In Safe Hands

In an insecure world the Air Force’s Air Security (ASY) units are firmly focussed on ensuring our assets - people, aircraft, and equipment - are well protected at home and abroad. Air Force News editor Grant Carr spoke to OC Expeditionary Support Squadron (ESS) ASY SQNLDR Kevin Shanley about how Air Security is shaping up.

The four main functions that the ASY trade provides to the RNZAF are Ground Defence, Base Security, Investigation Services and Drill and Ceremonial Support. Broadly, almost two-thirds of the ASY trade comes under the ESS banner. This is where the main deployable ASY element is drawn from. Its personnel are required to remain above the standard Directed Level of Operational Capability (DLOC) that applies to most other RNZAF personnel, because they are often operationally deployed at short notice. This means that part of their job is to train for operations with a significant portion of their weekly routine devoted to maintaining core trade skills.

The smallest basic operational element is the ASY Team consisting of a CPL and three other ranks (LAC/AC). ESS ASY’s role is to provide ASY support to RNZAF Forward Elements on operations and supplementary ASY support to Bases as operational commitments allow. There are two ESS ASY Sections - at Base Ohakea and Base Auckland.

The ESS ASY Section at Auckland also has a number of Military Working Dog teams on its establishment. A Military Working Dog (MWD) Team consists of a handler and a dog. We have two operational MWD teams which have recently graduated at the ESS ASY Section at RNZAF Base Auckland. A third team is nearing training completion and a fourth dog, recently acquired, is awaiting training with a new handler.

The primary roles of ASY dogs are deterrence, detection and response.

The acquisition of other specialist dog expertise, such as explosive detection, may be considered in the future.

ASY personnel are routinely deployed in NZ to assist with aircraft and event security and on exercises like Skytrain, Wiseowl and Blackbird. These exercises, among others, allow ASY personnel to practice and hone their skills in an operational deployment scenario, while working alongside other units and Services. While they are providing real-time security services and advice during these exercises ASY personnel are gaining an understanding of the bigger picture and how they must interact with other units.

On overseas operations ASY personnel are routinely employed on Air Transport Security (ATSY) Operations involving the searching, sealing and guarding of RNZAF aircraft during transit on operational tasks such as overseas operational and exercise deployments. They also regularly provide security services and security liaison for RNZAF contingents on operational deployments as well as deployed investigation services.

Ground Training Wing

There are several ASY posts within GTW which come under the command of CTRG. These personnel are interspersed through the various training schools in order to provide specialist ASY, Drill and Ceremonial, and CMS-type training.

Investigations

Operational Support Wings on each Base are established with a section of 4 ASY personnel to provide Investigation, Security and Drill and Ceremonial support. These personnel come under the operational control of the CO OSW.

‘As a key part of their job, OSW ASY personnel are required to investigate allegations of offences against the AFDA, and many of the other civil laws of New Zealand. This is to enable the Armed Forces to carry with them their own legal code when deployed,’ says SQNLDR Shanley.

‘More serious allegations such as treason, murder, manslaughter, sexual violation, or bigamy or serious sexual assaults would normally be referred to the NZ Police.’

Core Military Skills (CMS)

Over 90 percent of RNZAF personnel have now been inducted through the week-long CMS Initial courses which end next month. All Recruit and IOTC course graduates over that period have also been credited with passing the course. Starting in early 2008, personnel will be required to complete an online study and testing programme and attend a one-day Annual Continuation Training (ACT) practical assessment. They will be tested on First Aid (CPR), CBRN drills, and will also re-qualify on the Styer rifle and the SIG 9mm Pistol where appropriate.

Like a number of Air Force sections ASY has not fully populated its establishment. There are still plenty of positions within ASY for personnel who enjoy the security side of taskings, overseas operations, and weaponry. Piki Ake - Step up to Air Security.