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“Blue ones are just different.” // Humans of NATO Days

She is one of those people who is not in plain sight at the event - but you can see and read the result of her and her team's work. It's not just about writing something - it takes a lot of planning and coordination. And that she'll be in the Air Force at some point? No, that wasn't the original plan, but as she says, she's doing everything she once wished for. In the next installment of #HumansofNATODays, we spoke with Maj. Zuzana Sekaninová, Press and Information Officer at the Air Force Headquarters. 

What made you decide to join the army - and specifically the Air Force? Was it your childhood dream?
My dream was to help people - I wanted to be a doctor. But all it took was one autopsy in high school and it was clear. I started my career in the 15th Engineer Regiment in Bechyně. I studied HR at the University of Defence and at the University of Economics and I was lucky - I was doing work that I enjoyed and I saw a meaning in it. I was helping people, just in a slightly different way than I had originally planned. Air Force? That was an accident. And I'll admit, for a long time, I didn't think I'd ever end up in the blue.

What was your path to the press and information function in the Air Force?
It's been thorny. It was. Twice to the unit, then to Army Command, then back to the unit. HR everywhere. Everything was pointing towards me staying in the field. But then came maternity leave, and with the return came reality. The job I was supposed to go to was eliminated. Elsewhere, the new commander didn't even know I was there. And I ended up coming here - almost against my will at the time. But today I feel differently. I like this job. It's opened my eyes, pushed me further, taught me how to communicate with different people. I wished for everything I do now. And let's face it, there's no way to be bored here.

What is your typical working day like?
I start the morning by checking my mobile, email and all sorts of platforms. And that's before I get to the office. Then it's improvisation. Communication, coordination, urgency, patience... a lot of patience. Everybody wants everything now, but in the Air Force it's a little more complicated than “send a tatra on the road”. We have to stick to the rules and safety. We've been dealing with a lot of modernization questions lately - and often it's not things directly under the Air Force. But people ask and we answer.

And how is your working day different during a training exercise or NATO Day?
I don't personally go to field exercises much, but I prepare communication plans for those organized by the Air Force Headquarters. If everything goes well, I don't even have to leave my office - and that's the ideal situation. Otherwise, I work with the press officers from the services, who are really great. It's similar at NATO Days - it's all about planning, preparation, but also improvisation. And stress. Sometimes there's running.

What does it take to prepare for such an event? And what happens afterwards?
Planning, planning and planning again. Trying to align strategic objectives with the commander's vision, which isn't always easy. Social media is a new addition to the mix - we're finally rolling it out in full this year. Biggest challenge? Finding people who have time for a conversation, photo or video. It's not their priority, we understand that. But most of the time, they'll help. And after the event? Evaluation, feedback, archiving, plan for next time. And rest. At least for a while.

How big is your team at NATO Days?
Small, but effective. I try to create a team where everyone has a clear role - and yet we can substitute each other. I'm in charge of all the coordination, communication with the organisers, the programme. And then just... everything else. Something always happens. There's always a need to intervene somewhere. But that's the beauty of it - that even when we're running, rushing and sometimes stressed, we can do it.

How many years have you participated? And how has the event changed in that time?
I've been to two. The last edition was cancelled, which I was sad about. The whole preparation was basically useless. It was wild the first time - I had never even been to NATO Days before, let alone prepared for it. No one had prepared me for it. But I did a lot of asking, learning, looking for ways. And if I were to train someone now, I would approach it very differently. Today it's all about quick response, credibility, professionalism. Sharing information in real time. And it's also about showing the work of the people behind the scenes - without them, there would be nothing, and I'm very proud of that.

Which display at the NATO Days impressed you personally the most?
I hope my husband can't hear me - he is from anti-aircraft missile regiment - but the F-35. Not because of the aircraft itself, but because of the overall atmosphere, the commentary, the emotion. Otherwise, I don't have much time for displays - we're can breathe out only when everything is going according to plan... which is an exceptional state.

Do you have any professional role models?
I don't have a specific role model. I watch the people around me. My husband helps me a lot, he's been in the Air Force for 25 years, he's got the insight and he's always got the advice. But in general, I lack focused training in communications. For how crucial an area it is, I would like more support.

Is there a difference in the approach to PR with NATO allies?
Definitely. Each country has a slightly different approach to communication, openness, selection of spokespeople. It's an interesting comparison - and inspiring at the same time. Comprehensively, I can say they have more people on the issue and clearly defined rules. 

Is there a myth about the Air Force that you'd like to debunk?
Definitely chemtrails. Yes, we've addressed that as well. We're not really spreading anything. And no, we can't give a ride to anyone who asks for one. And the patches? I've already given those out.

What did you learn about yourself through the military?
That I used to live a pretty private life. Now I'm more organized, I communicate across the force, I write, I organize. I've learned to better prepare for important events. Most importantly, I know how to adapt when possible and within the confines of the legislation.

What would you say to NATO Days fans and supporters of the Air Force?
I would never say this, but the blue ones are really different. Very technically proficient, knowledgeable, but they are not the typical “rambo soldiers”. If you want to work with modern technology but don't necessarily want to run around the field - come join us. And the fans? Our thanks goes to them. It wouldn't be the same without you.

And a punchy slogan to finish with?
“We are the Air Force, we are a team of efficient professionals, the air is our sea.”