Invaluable support

Combat Support Element Commander Squadron Leader Tim Chalke and Executive Officer Flight Lieutenant Clint Drew in front of a storage hangar in the Middle East. Photo by CPL Darren Hilder

By SQNLDR Christopher Ward and LT Alastair McPherson

THE combat support function has been a vital factor behind the Air Force’s successful operations in the Middle East.

The Combat Support Element (CSE) has provided important roles such as communications, health and administrative support, force protection and logistics services in a package tailored to meet the deployed force’s requirements.

The CSE’s 68 personnel from No. 386 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron and No. 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing support the C-130 detachment and the Command Air Operations Centre. They also give minor support to the Air Traffic Control Detachment at Baghdad International Airport.

Squadron Leader Tim Chalke, CSE Commander, said, “We provide stores, travel and accommodation arrangements for troops and VIPs, weapons issue to air crew, medical and communications services, as well as the services of equipment fitters, technicians, carpenters and electricians.”

The CSE’s Air Load Teams from No. 1 Air Terminal Squadron provide a specialised logistics function critical to the successful and safe movement of cargo.

Even the most junior ranks are responsible for working irregular hours and liaising with a variety of military and civilian personnel and agencies such as Joint Movements Group, Customs and Quarantine.

A chaplain and a physical training instructor are also part of the CSE.

Former C-130 Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Matt Hegarty said the assistance of the CSE had allowed his aircrew to focus on their core duties.

Squadron Leader Jeff Peterson, ex-CSE Commander in the MEAO, said the element had proved its worth. His replacement, SQNLDR Chalke, said that because of the heavy workload of personnel, maintaining morale was high on his list of priorities.

CSE Executive Officer Flight Lieutenant Clint Drew said members had built on the good aspects of the previous rotation in order to maintain team cohesion and morale while focusing on the mission.

“We have instigated a long-time plan focusing on social and physical activities such as barbecues and team sports,” he said.

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