Flt Lt Katie Issitt – Targeting Cell

In the Targeting Cell in IJC, Flt Lt Katie Issitt plans the kinetic effects of dropping weapons in the war against the Taliban. “My role is to model the effects of collateral damage associated from dropping bombs”.

Katie is only one of 3 qualified UK and ISAF Targeteers, so despite her junior status in IJC and the fact that she has only been in theatre for a few weeks, she is the expert in her field. She continued “My job is associated with pre-planned strikes against targets and infrastructure, not those urgent missions called to support troops in contact with the enemy”.

These days the focus of the campaign is to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, which is difficult if you intend to drop bombs on them, so Katie’s skills are used in other areas. “Weapons are only used as a last resort or if we are certain we have a valid target and the likelihood of collateral damage or civilian casualties are as low as possible; if there’s any doubt, weapons are not used”.

Editor: Sqn Ldr S N Moore.

Photography: Corporal Dave Blackburn RAF.