Capstone inspection highlights wing's effectiveness

  • Published
  • By Jasmine Porterfield
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Airmen from the 96th Test Wing proved a little goes a long way during a Unit Effectiveness Inspection here March 14-18.

Inspectors from across Air Force Material Command descended on the wing to assess unit effectiveness in four major graded areas: managing resources, leading people, improving the unit, and executing the mission.

Despite being underfunded and with stretched manpower, the wing earned a rating of 'effective' and was hailed by leadership as a benchmark achievement for others to follow.

This particular inspection was the first time an AFMC wing was graded using the new three-tiered grading system, according to Brig. Gen. Christopher Azzano, 96th Test Wing commander.

The new grading system, implemented Air Force-wide last month, lends for grades of outstanding, effective and ineffective. The previous grading system included five tiers: outstanding, highly effective, effective, marginally effective, and ineffective.

"With an 'outstanding' in one area and an overall score much higher than our last UEI, we absolutely knocked it out of the park," said Azzano. "I couldn't be happier about this capstone [inspector general] event."

According to AFI 90-201, the purpose of a UEI is to identify areas where the risks from undetected non-compliance are greatest, helping leadership improve on those areas to achieve unit readiness.

"Very few [units] will get an 'outstanding,' but we're as close as we can get," said Col. Craig Johnson, 96th Civil Engineer Group commander. "We actually scored higher this year than two years ago under [the] five-tier rating system."

A detailed inspection report will be provided to the wing in the coming month.

"This is a testament to the hard work and dedication each of you put forth year round to ensure compliance and fulfillment of the four graded areas," said Azzano. "Congratulations again on a job well done, and thank you for your loyal service."