Commander holds open-ranks inspection

Brig. Gen. Kevin Pottinger, ARPC commander, inspects an Airman at the Air Reserve Personnel Center during an open-ranks inspection March 15. General Pottinger said he held the inspection to remind Airmen of the importance of professionalism and proper dress and appearance. (U.S. Air Force photo/Kevin Bell)

Commander holds open-ranks inspection

Published March 17, 2010
By Mike Molina
Editor

DENVER -- Airmen at the Air Reserve Personnel Center here were inspected by Brig. Gen. Kevin Pottinger, ARPC commander, during an open-ranks inspection March 15.

More than 100 ARPC Airmen participated in the surprise inspection.

"The reason I did this was to remind you of the importance of always looking sharp in your uniform," General Pottinger said. "We are all professionals. When you put on the uniform you need to look professional."

The Air Force practices drill movements such as open ranks and the accompanying inspection to ensure Airmen recognize and comply with leadership's orders, present themselves in a professional manner and maintain proper standards of dress and appearance.

ARPC First Sergeant Master Sgt. Laramie Reece said this was the first open-ranks inspection he can remember taking place at ARPC during his 14 years here.

"With all the changes that occur to our uniforms, sometimes not everyone is aware something was changed," Sergeant Reece said. "This was a reminder for ARPC's Airmen."

Open-ranks inspections in the U.S. military date back to the late 1700s when General George Washington sought to instill discipline and order amongst the citizen soldiers of revolutionary forces.