As Australia's Air Force members prepare to join the fight against terrorism, RAAF Military Service Officers (MSOs) throughout the country ready themselves to lend a hand.

Though not on the frontline, their role on the home front is vital - supporting members and their families before and during deployment. According to RAAF MSO, Squadron Leader Howard Gibbon, 'it's all about providing a support network so people know they haven't been abandoned by the Service'.

This facet of the MSOs' job is expected to increase with the first significant RAAF deployment in recent years. But it's not all that is asked of them. Part of the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) team, the MSOs' role is nothing short of diverse.

No two working days are the same for SQNLDR Gibbon and his fellow MSOs. 'Our job is incredibly interesting,' he said. 'When you come to work each day you never know what is going to happen.'

SQNLDR Gibbon, who entered the Air Force more than 20 years ago, spends his days dealing with a range of people - Service and civilian - from Air Force executives to cadets and family members. 'We are the link between DCO and the wider Service organisation,' he explained.

DCO provides a comprehensive range of social work, family liaison, educational liaison support services and related programs to enhance the wellbeing of ADF personnel, their families and communities. Put simply - DCO is there to help.

It is the ultimate aim of the MSO to ensure those who need it have ready access to this help. 'Many people don't even know DCO exists, never mind how the organisation can help,' SQNLDR Gibbon admitted. 'Therefore a major part of my job is to educate people about DCO and MSOs.'

Across the three Services there are 35 MSOs, eight of which are RAAF officers. MSOs are experienced personnel with an understanding of the things that make service life unique, giving servicemen and women and their families a familiar face to approach for advice and assistance. Although they deal primarily with their own service, MSOs must be able to adapt readily to the needs of each service.

SQNLDR Gibbon believes, in his year with DCO, he has 'seen everything'. 'While we wear a uniform that sets us apart, service people are just everyday people who experience the same ups and downs as everyone else,' he said. Financial and personal problems; service issues; illness and death, are among the issues MSOs are called to assist with.

In any one day, SQNLDR Gibbon may have to inform the next of kin or assist with funeral arrangements and family support following the death of a RAAF member, locate and arrange the return of an airman or woman in the field due to a crisis at home, or organise counselling for a member with personal relationship problems. 'Unlike so many jobs, we can actually see the end result of what we've been working on - we can see we've made a difference even in a small way, alleviating suffering and pain,' SQNLDR Gibbon said. 'It can be very sad, but also very rewarding.'

While based in Canberra, SQNLDR Gibbon spends a great deal of time travelling to RAAF Base Wagga where he provides guidance and support to the Base Commander. This includes educating the local RAAF members and their families about DCO and providing feedback about the issues coming out of the Base.

'We not only have to have a genuine interest in people and in helping them solve their problems, but an awareness of social issues, the ability to communicate with people of all ranks and backgrounds and we have to be extremely broad-minded and compassionate.'

SQNLDR Gibbon said while MSOs can't work miracles, they are in the best position to 'help people to help themselves'.

SQNLDR Howard Gibbon is one of eight RAAF Military Support Officers (MSOs) who are part of the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) team. MSOs can be contacted by service members and their families through their closest RAAF Base or by phoning DCO.

Story and photograph by Rebecca Codey