ORI experts offer advice to Airmen Published Sept. 3, 2008 By Senior Airman Carolyn Viss 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Operational Readiness Inspection is fast approaching, and with less than 30 days before the inspectors arrive, Dyess Airmen need to be ready for anything. The 7th Bomb Wing plans and programs and quality assurance offices are doing everything they can to prepare the wing for real-world deployments, and there's no better way to ensure operational readiness than to practice and be graded on everyday processes, officials say. "Everything begins with attitude," said Maj. Michael Arnold, 7th BW/XP chief of wing inspections. "On flight, squadron, group and wing levels, every Airman needs to be ready to do his part. Each must take personal responsibility for the wing's success as a whole." From cargo and personnel movement to force protection condition implementation, the Air Combat Command team of inspectors will take a hard look at the suitability and capability of each of the players in this year's Phase 1 ORI, said the wing subject matter expert. Occurring only every three to four years, the inspection is a chance for Dyess Airmen to show what they're made of and prove they're ready to go and capable of accomplishing the mission. Attention to detail is vital to the wing's success, Major Arnold said. Once the deployment tasking order drops, Dyess has only 48 hours to complete the mission, which means Airmen have to be ready now for what we know will be coming down the line. Airmen must be fit and healthy with all their gear and a working knowledge of their job as well as the ability to find the answers to any questions they don't know the answer to. "The IG expects you to have a good understanding of the [technical orders and] regulations on how business is done in your shop," Major Arnold emphasized. "They won't expect you to have every one memorized, but they'll want you to know how to do your job and where to go to get help if you need it." Bottom line: just do your job, said Master Sgt. Bart Jingst, 7th BW quality assurance chief inspector. "If an inspector asks you questions you cannot answer, don't sweat it. Get them the answer ASAP and make sure it's the correct answer." "Remember, this is what the inspectors do for a living, and you're not going to pull the wool over their eyes," said the sergeant, who has been an ORI inspector himself and has served as the exercise evaluation team lead inspector for Dyess' recent OREs. "Don't argue with the inspectors. If you disagree, give it to your chain of command to handle. Also, keep your chain of command in the loop if things don't go exactly as planned." Something everyone on base needs to remember is that the IG inspectors are searching for unclassified-but-sensitive critical information that is being provided over open sources, said David Fairchilds, Dyess' operational security program manager. "The premise of OPSEC is that the accumulation of one or more elements of sensitive or unclassified information or data could damage national security by revealing classified information," he said. "The goal of OPSEC, as a 'countermeasures' program, is to deny an adversary pieces of the intelligence puzzle. Information may be collected by monitoring radio and telephone conversations, analyzing telephone directories, financial or purchasing documents, position or 'job' announcements, travel documents, blueprints or drawings, distribution lists, shipping and receiving documents, even personal information or items found in the unclassified trash, he said. "Everyone knows the day-to-day importance of dealing with classified material and the ramifications of mishandling classified information, but it's the mentality of, 'no one is actually watching' and questioning, 'What could anyone possibly do with unclassified information?' that places the Dyess mission, our plans and procedures, and most importantly our troops' lives in jeopardy," Mr. Fairchilds said. OPSEC is accomplished using a five-step process: 1) Identify critical information; 2) Analyze threats; 3) Analyze vulnerabilities; 4) Assess risk; and 5) Apply OPSEC measures. "We need to know and protect our critical information," Mr. Fairchilds said. "Critical information is specific facts about Dyess' intentions, capabilities, and activities needed by our adversaries for them to plan and act effectively. In order for this ORI to be successful, unit critical information lists should be current and disseminated down to the lowest level, because the IG inspectors will evaluate OPSEC discipline throughout the unit using a standardized critique and observation, Mr. Fairchilds said. OPSEC measures are the methods and means to gain and maintain essential protection of critical information. Some OPSEC measures Airmen here must employ include: 1. Know and protect your unit/wing's critical information 2. Use secure communications when deemed appropriate 3. Do not e-mail critical information on the NIPRNET 4. Shred all work-related documents 5. Limit distribution of mission related information 6. Don't discuss the mission with unauthorized personnel 7. Be aware of your surroundings 8. Include your spouse and family in OPSEC practices 9. Report any suspicious activity to AFOSI at 696-2296 The bottom line from all the men was that if the wing is prepared to "hit execute" as soon as the deployment order drops and each Airman follows the exact guidelines they've been taught about the way their unit should function, the ORI will run smoothly. "Have a great attitude in everything you do, [because] you never know when the inspectors will be around, and you want to put your best foot forward," Sergeant Jingst said. "This is our time to showcase the fact that we are the best!"