1st SOW, 720th STG earn 'excellent' during inspection

Published March 12, 2013
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- After months of preparation and training while simultaneously conducting special operations missions around the world, the 1st Special Operations Wing and 720th Special Tactics Group recently earned an overall grade of "excellent" during their first Consolidated Unit Inspection.

The Air Force Special Operations Command Inspector General evaluated the wing and group's operational readiness and ability to conduct combat operations in wartime conditions Feb. 11 through March 5.

Nearly 200 inspectors conducted thorough and impartial evaluations of the wing and group's readiness, discipline and efficiency and how they could respond in austere circumstances. The units' ability to provide mission support, utilize forces and operate in a combat environment also came under close inspection to determine how all personnel were prepared to provide support any time, any place.

Wing and group personnel sharpened their skills through focused preparation over the past year during internal operational readiness exercises used to review and refine readiness processes, ensuring Airmen were prepared for the CUI.

On March 11, Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, AFSOC commander, announced the grade, indicating performance or operations exceeding mission requirements, to a gathering of more than 300 Airmen.

The general thanked the AFSOC IG team, the commanders, and all of the CUI participants for their efforts.

"We put a lot of demands on your time ... to do training and go do an exercise and deployments," Fiel said. "After 12 years of being at war, the last inspection was 2006. There's a lot of folks in the audience today who came on active duty after 9/11. A lot of the mission-essential task lists we've been doing for the past 12 years have been solely focused on Iraq and Afghanistan, but there's been much more in there too. That was the intent of the inspection -- to make sure we can do all those mission-essential tasks, and you all did an absolutely fabulous job."

The general also congratulated dozens of Airmen who were recognized as superior performers for their skill and professional attitude throughout the inspection.

"I could not be any more proud than I am right now," said Col. Jim Slife, 1st SOW commander. "This was an absolute home run, as far as I'm concerned. To do as well as this force did across the board is really phenomenal. I have been through six operational readiness exercises and this is the best force I've ever seen."

Both commanders attributed the success to their tight integration and synchronization as one team in one fight.

"To my 1st SOW teammates, my compliments for your bravery, and Colonel Slife, I'm grateful for your leadership," said Col. Kurt Buller, 720th STG commander. "To the 720th, I am truly grateful for your discipline. I always know you'll back my call."