- Air Transport
Air Operations Support
This Branch amalgamates Combat Support (CS) and Combat Service Support (CSS) functions into a single entity that is the JAPCC’s ‘one-stop-shop’ for all functions that enable Air and Space Power projection. Areas of specific focus include, but are not limited to Air Mobility (Air Transport and Air to Air Refuelling), Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR), Joint Rotary Wing Operations, Electronic Warfare (EW), Force Protection (FP) and Logistics.
These activities are fundamental to the effective and resource-efficient delivery of NATO Air and Space Power. Furthermore, AOS must be considered in a holistic manner rather than as individual or discreet functions that are conducted in isolation. AOS is both a Force Enabler and a Force Multiplier. Put simply, it is the bedrock of NATO’s Air Operations.
Colonel
Marco
Kathmann
Joint Air Power Competence Centre
Colonel Marco Kathmann has been assigned to the JAPCC as the Branch Head Air Operations Support since September 2023. During his previous assignment he was Staff Officer Operations at the Permanent Joint Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to NATO in Brussels. After graduating as an officer in 1986, Col Kathmann served as platoon commander, director of operations and squadron commander. Col Kathmann is a Force protection officer, and his last operational assignment was Commander of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command. Following his operational career Col Kathmann was appointed Chief of Cabinet of the Commander Royal Netherlands Air Force and subsequently as Director of Compliance/National Security Authority at the Ministry of Defence.
Information provided is current as of October 2023
Featured Publications
NATO Rapid Air Mobility
Bringing the ‘Rapid’ into NATO Air Transport
By Maj
Massimo
Di Milia
‘Obtaining additional air transport mobility – and obtaining it now – will better assure the ability of our conventional forces to respond, with discrimination and speed, to any problem at any spot on the globe [...]
Organizing Logistics for Future Collective Defence
By Lt Col
Isaiah
Oppelaar
Logistics is the cornerstone of all NATO operations but is often a secondary planning discussion after the staff plans the execution portion of an operation. According to NATO doctrine (AJP-5), ‘Logistics frequently shapes the design [...]
NATO’s Multinational MRTT Unit
An Update and Case Study for Future Defence Cooperation
By Lt Col
Isaiah
Oppelaar
In the 32 Since publishing, a number of developments within NATO’s Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) mission set warrants revisiting this topic. This article will provide a brief review of the formation of the MMU, update on the [...]
Subject Matter Experts
Lieutenant Colonel
Francesco Facchi
Subject Matter Expert
Logistics
Lieutenant Colonel Facchi joined the Italian Air Force in 1995 and completed Basic Training qualifying in air logistics. He was initially assigned to 6th Wing at Ghedi Air Force Base, as Chief of Logistic and Supply Service, and Director of Wing Warehouse until 1999. He was then posted to the...
Commander
Marco Joudioux
Subject Matter Expert
Joint Personnel Recovery, Joint Rotary Wing
Commander Joudioux joined the Italian Navy in 1989, attended the US Navy flight school and in 1992 earned his “Wings of Gold” as a fixed-wing multi-engine pilot. He also served as an Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopter pilot on board several Italian Ships, flying UH1 helicopters. In 1999, he continued his flight...
Wing Commander (ret.)
Jez Parkinson
Subject Matter Expert
Force Protection
Wing Commander (ret.) Jez Parkinson is a RAF Regiment Officer with 33-years’ regular Service; over half in the Multinational environment and in excess of 7-years on operations. He continues to work as a Reservist in the Force Protection Environment and as a civilian on Asset Protection collaborating with the military,...
Lieutenant Colonel
Jared D. Thompson
Subject Matter Expert
Air Transport
Lieutenant Colonel Jared D. Thompson serves as Air Mobility Strategist, Joint Air Power Competence Centre (NATO), in Kalkar, Germany. In this role, he executes the JAPCC Program of Work for air mobility interoperability and compatibility efforts and supports the Military Committee Joint Standardization Board as Chairman of the Air Transportation...
Major
Eelco Tolsma
Subject Matter Expert
Joint Personnel Recovery, Joint Rotary Wing
Major Eelco S.Tolsma joined the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1987 to become a helicopter pilot. After earning his wings he started his flying career at 300 squadron at Deelen AB which he soon left to join 303 Search and Rescue Squadron at Leeuwarden AB in the northern part of...
