How are the ARMs inspectors when they come do FLT OPS inspection?

Very thorough. SOPs are heavily involved as well as your pre-accident plan. They will expect you to demonstrate a knowledge of CAFRS. I had my 15Ps build a binder based on the checklist so that as the inspector went down the list, they could answer the question in order from the binder or it would direct them to how to walk the inspector through our processes.

If you follow the ARMS checklist and have knowledgable Soldiers to answer their questions you should be successful. If you can address every question/item with a valid answer IAW the regulations or current message, etc. you will sail through any inspection. The inspectors are not "out to get" anyone. They are very experienced professionals that are checking on the status of the organizations in the Army.

They are going to dig into your records, so make sure your aircrews are current on all checks, APARTs and physicals. The last ARMS I was in they dug deep into flight ops. Best thing I can say is that first impressions are everything. They are going to follow the ARMS checklist, but the less they find wrong, the less they will dig further. Your unit should have already been following that checklist

Did they inspect the ground side of maintenance?

You said that could provide an example of the ARMS Flight Operations test. I would like it for a study guide for my 15P section.

I would ask for a Pre-ARMS Inspection from your higher headquarters. Just about every Avn unit, regardless of service, has an ARMS type program. I spent 26 of my 38 yrs in aviation n worked as the Aviation Bn, Grp n Bde level as the Avn Opns/S3 Sgt/SGM. Mock/dry run inspections work for many reasons. 1. Gets u to see records u might not see regularly, 2. Exposure to new type of pressures n personalities, 3. Developing a smooth n cohesive procedure that you can apply to various ops in the TOC. Make mistakes, correct, learn, grow n teach your subordinates. But most of all don't try to lie or BS your way out of a situation or question. Be honest n professional, if you don't know just say "sorrry sir, ma'am, or SGT, but I'll try to get you an answer as soon as I can", but do follow thru and answer question or provide documents before they conduct out brief. You will find that they'll ding you but give you credit for executing your actions as stated. Remember the ARMS Team consist of members who are trained n experienced experts in their immediate areas. Nothing upsets an inspector more than a Song n Dance routine... Take copious notes, it will help in the future for training n setting up SOPs...

I transferred into a unit and had an ARMS 4 months later and a deployment 3 months after that. Luckily, my MSG is a full-time ops guy and had spent several years on an ARMS team so, having such an expert made things go very smoothly.

A large number of the questions asked of the unit fell to a MOU (memo of understanding) with the AASF. The aspects that were squarely within the grasp of the unit: training, pre-accident plan, sop and 15P mos test. The checklist will prepare you for everything besides the mos test.

For the test, have your papas familiar with the STP. If you'd like a practice test, send me a PM.

The inspectors are not out to get anyone. They are there to sniff out inefficiencies and point out mistakes so that you can make a good program/make your job easier. You get 90 days to fix any "gigs."

The worst that can happen, if you have any form of a flight ops program in place, is that it'll be a big wake call.

Follow the ARMS checklist that's available and there's no way to fail.

I believe SOP Binder is involved, your unit should have an arms inspection binder already made with what should be done before it. I also believe they will test some of your junior enlisted Papas on what they know about flight operations.