We in the Administrative staff provide support to the personnel of 901 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), 83 Expeditionary Air Group (EAG) and other personnel transiting through the Middle East hub to other locations in theatre.

We are one of the first faces everyone sees on arrival; meeting every charter flight, then making new arrivals sit in a hot tent and fill out forms does not make us popular after a long journey, but it is essential to ensure that all personnel arriving in theatre are accounted for. To sweeten the ‘pain’ we quickly issue Operational Welfare phone cards and provide additional assistance to those who need it, making the process as efficient as possible. We might even give you a free bottle of water – no luxuries spared.

We do this process immediately on landing no matter what time the flight arrives because we have to input or ‘Op Loc’ (operational location) all personnel onto the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system within 6 hours of arrival in theatre. Why? So that everyone can be traced by UK Admin staffs and the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Cell (JCCC) in the event of an emergency. Having only one deployed JPA terminal, this often means late nights inputting the data – thanks for the sympathy... During the JPA ‘Op Loc’ process we start people’s allowance entitlement so they get it paid at the earliest opportunity. Ah! Now you’re interested.

Once personnel have arrived in location we are able to provide the majority of services normally expected from home unit Admin staff. One of the busiest jobs is the flight bookings clerk, booking intra theatre, Rest & Recuperation and end-of-tour flights; this is done via the ‘Force Movements Control Centre’. Often having to react to flight requests with very tight timeframes, to get someone to another location in theatre urgently, or dealing with Defence Transport and Movements Agency at Andover and the JCCC, to get a compassionate case home to UK by the fastest way possible. It means this job is non-stop every day of the week.

An aspect of the job not normally encountered is that of liaison with local immigration officials, to untangle potential irregularities or misunderstandings and smooth the way for personnel who arrive in the Middle East. This ensures the relationship between UK Armed Forces and the Host Nation is maintained.

We also provide a currency conversion facility for all UK personnel, in Dollars and most of the regions local currencies. In addition to this, the Cashier also manages the accounts for all the facility bills for 901 EAW, covering messing, electricity, accommodation and laundry.

There is plenty going on at 901 EAW that keeps the A1 Admin office busy 7 days a week, resolving pay queries, administering appraisal reports, juggling accommodation availability, providing advice on career issues or staffing changes to the establishment through the Permanent Joint Headquarters and HQ Air Command back at High Wycombe. Fortunately, the Section has staff from a variety of admin backgrounds so we can usually come up with the answer to most questions asked.

The man in charge, Flight Sergeant Keith Gow, 41, originally from Llandrindod, Wales explains, “We aim to take care of 901 EAW personnel’s general day-to-day admin and welfare, resolving issues before they become problems so it leaves them free from distractions and able to focus on their operational role.”

Photographer: Sgt Pete Mobbs/RAF

Image 1: Military personnel arrive in Theatre for their deployment

Image 2: Working in the Middle East

For more images view the Gallery