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As the deputy of a recruit training school my primary areas of responsibility included: Deputising, when required, for the Squadron Commander; Staff, estate and facility management; the interpretation, implementation and investigation of alleged transgression of relevant policies; Maintenance of standards in training and welfare support as specified by both military and civilian inspectorates; managing the processes to ensure that recruits with Specific Learning Disabilities received the correct level of support within the training system; Maintaining a support system for recruits injured or requiring remedial training; Liaison with phase 2 schools to ensure a smooth handover of personnel classed as a “training risk” or with significant welfare issues; Liaison with parents; and Ensuring collaborative evidence was available to support decisions to dismiss recruits from the Service.

Kandahar Air Field (KAF) is a single runway airport located near the regional capital. A significant variety of aircraft operate from the base ranging from civil cargo planes through to strategic military air platforms, support helicopters through to attack helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles of various types. KAF also represents an important base for coalition land forces, logistical operations and Regional Command and Control. In 2006 the UK started its build up of forces for future operations in Helmand and the NATO International Security Assistance Force was conducting a Relief in Place operation with US Operation Enduring Freedom forces. A substantial number of military personnel from a wide range of nations were supported by a mix of contractors who provided life support and some security functions. In addition, a large number of Locally Employed Civilians and Third Country Nationals undertook a wide variety of roles. The logical mission to support the base represented a significant challenge and further complicated the security effort. As the first UK Force Protection team our role was to establish centralised Command and Control over base Force Protection units, engender a unified approach to security, prioritise physical security measures, co-ordinate Intelligence and Surveillance, shape the surrounding battle space in order to better facilitate both air and land operations and implement best practice continuity planning.

Basra Air Base is a single runway international airport located a short distance from the city of Basra in southern Iraq. A large variety of air platforms ranging from tactical fixed-winged aircraft such as the C-130 through to civil airlines and medium lift support helicopters to attack helicopters operated routinely from the airfield. The Force Protection of these air assets as they entered the threat band of technical and non-technical weapons was complicated due to the sophisticated Improvised Explosive Device environment. The base also represented an important operating base for land forces and was home to the Multinational Divisional HQ (SE). Several thousand military personnel were supported by Locally Employed Civilians and Third Country Nationals who undertook a wide variety of roles and each required vetting and processing through security. The logical mission for both air and land operations was significant and all stores required searching prior to entry onto the base. The policing mission was complicated by the multinational nature of the operation and the asymmetric threat. Against this context my role, as one of 3 operations officers, was to coordinate the various strands of Force Protection units in order that both air and land missions could be prosecuted successfully and the effects of enemy action minimised. Specific tasks included continuity planning, managing the command post, assessing risk to key assets, planning physical security infrastructure, liaison with neighbouring forces, integrating all surveillance assets for optimal coverage and providing training for coalition staff.

Primary Responsibilities:1. Provide Ground Defence Training for personnel.2. Advise Station Commander on all matters connected with Active and Passive defence measures.3. Station Security Officer.4. Ensuring 24hour Fire Cover for a R3 Bunker and separate domestic site.Secondary Responsibilities:1. Station Draw down co-ordinator, managing change within a complex project.2. Member of Grampian Emergency Planning Committee, providing advice on Military Assistance to the Civil powers.3. Maintaining Unit Disaster / continuity plans.4. Unit Arms Control Officer.

Prior to the commencement of operations during the conflict in Iraq, 2003, a number of RAF Force Protection officers deployed to various bases throughout the Middle East in order to prepare bases for the perceived increased threat. A significant number of strategic capabilities from the coalition Air Components operated from Prince Sultan Air Base and I joined a small team charged with preparing the base for war. Priorities included centralising Command and Control between all collation nations, establishing a region wide Warning and Reporting system and training personnel for operations.

Responsible to the Squadron Commander for the operational preparedness of my flight and 3 Rapier Fire Units in support of the UKs Ground Based Air Defence capability.

During the detachment I was the Ground Based Air Defence Liaison Officer to the USAF Control Reporting Centre. Additionally, I commanded HQ Flight with responsibility for the operation of the UK Short Range Air Defence Command Post.

Responsible for the maintenance of operational preparedness of deployed Rapier Fire Units. In addition, I undertook shifts within the Control Post responsible for the routine management of the Squadron.