DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
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OFFICE SYMBOL                                                                                      Date

MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION

SUBJECT: Battalion/Brigade Policy Memorandum #17 - Organizational Inspection Program (OIP)

1.	References.

a.	AR 1-201, Army Inspection Policy, 4 Apr 08.

b.	AR 20-1, Inspector General Activities and Procedures, 3 Jul 12.

c.	US Army Inspector General Agency, The Inspection Guide, Jan 12.

2.	Purpose. To prescribe procedures and implement the goals, standards, and control measures directed by Army Inspection Policy for the unit. This program describes individual, unit, and commander responsibilities and provides specific instructions for accomplishing the OIP.

3.	Policies and procedures. It is important that the program be tailored to the organization's structure and mission. Deviations in the policy, procedures, and requirements of this document will not be made without prior written approval of the commander.

4.	Responsibilities.

a.	Brigade Commander. The Brigade Commander has overall responsibility for the OIP; however, fulfillment of this responsibility requires the complete cooperation of all members of the brigade. The Brigade Commander and/or Deputy Brigade Commander, at a minimum, will attend in/out briefings and provide the assessment of strengths and weaknesses upon completion.

i.	Assign and appoint, on unit orders, an OIP Coordinator to manage the OIP.

ii.	Approve procedures for and Staff Assistance Visits (SAVs) that meet the Department of the Army (DA) requirements.

iii.	Lead and actively participate in Initial and Subsequent Command Inspections.

b.	Deputy Brigade Commander.

i.	Oversee the Brigade OIP and act as the team leader for all Brigade Inspections.

ii.	Approve all final inspection reports.

iii.	Ensure Brigade Inspections meet minimum functional area standards.

iv.	Recommend methodologies to reduce and/or combine inspections and conserve resources to reduce the inspection burden on units.

v.	Provide recommendations to the Brigade Commander based on observations and findings from the Brigade OIP.

c.	Brigade OIP Coordinator. Responsible to the Deputy Brigade Commander for execution of the OIP to include the following:

i.	Ensure all OIP checklists are posted on the Brigade OIP webpage.

ii.	Close report(s) of observations and findings when appropriate corrective actions have been taken.

iii.	Ensure inspections/re-inspections are accomplished in accordance with appropriate regulations, publications and schedules.

iv.	Resolve inspection scheduling and other conflicts between the inspector and the person being inspected.

v.	Compile the results into one comprehensive final report and maintain copies of OIP reports until completion of the next scheduled inspection.

vi.	Develop, publish, and maintain a calendar with scheduled dates for Staff Inspections, Initial Command Inspections (ICls), Subsequent Command Inspections (SCls), SAVs, and external inspections for all subordinate units.

vii.	Coordinate external inspections when required.

viii.	Provide training to Brigade Staff inspectors on Army Inspection Policy.

ix.	Coordinate the Brigade's and higher headquarters' inspections, evaluations, audits, IG inspections, and SAVs for the subordinate battalions; ensure the number and duration of visits or inspections are held to a minimum; and publish and maintain a schedule of all inspections, evaluations, audits, and SAVs. The schedule will be incorporated into the Brigade Training Calendar.

d.	Brigade Staff and Battalion Inspectors.

i.	All inspectors will prepare thoroughly to inspect their respective areas. Each inspector must have a thorough understanding of all applicable regulations, policies, and SOPs.

ii.	New inspectors should become familiar with all policies.

e.	Battalion Commanders.

i.	Assign and appoint, on unit orders, a Battalion OIP Coordinator to manage the OIP.

ii.	Assume overall responsibility for the OIP within their respective battalions.

iii.	Review previous inspection results, ensure corrective actions are taken, and provide a written status of all observations and findings identified during inspections to inspectors and the Brigade OIP Coordinator.

iv.	Actively participate in Initial and Subsequent Command Inspections of Battalion Companies.

v.	Conduct company ICls within the first 90 days of assumption of command.

vi.	Conduct SCls no later than one year after completion of the new commander's ICI.

f.	Battalion OIP Coordinators.

i.	Coordinate company ICls within the first 90 days of assumption of command. Submit a complete report to Brigade OIP Coordinator.

ii.	Coordinate SCls no later than one year after completion of the new commander's ICI. Submit a complete report to Brigade OIP Coordinator.

iii.	Review the OIP to ensure implementation of the commander's guidance and compliance with the program.

g.	Company Commanders. Responsible to their respective commanders for execution of the OIP to include the following:

i.	Comply with Army Regulations, Post Regulations, and Command Guidance, and develop systems to track and document compliance.

ii.	Review previous OIPs, ensure corrective actions are taken, and provide a written status of all observations and findings identified during inspections to inspectors, Battalion XO and OIP Coordinator within 30 days of inspections.

h.	Brigade Chaplain. Participate as a Command Group Team Member for sensing sessions, as required.

i.	Brigade Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA). Participate as a Command Group Team Member for sensing sessions, as required.

5.	Organizational Inspection Program.   The Brigade OIP encompasses the entire spectrum of internal/external evaluations and inspections: Command Inspections, Inspector General (IG) inspections, Staff Inspections, SAVs, internal reviews, and audits. Each differs according to intent, oversight, and methodology. However, all are intended to serve a specific purpose and avoid duplication. The brigade will conduct the following types of inspections: Command Inspections, Staff Inspections, and SAVs of battalions.

6.	Staff Inspections. These are the major part of the OIP. It is the formal evaluation and assessment of the organization's strengths and weaknesses. Published inspection checklists will be utilized during inspections to measure units' compliance in functional areas. Inspectors will inspect to a regulatory standard while providing solutions and/or alternatives through teaching and training. At the Battalion levels, the inspection will focus primarily on the staff sections, but the inspection will affect each of the companies to some degree.

7.	Command Inspections.

a.	The ICI and the SCI. These inspections differ in two ways. The ICI is comprehensive and will not be used to measure or evaluate the new commander's progress since taking command. By contrast, the SCI may be tailored and will measure the unit commander's progress since the ICI.

b.	Initial Command Inspections.

i.	All Company Commanders will receive an ICI within 90 days after assuming command.

ii.	The ICI will allow new unit commanders to readily understand their unit's strengths and weaknesses.

c.	Subsequent Command Inspections.

i.	SCls measure progress and reinforce the goals and standards established during the ICI. These inspections are often focused inspections that only look at specific areas and are not necessarily complete re-inspections of the entire unit. Commanders will conduct SCls following all ICls, and not later than one year after completion of the new commander's ICI.

ii.	The SCI will enable unit commanders to measure the progress of their units.

d.	Procedures. Deviations in the procedures and requirements of inspections will not be made without prior approval of the Brigade Commander and will be applicable throughout the brigade.

i.	All companies with newly assigned commanders will be inspected within 90 days after the assumption of command. These inspections are designed to provide the incoming commander a baseline to establish priorities and understand the unit's strengths and weaknesses.

ii.	The inspection schedules will be coordinated with each unit to minimize disruption of mission and training.   A minimum of a 30-day written OPORD will be provided. The Brigade and Battalion Commander's  inspection priorities  and areas of focus for each inspection will be highlighted within the 30-day OPORD.

iii.	To alleviate unit disruption, the number of inspectors and the duration of inspections will be held to a minimum.

8.	Coordination. The Brigade OIP Coordinator will accomplish initial and administrative coordination for unit inspections. After the initial coordination with the Battalion OIP Coordinator, staff sections will coordinate with their counterparts to ensure each understands who is conducting the inspection and the inspection requirements.

9.	The Command and Staff Inspections consist of the following:

a.	In-Briefing. All inspections begin with an in-briefing that will familiarize the inspected battalion or company with the conduct of the inspection and any administrative details. The inspected commander will have an opportunity for opening remarks.

b.	Functional Area Inspections and Checklists.

i.	Functional area inspection checklists will be used as a guide by the inspectors. All staff areas, S1, S2, S3, S4, S6, BMO, EO, Reenlistment, OPSEC, Intelligence Oversight (IO), SHARP, Safety, Language, CBRN, UMT, OIP, and RMO, have functional area checklists on the brigade SharePoint Home under the Brigade OIP page.  Items on the checklists are the main focal points of the functional area inspections. Inspectors will also be required to assist and train Soldiers and leaders on standards and procedures. inspectable areas and responsible Group Staff are listed. (See Encl.)

ii.	Each functional area representative will maintain and update their functional area checklists. The Brigade OIP Coordinator will be notified when checklists change.

iii.	Inspectors will use the checklists  as the  basis for creating their rating and their report. The original copy of the completed checklist will be provided to the OIP Coordinator and another copy of the completed checklist will be provided to the inspected unit. One set of completed checklists will be presented to the inspected unit IAW scheduled timelines and the second set of completed checklists will be maintained by the OIP Coordinator until completion of the next scheduled inspection.

c.	Out-Briefing. The commander of the inspected unit will receive a scheduled, formal out-briefing. The out-briefing slides will identify a summary of the inspection results with findings, observations, root causes, and recommendations highlighted and presented by the respective inspector. lnspectees cited for a "job well done" will be noted during the out-briefing. The inspected commander will determine and recommend appropriate recognition following the out-briefing.

d.	Reports.

i.	A written report and completed checklist, containing the final results of the inspection, will be sent to the unit commander NLT 45 days after the inspection is completed. Each brigade staff inspector is responsible for submitting completed and typed checklists to the OIP Coordinator NLT two weeks after the inspection.

ii.	The BN OIP Coordinator will compile the results of inspection to Battalion Companies into one comprehensive final report. Inspection results will be provided by the BN OIP Coordinator to the commander of the inspected unit and to the Brigade OIP Coordinator.

iii.	The Brigade OIP Coordinator will compile the results into one comprehensive final report. Inspection results will be provided by the Brigade OIP Coordinator to the commander of the inspected unit.

e.	Re-inspections. Functional areas with identified observations and/or findings will be re-inspected within 30 days of the inspection.

10.	 Inspection Findings Resolution Process. Correcting findings is a joint effort between the inspector and the unit. Any area identified with findings will be re­ inspected within 30 days from the out-briefing. Any other open findings will be addressed to the Functional Area Inspector. Only the Brigade OIP Coordinator, with guidance from staff inspectors, can close requirements for open brigade findings. The subordinate unit commander will address, in writing to the Brigade Commander, any open findings not corrected within 90 days.

11.	 Staff Assistance Visit. A SAV is a staff evaluation requested by the subordinate commander or directed by the Brigade Commander. SAVs can be requested in any area at any time, as long as it is not within 90 days of a scheduled inspection. During SAVs, the brigade staff members identify conditions that could be findings, provide advice and assistance to eliminate the conditions, and train unit members, as appropriate. The staff is charged with teaching and assisting during SAVs. Evaluators will not assign ratings. SAVs will only generate reports to the inspected unit commander.

12.	 External Inspections, Internal Reviews, and Inspector General inspections.

a.	The brigade is subject to inspections, evaluations, audits, internal reviews, and SAVs by a number of external agencies at any given time, to include COMSEC Support Logistic Agency (CSLA), Directorate of Contracting, DAIG, Inspectors General and others.

b.	The large number of visits and inspections can overwhelm units or activities unless action is taken to reduce the number of redundant visits, and limit the number of personnel during visits and/or inspections. Inspections will be consolidated whenever possible to reduce the number of redundant visits. Scheduled dates for internal and external inspections and a copy of the formal written external inspection reports will be provided to the Brigade OIP Coordinator.

c.	Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, a request will be sent to the units for a schedule of upcoming internal and external inspections. This schedule will be updated quarterly. All brigade-generated inspections will consider results of external inspections to ensure redundant inspections are not conducted within a 90-day timeframe.

d.	All Brigade staff and battalions will immediately inform the Brigade S3 and OIP Coordinator upon notification of an inspection, evaluation, audit, internal review, or SAV by an external agency. Procedures are in paragraph 15 below.

13.	Procedures. When notified of an external inspection, the Brigade OIP Coordinator will annotate/update the Brigade OIP schedule and notify the responsible brigade staff, which will:

a.	Coordinate and identify objectives for the inspection, evaluation, audit, internal review, or SAV and any assistance necessary.

b.	Provide a brigade point of contact should brigade presence be required prior to, during, or after an inspection, evaluation, audit, internal review or SAV.

14.	 Types of External Inspections. External inspections are requested by the inspected commander, directed by regulation, or directed by higher headquarters. Notification of inspections and areas to be inspected are determined and coordinated by the Staff Inspection Office (SIO). HQ SIO publishes a schedule of inspection dates and the areas to be inspected annually. Types of inspections include:

a.	SAVs. The brigade is subject to functional area SAVs from higher headquarters. During a SAV, inspectors generally: identify conditions that could be result in inspection findings, provide advice and assistance to eliminate the conditions, and train unit members, as appropriate. The brigade can request the SAVs.

b.	Inspector General Inspections. A  detailed IG inspection is conducted by IG and is oriented toward the identification of problems, determination of their root causes, development of possible solutions, and assignment of responsibilities for corrective actions. Generally the IG inspections focus on issues rather than on units.

c.	Internal Review. Internal Reviews provide commanders and managers with an independent and objective evaluation of real-time operations, management controls, and risks.

15.	 Point of Contact for the OIP is the Brigade S3 (123) 456-7890.

Encl

Commanding

DISTRIBUTION: A

Brigade S1:
-  Records Management
-  Official Mail & Distribution
-  Publications Management
-  Civilian Clothing Allowance
-  Special Duty Assignment Pav
-  Awards Recognition Program
-  Evaluation Reports
-  Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions (FLAGS)
-  Leaves and Passes Processing
-  Personnel Asset inventory (PAI)
-  E1-E4 Adv and SGT/ SSG Promotion
-  Personnel Processing (In & Out)
-  Personnel Register
-  Personnel Service Support (eMILPO Functions)
-  Family Readiness Program
-  Sponsorship
-  Voting Assistance Program
-  I. D. Cards
-  History Program
-  PAO
-  Family Care Plans (FCP)
-  Basic Allowance for Subsistence
-  Deployment Cycle Support
-  Army Records Information Management System (ARIMS)
-  Unit Commander's Finance Report
-  Status Review of Commander's Report of Disciplinary/Admin Actions

Brigade S2:
-  Information, Personnel and Physical Security
Technical Security Program Management and Documentation
Anti Terrorism/Force Protection
-  Threat Assessment and Reporting Program

Brigade S3:
-  Training Management
-  CBRN Operations
-  Mandatory Training
-  Weapons Qualification
-  Ammunition Management
-  Military Trainina Specific Allotment (MTSA)
-  Physical Fitness Program (APFT)
-  Foundry
-  Army Warrior Task list (AWT)
-  Sergeant's Time Training (STT)
-  Leader Development Program (LOP)
-  Digital Training Management System (DTMS)
-  ATRRS
-  OPSEC
-  COOP
-  Army Substance Abuse Prooram (ASAP)
-  The Army Body Composition Program
-  Safety
-  Organizational Inspection Program (OIP)
-  Managers' Internal Controls (MICP)

Brigade S4:
-  S4 - Management
-  S4 - SOP
-  S4 - CSDP
-  S4 -Adjustments
-  S4 - Load Management

Unit Supply Level:
-  Management
-  SOP
-  Inventories
-  Clothing Records
-  Absentee Equipment
-  Adjustments
-  Requesting & Receiving Supplies
-  Disposition of Equipment
-  Property Accountability
- Key/Lock Control

Property Book Office:
-  Property Book
-  Hand Receipt
-  Inventories
-  Requesting and Receiving Supplies
-  Disposition of Property
-  GPC/ Local Purchase System Management

Maintenance:
-  Staff Oversight Program
-  Drivers & Equipment Operators
-  CBRNE NBC Operations
-  Arms Room Operations
-  Standard Army Maintenance Information System
-  Maintenance Management
-  Preventive Maintenance Checks & Services (PMCS)
-  Shop Operations
-  Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP)
-  Maintenance Repair Parts
-  Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (POL)
-  Transportation/UMO

Brigade S6:
-  COMSEC
-  Records Management Functional Area Management Information Control Program
-  Information Management/Information Technology
-  Information Assurance and Network Security
-  Software Management
-  IM/IT Management (COOP)
-  Visual Information Management
-  Records Management Functional Area Self Service Copier Management

Special Staff:
-  Equal Opportunity (EO)
-  Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
-  SHARP
-  Retention (REUP)
-  Intelligence Oversight (IO)
-  Unit Ministry Team (UMT)

Resource Management Office:
-  MOU/ISAs
-  Financial Management and Administration
-  Program and Budget of Funds and Manpower
-  TDY and Local Travel Procedures
-  Government Charge Card
-  Government Purchase Card