ORI Preparation Published Aug. 9, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- As the date of the Ellsworth operational readiness inspection fast approaches, Airmen on base are practicing their skills to exceed the standards set by evaluators. The ORI is scheduled to take place Oct. 12 through 18, and will feature more than 300 graded items, with dozens of events evaluated simultaneously. "One of the wing's primary goals throughout all the operational readiness exercises has been preparation for real-world potential threats we may face during deployment," said Maj. Brian Crawford, 28th Bomb Wing assistant chief of wing plans and programs. "The scenarios of each ORE have been designed not only to simulate the events of the ORI, but also to practice the actions we must take to protect ourselves in case of an actual attack." Major Crawford said the ORI is a true demonstration of the wing's ability to put bombs on target while operating in a "deployed environment." The inspector general team who evaluates the wing is expecting a high level of performance during the ORI, as well as a positive attitude throughout the inspection. "The IG team's attitude will be 'show us what you've got,'" he said. "Our attitude in return should be: 'we'll crush every test you give us, then ask for more while wearing a smile of confidence.'" Lt. Col. John Martin, 28 BW chief of wing plans and programs, has been stressing the importance of the ORI since its initial announcement. "The big deal about having an ORI is that it gives the 28 BW an opportunity to shine," said Colonel Martin. "The bomb wing enjoys a legacy of continuously getting the call when this country's joint war-fighting commanders want steel on target. Both B-1B Lancer squadrons and many of our 28 BW war-fighters on-base have returned within this calendar year from employing the B-1 in combat. No bomber base in the world ensures that sort of operations tempo, delivering combat power across the globe. The ORI is yet another chance to demonstrate our combat mettle and to show our pride." All players in the ORI will have an opportunity to improve their skills through a training session, which is designed to emphasize the more frequently graded tasks during the inspection - such as self aid buddy care. Major Crawford encourages Airmen to come to the training with questions they need answered for the inspection. "Now is the time to be asking questions about anything that is unclear," Major Crawford said. "Don't stop asking until your questions are answered, because it's likely you are not the only one who has those questions." He hopes Airmen will "zealously consume" the information that best prepares them for the ORI, which includes complete knowledge of the 28 BW base exercise plan, scenarios, and simulation guides. Major Crawford said the upcoming ORI training days serve as a good opportunity to ask subject matter experts from various squadrons on base about some of the more confusing details of the ORI. He also said the ORE training schedule was determined months in advance and is comprehensive. "In our first OREs we practiced the basics, and have been adding complexity within each ORE to ensure we're ready to demonstrate all 300 events." Major Crawford also encourages all players to take the inspection very seriously. "An ORI is a challenge given to the entire wing," he said. "But, the battles are won and lost in the shops, on the flightline and in the post-attack reconnaissance sweeps. We have the opportunity to show functional experts from across the Air Force that we are the best at what we do, and we must display that confidence in the way we approach our practice opportunities." As additional motivation, Major Crawford said each unit's final grade will be announced in front of the entire wing. "Make the most of this chance to take a statement to the whole Air Force. The inspection lasts only a few days, but bragging rights last forever."