Preparing Team Seymour for ORI success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  "Exercise, Exercise, Exercise," is something Airmen of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will be getting used to hearing during the next year.

In preparation for the March 2013 operational readiness inspection, the 4th Fighter Wing Inspections and Exercises Unit will test and evaluate how each member of Team Seymour performs and understands their role in support of the mission, through a variety of exercises.

Leading up to the ORI, there will be four operational readiness exercises, four major accident response exercises and four unit compliance inspections scheduled. Each of these exercises takes months to plan, develop and put into action.

"We do not utilize pre-made exercises, but develop and tailor each exercise script based on objectives, focus areas, previously identified deficiencies and lessons learned," said Maj. Andrew Perry, 4th FW inspections and exercises deputy chief. "There are certain AFI based requirements the wing is required to exercise and inspect on a quarterly and annual basis."

The inspections and exercise personnel work in an office devoted to performing inspections and evaluations throughout the wing. They work for the vice wing commander, giving him an accurate picture of the combat readiness of Team Seymour. With feedback and observations on previous exercises, the unit is able to implement different strategies for exercises and inform leadership of areas that need improvement.

"This process allows us to evaluate compliance, readiness and mission capability, identify shortfalls, and advise senior leadership on the combat readiness of the 4th Fighter Wing," Perry said.

Tech. Sgt. Spencer Brassard, 4th FW inspections and exercises coordinator and evaluator, stated that in order to build a more agile force, they test different units which strengthen the wing's combat capability.

These exercises are not only preparing Team Seymour for an inspection by an Air Force level inspector general evaluation team, but more importantly how they react when the 4th Fighter Wing is called on to deploy.

"The 4th Fighter Wing Airmen can posture themselves for a successful ORI by knowing their roles and fulfilling them to their highest capacity," Brassard said. "It is imperative for the wing to succeed and that each member does their part and understands every role is essential. From the wing staff agencies down to the lowest ranking Airman, everyone plays an integral part in making this wing function both at home or in a deployed environment. If everyone understands that and takes the exercises seriously, then Team Seymour will come out on top."