An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 15 a Garda and the completion of an aviation medical. Prospective candidates attend a two-week pre-selection course at the Garda College before undergoing the six-week Air Observers course at Baldonnel, which covers topics such as aircraft familiarisation, role and equipment, navigation, health and safety procedures. Next comes a two- week Aircrewman course with the Air Corps on the EC-135P2s of 302 Sqn, which covers basic military airmanship. Successful students then fly operational missions with an experienced partner in order to work up to becoming fully effective observers. For the pool of GASU Air Corps pilots, who serve a tour of duty of two years or more, the unit is regarded as providing a stimulating and challenging flying environment. Pilots are selected primarily on their previous experience on twin-engined aircraft and night-flying. Sergeant Coade says that the doctrine of equal partnership between the gardaí and Air Corps personnel was a vital element in the success of the GASU, as was the har- monious dovetailing of personalities in a fast-moving and often stressful operational environment. "We have to shift gear rapidly, from sitting in the crew room having a cup of tea to being airborne in two minutes responding to a call-out," he says. "If at any time during a mission any crew member feels that flight safety is in danger of being compromised then the unit rule of 'three to go, one to say no' is applied. Comdt Bonner regards continuation training as vital, "starting with the mandatory debrief after every mission in an open and honest no-blame culture." Recently quali- fied as an NVG instructor, he further asserts that "NVG training never stops", with in- ternal training supplemented by annual proficiency checks carried out by US company, Aviation Specialities Unlimited. Another key training component is line-oriented flight training (LOFT) carried out yearly in the EC-135 simulator at Airbus Donauwörth. "We aim for realism in each two- hour session," says Comdt Bonner, "testing command ability, decision-making skills and crew resource management. The first 30 minutes can be spent relatively quietly on a typical GASU task over a city, then we add in some complicating factors, such as lowering weather or operational pressure from the ground. "We don't throw in random, and very rarely occuring, technical faults, as we can test these on other sim (simulator) sessions. Sim training is one the cornerstones of safe flight operations, allowing pilots to push their limits while supervisors assess their capabilities and ensure a safe standard is maintained." He lays great stress on telling new pilots that while their job is to assist the gardaí, they "are responsible for the safe conduct of the flight, which must not be compromised in any way by mission fixation." GASU's primary task is surveillance in direct support of gardaí on the ground. The work is very varied and can range from searching for suspects or missing persons, to the pursuit of vehicles, the containment of crime scenes, support to public order units, the policing of major events, ceremonies or protests, and aerial photography. With GASU involved, gardaí spread over a wide area can be kept in touch with changes on the ground as a situation develops and appropriate guidance can be given. There is also a capacity to carry police dogs onboard for special operations and/or quick dispatch around the country if required. Garda observers can also make arrests, and on occasions GASU helis have landed in remote areas to arrest and detain suspects pending the arrival of ground units. GASU's availability for immediate dispatch, coupled with its high-tech equipment, mean it can also be a vital asset for the emergen- cy services, as was seen over Bray Head at Christmas 2014 when the unit assisted the Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team. While nature and population size of the Greater Dublin area (a quarter of the population) means that it provides the majority of GASU's work, the unit also receives calls for assistance from all over the 26 counties. Detachments operating away from Baldonnel can be maintained for several days and tasks can be handed over in the air. This capac- ity allowed GASU to provide continuous overwatch during the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and President Obama in 2011. Given the fact that much crime in today's world crosses national boundaries, GASU maintains close working relationships, not only with the PSNI and other UK forces, but also with many police forces in the EU, the USA and beyond. Ireland can be proud of this joint Garda/Air Corps creation. The GASU is on a par with the best air support units in respect of its per- sonnel, training, aircraft and equipment. Ireland spends its money wisely, invariably buying the best available, and is second to none in regard to the professionalism and dedication of its operatives. Grateful thanks to Garda HQ and Brig Gen Paul Fry, GOC Air Corps, for authorising my visit, and to those from GASU with whom I spoke. EC-135 (256) at Baldonnel by Guy Warner. EC-135 (256) over Dublin area. EC-135 (272) over Garda HQ, Phoenix Park. 254 at Baldonnel by Frank Grealish.

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