Air Operations 20190528-PUB790_AirOperations | Page 23

“ THE ROLE WAS NOT ONLY CHALLENGING BUT ALSO STIMULATING FROM THE VERY FIRST MOMENT I WALKED THROUGH THE DOOR ON DAY ONE ”
ON THE JOB STATION OPERATIONS
TOBY
Toby is a ASOS ( FO ) at RAF Brize Norton in a Station Operations Role .
“ My time at Brize began with a posting into the Strategic Mission Support Flight ( SMSF - part of Station Operations Wing ). The role was not only challenging but also stimulating from the very first moment I walked through the door on day one ! One of many
duties included offering assistance to all aircrews transiting both overseas and on local sorties . From the preparation of flight critical documents to preparing new stateof-the-art planning laptops ready for deployment , flight planning is at the centre of any live tasking . In addition , an ASOS ( FO ) within SMSF must liaise with multiple sections , these include ; the Jet Plan Cell ( who create the route based on Diplomatic Clearances ), the Met Office ( crucial to ensuring safe weather conditions of a scheduled routing ), the Mission Support Cell ( MSC ) ( issuing mission critical equipment and documents for overseas operations ) and Station
Operations ( who continually keep track of aircrafts coming in and leaving the station ). Whilst the role of an ASOS ( FO ) can be demanding at Brize Norton , I have sampled the rewards associated with being part of the RAF . I have experienced multiple adventurous training opportunities such as white water rafting and a two-week mountain bike expedition to South Africa – chances I could only imagine being part of prior to joining the RAF . Professionally , I have enrolled on several courses designed to develop myself both personally and within my trade . I participated in a course designed to boost my presentation delivery
skills and another in which to advance as a trainer in the workplace , skills which are sure to enhance my chances to progress further within the wider RAF . With Air Operations changing every day , the work and roles of an ASOS ( FO ) based at RAF Brize Norton will undoubtedly evolve . Especially as it remains the home of Air Transport and Air to Air Refuelling capabilities , and the springboard to all vital operations overseas . There will never be a dull day within the operations environment .”
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