An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 31 CAPT DECLAN HICKEY, AC LNO The primary role of the Air Corps LNO in the JTF is to advise the COM of all Air Corps assets at his dis- posal and to be the main POC for all information between the JTF HQ and the Air Corps HQ. A compilation of daily fixed wing, rotary wing and service support assets within the Air Corps is gathered and passed to the JTF HQ staff. An analysis of all CO- VID19 testing of Air Corps personnel is also passed to the relevant agencies within the JTF. Other roles involve briefing the JTF COM and JTF staff of upcoming weather and how this may have any implications on the use of Defence Forces assets in the forthcom- ing 24-96 hours. LT CDR PAUL HEGARTY, NS LNO As liaison officer for the Maritime Component Commander (MCC) I act as the intermediary between the JTF Commander and the Naval Operations Centre. I perform a myriad of duties that support the MCC assets currently deployed on OP FORTITUDE, and liaise with the other brigade and formation LNO's as necessary. Operationally, I support other elements of the JTF as the maritime SME, and provide advice and guidance on operational planning requirements and consider- ations when liaising with external organisations such as the Port authorities and supporting Ireland's island communities. Main- taining open and secure sea lines of communication, both nation- ally and internationally, is vital in supporting the national effort. CAPT RUAIRI BYRNE, SO CMU My role within the JTF is Staff Officer for CMU. I conduct liaison between CMU HQ and JTF. My taskings in- clude but are not limited to determ- ing medical capabilities, analysing medical taskings, advising JTF on the capabilities of the CMU. I offer medical resourcing advice to the JTF, identify medical capability gaps and advise JTF on the deploy- ment of medical personnel and equipment. The CMU currently have EMTs, Paramedics & Advanced Paramedics deployed in Dublin, Cork & Kildare responding with the National Ambulance Service (NAS), Medics deployed in John Rodgersons Quay conduct- ing swabbing and CMU personnel are also conducting swabbing in nursing homes. We have Medical Officers deployed in National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) conducting phone triages & in Connolly Hospital in the emergency department. CAPT ANGELA LYONS, DFTC LNO My appointment is the DFTC Liaison Officer, with the responsibility for providing a link between the JTF and the DFTC. Key objectives throughout the day consist of compiling daily returns for the JOC Director on operational activities within our AO. The key areas within the returns are personnel deployed on COVID-19 operations, what DF assets are being utilised within these operations and tracking of all DF members in isolation, testing positive or returning to place of work. Information must be current for enhanced situ- ational awareness and consolidated for the daily CUB through the JOC director to COM. CS RONNIE BURKE, JTF TASK COLLECTOR My role in the JTF is the JTF Task Collector, I am the Senior NCO within the JTF. My main responsibility is compiling and maintain- ing all JTF activities from around the country for the purpose of analysis and planning. This is to assist future operations that may be tasked to the DF.

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