435 AGOW inspector briefs new commanders

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Lane Plummer 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

A group of commanders from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing participate in an inspection meeting Aug. 4 on Ramstein. The meetings are designed to properly train commanders on what to expect during inspections.
A group of commanders from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing participate in an inspection meeting Aug. 4 on Ramstein. The meetings are designed to properly train commanders on what to expect during inspections.

When new commanders come into the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, they must attend a briefing with a 435 AGOW inspection team member.

This is important for commanders so that they can understand the inspector’s role and what standards are expected to be maintained in areas such as safety, readiness, proficiency and more.

According to Lt. Col. Denis Briceno, 435 AGOW chief of inspections, this initial briefing, required within 30 days of assuming command, is part of a vital process to helping a new commander settle into his or her position.

“Part of my roles and responsibilities is to give a new commander an introduction into the Air Force Inspection System,” Briceno said. “It’s important for them to know how to comply with Air Force instructions and expectations that come with their position. They’re incredibly busy individuals. They may not have time to dig into inspection details, so they need that third party to come in and highlight these aspects.”

An inspection team is charged with examining the actions of a government agency, military organization or military contractor as a general assessor of their operations. This is to ensure compliance with generally established policies of the government and security procedures or to discover the possibility of misconduct, waste, fraud, theft or certain types of criminal activity by individuals or groups.

One of the commanders who participated, Col. Andrew D’Ippolito, 435th Air and Space Communications Group commander, took to the briefing well.

“The briefing was very informative and was a great opportunity to learn more about the Self Inspection Process,” D’Ippolito said. “It contained great information for commanders, to make them more successful and build more effective squadrons. I view the SIP as the building blocks toward creating an effective team.”

For more information about the 435 AGOW inspection office, call 480-6575 or 06371-47-6575.

Col. Andrew D’Ippolito, 435th Air and Space Communications Group commander, participates in a 435th Air Ground Operations Wing inspection meeting Aug. 4 on Ramstein. When a new commander settles in, a meeting is scheduled for them to explain the inspection process.
Col. Andrew D’Ippolito, 435th Air and Space Communications Group commander, participates in a 435th Air Ground Operations Wing inspection meeting Aug. 4 on Ramstein. When a new commander settles in, a meeting is scheduled for them to explain the inspection process.