Wing rated ‘effective’ after inspection

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (Rosecrans Air National Guard Base) -- The 139th Airlift Wing emerged from Air Mobility Command (AMC) Inspector General team's 7-day Unit Effectiveness Inspection (UEI) Capstone with on overall "Effective" rating Oct. 8, 2014.

"I couldn't be more proud of this unit," said Col. Ralph Schwader, 139th Airlift Wing commander.

AMC sent 46 inspectors, primarily from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to review base operations.  With a focus on self-evaluation, this capstone event is a new Air Force inspection that focuses on continual evaluation, and will take place every four years for Air National Guard units with a midpoint every two years.

"Leadership ensured they provided a mission focused force to Air Mobility Command, National Guard Bureau, and combatant commanders," reads the report.

The inspectors look at four major areas: leading people, managing resources, executing missions, and improving the unit. The Wing received an 'effective' rating in each area.

"The report [we give] is a tool for the commander to improve his unit through the commander's inspection program," said Col. Philip Clinton, AMC inspector general team chief.

The UEI program aims to encourage a culture of constant improvement that nurtures readiness and mission accomplishment.

AMC aims to reduce the size of follow-up inspection teams to around 20 members as Wings demonstrate positive corrective action plans and outcomes, said Clinton.

"Instead of painting the grass, we want you to fertilize the grass," said Clinton.

(Tech. Sgt. Theo Ramsey contributed to this story)