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Who can say they have their own "air force"? // Humans of NATO Days

When he attended the NATO Days in Ostrava for the first time, it was also the first year of the Czech Air Force Days. He did not want to be a soldier originally, but then he liked serving in the air force, and he has been in it for 16 years. Moreover, as he says, he has his own ‘air force’ as well. This time we interviewed Warrant Officer Richard Černošek from the Combat Training Department of the Air Force Headquarters.

How did you get into the Air Force? Was it your childhood dream to be a soldier? 
Becoming a soldier was definitely not my childhood dream. I had different dreams back then. I originally graduated from an agricultural school and at the age of nineteen I joined basic military service. A number of circumstances, as well as chance, contributed to my becoming a professional soldier. Because I was already fascinated with Air Force service during basic military service, especially because of the organizational culture and workplace relationships, I made every effort to get back into the Air Force. Then serendipity played a big role when I was approached by a roommate in a military dormitory with an offer of a vacancy with the ‘Air Force.’

Can you describe your career in the Air Force? What positions and units did you go through?
As I suggested in my previous answer, one could simply say that it was and still is varied. During my basic service, I served as an executive sergeant in an air defence battery in Kroměříž. After completing my basic service I became a professional soldier of the Czech Armed Forces, when I first served as an executive warrant officer in the 104th Security Battalion of the Logistics Company in Olomouc and since 2009, thanks to the aforementioned coincidence, I joined the Air Force, specifically the Combat Training Department of the Air Force Headquarters, where I am still serving. Although I move more or less in the same structure, I certainly do not complain about the monotony. Add to that an eight-month mission in Afghanistan in 2016.

To last in one position for 16 years is both unusual and remarkable nowadays. Yet, as you say, there can be no question of monotony. So can you tell us more about what your regular job is?
It seems a long time, but the fact is that, in addition to many different changes during that time, I have also experienced the so-called ReoRedi, which, at least among soldiers, is an acronym evoking something not entirely optimistic. In my case it meant moving the Air Force Headquarters from Olomouc to Prague, which included a change in structure and subordination.

For me personally, it meant a major change in my family life, and in terms of work, it meant a change in duty assignment to a completely new position with the pilots for whom I take care of flight training records. To give you an idea, this involves taking care of the computer system, its maintenance, communication with the company, and recently my colleagues and I have been involved in the possible design of a future solution for such a record-keeping system, as we need to keep up with modern trends in this area as well. 

You also mentioned your eight months in Afghanistan. What were your duties on that mission?
In Afghanistan, I was an Executive Warrant Officer at the 14th Task Force Headquarters in Kabul. I was in charge of material support for the 14th Task Force Headquarters unit, the air advisory team, the field surgical team, and material removal and support of units from Bagram.

Returning to the Czech Republic and specifically to NATO Days, your position is the Chief Security Coordinator for Air Force Headquarters and the University of Defence. What do you want readers to understand by that? 
The job description is really very diverse and in many ways similar to my job description at Air Force Headquarters. For example, it involves coordinating the transport of the organising staff, arranging accommodation, organising University of Defence students in support of the Flight Director or at various side events and other activities.

How do you remember the first year you were involved? And how do you see the transformation of the event since then?
The first time I participated in NATO Days was in 2010. This year it was the tenth edition of NATO Days in Ostrava and it was also the first edition of the Czech Air Force Days. Anyway, I dare to say that since the first edition, which took place in 2001 at the exhibition centre Černá louka in the centre of Ostrava, NATO Days have undergone a significant transformation not only in terms of organisation but also in terms of cooperation with the participating countries. We cannot fail to mention the very close and productive cooperation with the Jagello 2000 team. My words, I hope, can confirm the annual public interest in this event.

Can you share with us some of your funny or powerful experiences from NATO Days?
There are many experiences and it is not easy to choose one in particular. It always has a very strong impact on me when I get to meet my former commanders during NATO Days, who, because of tradition and good relations, are always invited by the current commander. We like to reminisce about things like moving the ‘airships’ from Olomouc to Prague or organizing other important events like CIAF or Gripen Users' Group. But perhaps the most powerful experience is the moment when, after a long time of preparation, the whole event gets underway and you hear the roar of aircraft engines in your vicinity.

You are also an avid beekeeper. How did you get into this hobby? 
I was introduced to beekeeping by my dad. Even as a kid, I loved looking under his hands. The older I got, the more I got involved in beekeeping. Beekeeping absolutely amazed me.  I see it as a kind of relaxation. Besides, who can say they have their own ‘air force’?