Currently deployed on Operation Telic in the Middle East, Corporal Steve Barrett works in A3 UK Operations. This is situated in the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre (CAOC) – the critical hub of Air Power tasking across the Joint Area of Operations.

As an Operations Assistant, his main role is to look after the fixed wing movements that operate within the Iraq and Afghanistan airspace. Planning two days ahead he inputs information that needs to appear on the Air Tasking Order (ATO). If the mission does not appear on the ATO then the sortie can not get airborne until it does.

Throughout the day as duty corporal, he has to distribute important information to other UK assets working with Op Telic and Herrick. Certain information is released at certain times throughout the shift. Steve explains, “It is mandatory that it is distributed as soon as possible. Any changes can affect ongoing missions.”

Throughout a shift the duty staff are sent statistics from all UK assets. These include sorties planned and flown along with their hours flown and other needed information. All of this information is put into an Operations Summary (OPSUM). When completed, it is then forwarded onto the Duty Operations Watchkeeper. After they have checked it, it is sent to PJHQ back in the UK. At the end of each week, the OPSUM information is inputted into a weekly assessment report which then helps operational and strategic planning.

Assisting Duty Ops Watchkeeper, who is a junior officer, Steve helps to relieve the workload as they can get very busy with the fast jet, air-to-air refuelling and reconnaissance assets flying within Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I have been enjoying my job out here because of the responsibilities and the fast pace of work. Working with Coalition Forces has also been a very good experience and it has expanded my trade knowledge.” Says Steve.

Photographer: RAF

Header Image: C130 taking off in the Middle East

Image 1: Corporal Steve Barrett; Air Operations Assistant

For more images view this weeks Operational Gallery