DNSI: Proud, professional, confident

Published Jan. 12, 2012
By Senior Airman Jessica McConnell
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 5th Bomb Wing commander, held a series of commander's calls Jan. 6 to discuss what a Defense Nuclear Surety Inspection is and how it affects every Airmen on this base.

"A defense nuclear surety inspection is lot more stringent than the nuclear surety inspection," said Col. James Dawkins Jr., 5th BW commander. "Under an NSI, only Air Force officials evaluate the base. During a DNSI, officials from the Navy, Army and the Air Force will evaluate our base and determine whether or not we can perform our mission."

A team of approximately 140 officials will be sent out to validate the base's ability to provide combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations, in a safe, secure and effective manner.

In a DNSI, the wing can either receive a satisfactory or an unsatisfactory. There are 14 other areas called major graded areas to include management and administration; technical operations; tools, test and tie down and handling of equipment; security; safety; supply support; Personnel Reliability Program; and logistics movement.

To prepare for the DNSI, Airmen should own their squadron's, the section's, the flight's, as well as their own individual preparation.

"Ultimately, the person that decides how an individual does during an NSI is that individual," said Dawkins. "One critical mistake made by one person could have a negative impact on the entire wing as a whole. Individually, everyone should be preparing and ready to perform the mission. It comes down to individual preparation and ownership - your country is depending on you for it."

When inspections occur, the colonel said he wanted Airmen to have a confident, can-do attitude.

"Fight to show those inspectors how good you all are," said Dawkins. "It's all about the attitude. I know all of our Airmen are capable of performing their best every day. Be confident in your ability, as well as your team's ability."