How we'll ace the inspection

  • Published
  • By Varoius Agencies of the
  • 341st Space Wing
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Dress for success
You only get one chance to make a good first impression. With the first of two inspections beginning this weekend, we all need to remember to dress for success. Below are dress and appearance reminders from AFI 36-2903. Remember, this list is not all inclusive and members should reference the complete AFI for further guidance.

· For individuals authorized to wear duty badges, the 341st Space Wing patch will then be worn on the wearer's right side, above the name tape. If a member is authorized to wear a unit or morale patch, it may be worn in lieu of the 341st SW patch.

· The 96th Uniform Board determined that only solid-color black backpacks may be worn with Air Force blue uniform combinations and solid-color black, olive drab or woodland camouflage backpacks may be worn with BDUs.

· Cellular phones and other communication devices are authorized to be carried by all Air Force members. These items do not have to be issued as part of the member's duties in order for the member to be authorized to carry them.

· Cellular phones must be solid or covered in black, silver, dark blue or gray, and must be conservative. They may be clipped to the waistband or purse, or carried in the left hand. Only one may be worn on the uniform belt. Cell phones will not be used while walking in uniform - a hands-free headset is not authorized while walking.

· During non-tactical operations (i.e. in-garrison), officers will wear the bright pin-on grade insignia on the front tab of their cold-weather jacket; enlisted personnel may wear the subdued pin-on or slip-on insignia.

· During tactical operations, enlisted and officers alike will wear the subdued slip-on insignia on the front tab of their cold-weather jacket.

· Women's hair will not extend in length on all sides below an invisible line drawn parallel to the ground at the bottom edge of the shirt collar at the back of the neck. Hair will not exceed three inches in bulk or prevent the proper wear of headgear.

· The 96th Uniform Board determined that the statement "no hands in pocket authorized" will be re-incorporated into AFI 36-2903.

How customs, courtesies translate into professionalism
Customs and courtesies are acts of respect and courteous behavior. More importantly, they are indicators of self-discipline and pride.

The military is a unique organization with a long history of traditions that have become our present-day ceremonies, customs and courtesies. Adherence to these basic acts show others that we are professionals dedicated to the service of our country.

Terms of address. Airman, sergeant, chief, lieutenant, colonel, sir and ma'am are proper terms of address - senior and LT are not. "Sarge" is definitely not a proper term of address. Refer to personnel by their proper rank and last name or use terms such as sir or ma'am.

Respect for the flag. Stop when you hear reveille or retreat and assume the position of "parade rest." Assume the position of attention and salute upon the first note of the national anthem or "To The Colors." If in civilian attire, follow the same procedures except put your right hand over your heart instead of saluting. Running for cover is neither professional nor respectful - it is shameful.

Saluting. Saluting is an act of courtesy and respect; salute officers of higher rank. Do it smartly, like a professional and remember to exchange an appropriate greeting. These acts show you're a professional.

Position of honor. Stay to the left of superiors when walking. Remember that the ranking person enters vehicles or rooms last and exits first.

Courtesies. Stand when an officer enters the room and greet them appropriately. When answering the telephone, use proper phone etiquette, and state your organization and name, and ask how you can help. It is not a contest to see how quickly you can speak the words. Annunciate to ensure the receiver can hear and understand what is said. Say "please" and "thank you."

Do's and don'ts
It's time for Team Malmstrom to show its stuff. The much anticipated Nuclear Surety Inspection begins Sunday with the Compliance Inspection immediately following. The 819th RED HORSE Squadron will also undergo an Operational Readiness Inspection during this time. What does that mean for everyone in the 341st Space Wing? Just go out there and do your job. That being said, there are a few other things our Airmen can do to make things move along smoothly:

· Maintain a positive mental attitude throughout the inspection. Having a positive mental attitude is the wing's motto, so please don't forget it. All our Airmen are experts and professionals in performing the wing's daily mission and we each need to continue to do the same wonderful job we've been doing. Don't change just because there are inspectors looking over our shoulders.

· Render proper courtesies while inspectors are in the area. Remember to stand when inspectors arrive in the work area and reply with "sir" or "ma'am." There will be senior officers out and about on base.


· Keep things clean and in good order - both inside and outside. Walk around outside base facilities to pick up debris and, if necessary, remove snow. Moving indoors, take out the trash on a daily basis and clean up common areas, break rooms, etc.

· Have a sense of urgency in everything you do.


· Correct any errors the inspectors find on the spot.

· Don't argue with inspectors. Elevate concerns up the chain of command.


· Don't attempt to guess an answer, rather look up the answer in the AFI or technical order while the inspector is there. If you are uncertain as to what the inspector is asking, ask for clarification.

Exercise ground rules you need to know
FPCON DELTA
· All personnel (including family members and retirees) stop what you are doing and seek immediate shelter. Have your ID card ready to speed entry into buildings.

· After demonstrating capability to implement FPCON measures, certain facilities should request release of personnel through their UCC and battle staff representative. These facilities include, but are not limited to: all AAFES facilities, Elkhorn Dining Facility, Commissary, Clinic and base gates.

BUILDING EVACUATION
· Follow your facility's specific evacuation plan. Remember, there are no differences in fire and bomb threat procedures.

· Only non-mission essential personnel will evacuate from some facilities. Examples of facilities where mission essential personnel might remain in place include, but are not limited to: the clinic, military court facilities, religious services, the heat plant, command post and dormitories.

SIMULATIONS
· Commanders should request simulations for actions which are too costly (resource expenditure, potential risk) or impractical to perform.

· These normally should be submitted prior to exercise start but can be requested during an exercise by going through the chain of command to the wing commander.

CIVILIAN OVERTIME AND CONTRACTORS
· Unit commanders determine whether civilian personnel will participate in an exercise beyond normal duty hours and receive overtime pay.

· Exercise activity will not drive increased contract costs for the government by interfering with work.

For a complete listing of the exercise ground rules, refer to 341 SWI 10-204, Attachment 2. Call the wing plans and programs office at 731-7689 if you have any questions