An Cosantóir

33 The Defence Forces operate in Military airspace, which enables the DF to operate everything from Naval weapons systems to Air Corps aircraft to Army drones, in airspace which is segregated from civil aviation. Military ATS acts as the point of contact between the DF and the Irish Aviation Authority, to ensure the State meets its commitments to efficiency, whilst main- taining the necessary tactical freedom for military air operations. Over my career, the greatest privileges are the occa- sions while on duty that you see, blue lights flashing outside of the VIP terminal, knowing that an ambu- lance is waiting there to meet a patient transfer that has just arrived into Baldonnel in one of our aircraft. On those nights you don't feel tired because you may have been up all night working; you feel alive, because you are one part of a very special team. The people in the ATC team are key, regardless of the technology systems and processes, it's the people who deliver Air Traffic services. ATS is responsible for the training of all military air traffic controllers, from the basic training provided to students, up to the advanced training provided to a radar guided air-to-air intercept controller. ATC personnel typically remain within the ATC specialisation for the duration of their military career. The length of training coupled with the highly demanding, skilful and responsible nature of the job attracts a unique type of person into Military ATS, one which is motivated, ambitious, determined and not afraid of a challenge. This is evident with even the most cursory glance at the background of former and serving personnel in what is a small unit in Defence Forces terms. From cooks to ComOps, mechanics to mechanised infantry, private pilots to electricians and ARW to Artillery Corps, the unique men and women of Military ATS continue to uphold the unit's motto of Sabhailteacht Faoi Luas (Safety Through Expedition) to provide the best service it can to the Defence Forces and to the people of Ireland. aircraft that occupy large volumes of airspace and fly in an unpredictable manner, such missions, training or operational, require tactical freedom, provided by ATC. With the increasing impact of EU transport legislation and changing airspace management systems, Military ATS is a key enabler for Defence Forces access to the airspace above Ireland, and is critical to the provision of security for major events. An example of such an event was Operation Bealtaine (2011) which required air surveillance, interdiction and defence to protect the visits of HM Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama. As well as providing ATC to all aircraft within military airspace and directing PC9 Combat Air Patrols on radar guided intercepts, Military ATS was involved in the operational planning, the establishment and polic - ing of restricted airspaces and coordinated the flight approval process for civil flights for the Department of Justice. On the other end of the spectrum is the support provided by Military ATS to special events of nation- al significance such as Papal visits, the annual Bray Airshow and airborne Fire Fighting. The Bray Airshow in particular, involves large numbers of visiting aircraft to Baldonnel and ATS plays a key role in the planning and control of the airshow as well as the provision of expert assistance to the IAA. The expertise in handling once-off events is a key enabler for the success of events such as the Ryder Cup, the third largest global event after the Olympics and World Cup. Since Nov 2019 ATC NCO's and Officers have been filling an ATC liaison appointment overseas in KFOR, contributing towards maintaining a safe and secure environment for the people of Kosovo. Drone safety requires close co-operation and liaison with our civilian counterparts. The DF was the first op - erator of drones in Ireland and Military ATS was central to the safe introduction of this new aircraft technology to Irish airspace, including the planning and execution with Arty and NS of the first fully joint drone exercise – IBIS II. The proliferation of civil drones in Irish airspace required new rules and procedures to ensure continued aviation safety for all users. Military ATS, with the IAA, has developed rules and procedures for all civil and military drones in military airspace, and provides tacti - cal control and deconfliction between drone operators and aircraft on a daily basis. A formation of 4 x PC9M from FTS flypast the tower at low level. Radar simulator training station. A vital element of ATS training. F/Sgt Colin Heaslip keeping a keen watch on the airfield to ensure all is in order. MILITARY AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

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