F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- Are you ready? Ready for what, you ask. A permanent change of station; wing, group and squadron change of command; 101 critical days of summer; the nuclear surety inspection and operational readiness inspection; deployment; or any of the myriad of things in your personal and professional life? 

In the missile business, we are obligated to be ready to do the mission every day. Periodically, we are challenged by higher headquarters to prove ourselves. This September, the Air Force Space Command Inspector General will give us our chance to shine. 

Don't wait to start polishing your programs and personal proficiency. During my career, I have been through numerous NSIs and ORIs, and the wings that have fared the best maintained readiness and proficiency on a daily basis. They also laid out a plan to verify and ensure they were doing it right. 

Review your last NSI and ORI reports as well as other unit reports to ensure we have learned from our mistakes as well as the mistakes of others. Take advantage of the numerous exercises planned during the summer to fine tune your and your subordinate's procedures and skills; simulate as little as possible. 

While doing all of this, don't forget to take some time off to ensure you are at the top of your game. Lay out a plan to ensure you are personally ready and start today. Before you know it, the summer will be over, and the IG will be coming through the front gate. 

While preparing for the NSI and ORI, the wing will see numerous people deploying to support the Global War on Terrorism. This will put an extra burden on those remaining at Warren to accomplish the mission while readying for the upcoming inspection. At the time of writing this article, the wing has received some taskings with many more expected. Most of these great Americans will deploy to Afghanistan and Iraq where they will take on the challenge of defending freedom up close and personal. 

Also, we will activate a new squadron May 30 -- the 90th Mission Support and Services Squadron -- through the merger of the 90th Mission Support Squadron and 90th Services Squadron. Warren, along with five other bases, was chosen to lay the ground work for combining the critical functions performed by these two squadrons to provide more efficient and effective support to our military, civilian and retired members. 

Whether you are getting ready to deploy, move, prepare for the NSI and ORI or just going out for a night on the town, always have a plan and smartly execute that plan. So the next time you are asked, "Are you ready?" You can confidently respond, "Yes."