Do your job! Published July 16, 2013 By Chief Master Sgt. James Patrie 49th Wing command chief HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- When I was a young Airman going through my first inspection, I didn't know what to expect. I felt nauseous knowing that someone I didn't know would be reviewing my programs with a fine-tooth comb and reporting back to leadership on how good or bad my programs were. Moreover, I was concerned on how I should act, communicate and perform with the Inspector General. I wondered if I should run and hide, hoping I wouldn't get called on, or should I face the music and pray I get through the inspection. In short, lots of questions needed answers. If I had been my supervisor back then, I would have reassured Airman Patrie that he was prepared for the inspection because he was a professionally trained Airman, his programs had a solid foundation and he knew this mantra: DO YOUR JOB! Know your mission and responsibilities, be accountable for your actions and make the necessary corrections when warranted. If you are doing your job by the book (Air Force Instructions, Technical Orders, etc.), not cutting corners and looking out for your fellow wingman, you have nothing to worry about. The results will be positive, because you are working from a solid foundation and are living by our Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. Know the DOs and DON'Ts when dealing with the IG. DO: · Be professional and courteous · Be positive; act with purpose and conviction · Be patient and open minded · Use the chain of command--provide feedback to leadership · Answer questions honestly--take time to think · When in doubt--reference governing directives · Question anything or any action that might cause discrepancies · Think "safety" at all times! · Be confident and be a great wingman DON'T: · Do anything DUMB, DIFFERENT, or DANGEROUS · Argue with the IG Team--let leadership handle challenges · Exaggerate or lie--no "bull" · Shoot from the hip · Mitigate every deficiency · Be defensive or be confrontational · Be a "know it all" · Be unprofessional or overconfident We all know that the Fighting 49ers have prepared tirelessly for the upcoming Consolidated Unit Inspection (CUI) by attending prep meetings, semi-annual self-assessments, internal and external staff assistance visits, wing exercises and functional area inspections. 49ers-YOU DID YOUR JOB! Now is the time to put the finishing touches on our processes and to show off our professional Airmen and their programs to the IG. Our 49ers know that the wing's mission is to support national security objectives by deploying worldwide to support peacetime and wartime contingencies. Moreover, we all know our unit's mission and how to take our responsibilities seriously and be accountable for our actions. Our professionally trained Airmen will face the IG with positive attitudes, and in turn we will have positive results. Fighting 49ers, it pays to be awesome!