and when.

NSIs are specific to nuclear-capable units and measure the safety, security and reliability standards of nuclear resources. NSIs evaluate a unit's capability to manage nuclear resources while adhering to nuclear surety standards. It is normally a very detailed and thorough inspection. This year, however, it is expected that this inspection will be even more rigorous given the increased focus on the Air Force's nuclear mission. It is very possible to have inspectors from other inspection agencies, such as the Defense Threat Reduction Agency or the Air Force Inspection Agency, here to observe the AFSPC inspectors as they inspect the 341st Missile Wing. The last NSI occurred in June 2007.

Readiness Inspections consist of two components: Phase I and Phase II. The Phase I measures a unit's readiness and ability to execute its day-to-day mission while a Phase II measures a unit's ability to prepare and deploy to war, as well as the ability to perform while deployed. Only a Phase I inspection is expected this time. The last ORI was in February 2006.

The bottom line is that the 341st MW personnel must demonstrate their readiness and proficiency to execute assigned missions - in garrison or deployed. There are 44 days left before the inspectors arrive; enough time to fine-tune preparation efforts.

Over the next six weeks, more articles will be provided to help explain various facets of the inspections and give tips on how to better prepare for the arrival of the inspection teams.