LCAP inspection - covering all bases

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tong Duong
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 17th Logistics Readiness Squadron was visited by a team of 14 inspectors from Headquarters, Air Education and Training Command May 17 to 21.

The inspectors and a handful of observers conducted a Logistics Compliance Assessment Program inspection, a first for the 17th LRS. The new inspection process standardizes the logistics evaluation across the Air Force and supersedes the previously separate Logistics Standardization and Evaluation Team program.

"We've never had an LCAP at Goodfellow before. This is a new inspection, somewhat similar to the LSET," said Lt. Col. Daniel Magidson, 17 LRS commander.

The biggest change from LSET to LCAP is the notification process. Instead of a six month notice for an LSET, active duty units receive no more than 45 days for notice under LCAP. The 17th LRS was notified March 31.

The five-day inspection focused on checklist compliance, quality verification inspections and personnel evaluations within the squadron's Supply, Transportation, Fuels, Munitions and Readiness units.

"While this inspection is compliance-oriented, it is different from the Inspector General's inspection because it measures how well employees know their jobs - inspectors do over-the shoulder checks on employees working. While being inspected, employees must also describe how the process works," Colonel Magidson said. "Inspectors subtract points if they find safety violations."

According to Matthew Borden, 17th LRS Supply chief, the inspection is based on a graded assessment with percentage scores and uses the five-tier rating scale (outstanding, excellent, satisfactory, marginal and unsatisfactory.)

"This provides objective criteria for the scoring, and is based on a percentage of tasks accomplished correctly," he said. "As compliance with inspection criteria is critical to mission success, these inspectors look at how a person actually does the task outlined in the Technical Order, Air Force Instructions, checklist and locally established guidance. When Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., completed their inspection in January of last year, they were graded on more than 1,500 questions and 800 task evaluations."

While results from the 17th LRS inspection will not be released until later, Colonel Magidson said he is confident his members performed well.

"The LCAP is designed to be a very thorough inspection and it is extremely difficult to earn a satisfactory," he said. "I am thrilled with our team's professional performance and validation of skills. It was also great to see the base come together and provide such support. The best part was hearing the inspectors say they have never had so many people eager to present their programs to them. The LRS couldn't wait to show off our achievements."

Colonel Magidson would like to highlight the following outstanding LRS performers: Airman 1st Class Freddie Goldtooth, Alvin Terry, Steve Ryan, Robert Kibiloski, Henry Knox, Ester Fleming and Karen VanEtten.