Head in the clouds

CPL Peta Munn, from No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit, surveys the air space over RAAF Base Tindal during Exercise Mercury 04.

Photo by CPL Darren Hilder

More information

For information on becoming an Air Surveillance Operator, look on the People Central website under Career Progression / Job Descriptions, or contact Sergeant Daniel Armfield, SNCO ASOP instruction at the Surveillance and Control Training Unit, RAAF Base Williamtown, on (02) 4928 6234 or email daniel.armfield@defence.gov.au.

Position: Air Surveillance Operator
Name: Corporal Peta Munn, 3CRU

What do you do as an ASOP?
Provide a Recognised Air Picture (RAP) by collecting and interpreting data from numerous sources. The RAP is then distributed to other agencies to assist in ADF and Government operations

What do you think makes a good ASOP?
Flexibility due to constant shift and hours changes. The ability to work as part of a team.

What are the biggest perks of your job?
The variety of deployments, which enable me to see remote areas I would not normally see, and the friendships I have made.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Keeping up with all the equipment and software upgrades.

How do you maintain your concentration for so long?
Regular breaks.

What has been the most interesting task you’ve done so far?
Probably surveillance for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at RAAF Base Amberley. We were actually doing our job for real and that was great.

Do you ever feel claustrophobic in your working environment?
Not any more, now that I have been posted to 3CRU, but I used to get a little claustrophobic at 114MCRU due to the fact that they operate out of cabins. They were very small and dark.

Is it hard to keep on top of all the technology you are working with?
Not really. We get adequate training to use the equipment for our job.

How do you maintain interest in your job?
We are always getting new equipment and software which keeps me interested and learning constantly.

Is there teamwork involved or is it more an individual job?
A lot of teamwork is required, not only between members of the same unit, but also between the various surveillance units that make up SRG (Surveillance and Response Group).

What would a routine shift involve?
A normal shift at 3CRU would involve 12 hours, of which six-to-eight hours are on scope.

 

 

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