This new job will take some getting used to. I just spent the last 12 hours in the operations center, managing, tracking, and problem solving as a Battle Captain in training. A lot of information flows across that desk, and with the mission load this unit is pulling and the number of flights coming and going, the focus required can put a lot of strain on the eyes and mind. I know it's just the steep learning curve and that it will soon be second nature, but for the first full day, I'm wore out. It doesn't come naturally to sit inside a building, with no view of the sunlight or outside world, making decisions that affect real flights and real people outside, many of whom you may never meet. I do have the benefit of having been that guy launching outside the wire, so I am careful not to overstep the necessary bounds or "climb in their cockpit" as the phrase goes. The demands for information, the requirements and priorities are just different inside the TOC, than they are for the guys and gals actually out flying the missions.
So, what is the unit's senior Captain doing at the Battle Captain's desk, pulling his weight with the other Lieutenants, you may ask? Fortunately (or not) it is a necessary evil. My roles as Chief of Current Operations (CHOPS) does not demand a full time position in this environment, nor does my other role as Medical Operations Officer. Thus...ergo...by default...here I am. This will allow us all to not be overwhelmed by long shifts (I make the 4th Btl Cpt) and will allow rotating days off, and days free to fly, to maintain that perspective we may lose if we were to exclusively work in that cave. The question has been asked, am I upset, do I feel this is beneath me, but the answer will always be no. I will do my job and do it best. This approach has worked well thus far. My ambitions do not require me to have a certain critical assignment at this point. I need to help this new unit succeed at their most critical mission, that being MEDEVAC, and remain safe to return to my family...that's it. The rest is merely fluff...commentary...and drama.