What does the ORI mean to Dover?

  • Published
  • By Maj. Paul Theriot
  • 436th AW Plans and Programs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Operation Readiness Inspection is coming ... what does this mean to you?

Outside real-world taskings, the ORI will potentially be the single-most significant event that Airmen will experience at Dover. For that reason, Airmen need to understand the importance of this inspection and how they directly contribute to the base's success.

Since many Airmen have never been through an ORI, this article is written with the novice in mind. Future articles will become more specialized, fine-tuning individual knowledge needed to demonstrate excellence to the more than 90-member inspection team.

Purpose

Though inherent in the name ORI, the purpose of this inspection is to evaluate Dover's wartime readiness at the wing, group, squadron and unit type code level.

Simply put, the inspectors will look at how every level of operation at Dover contributes to accomplishing the wings' mission: 'Safely fix and fly aircraft, prepare and deploy Airmen, move cargo and return America's fallen heroes with dignity, honor and respect.'

To demonstrate this ability, several Team Dover members will be tasked to mobilize and deploy to a CONUS base where their ability to continue accomplishing the mission will be tested.

Importance to the base

ORIs are important events in the life of a base because they serve as report cards to command leadership and the Air Force in general.

The base will receive one of five grades for its performance.

Importance to you

The ORI is important to every Airman because it takes maximum individual effort to achieve top-notch goals. A common misconception is that unless an Airman is tasked to 'play' in the ORI, he doesn't need to be concerned. This notion is false!

Every Dover member needs to be actively engaged in preparation. If each member understands the basics, stays engaged with their Airman's Manual and future Airlifter tips and articles, Dover will be bound for excellence!

The team preparing Dover for this ORI is growing and has participation from almost every unit on base. With participation and a 'can do spirit' from all, Team Dover will show the inspectors professionalism and receive a grade that will be a source of pride for all.

For information on the ORI or preparation, call the 436th AW Plans and Programs office at 677-3336.