Meet the Board
Meet the Team
Careers
"Experience does not err."
Leonardo da Vinci
(Italian artist, scientist and engineer)
Meet the Team
Helen Gripton - Head
of Intelligence 
Helen joined the RAF Intelligence Branch in 2002. On completion of training
at Chicksands, she was awarded the Sturley Sword in recognition of her excellent
performance. She then spent a tour working with the C-130 Hercules fleet
at RAF Lyneham, where she was responsible for the weekly briefing of the
Station Commander on all matters of intelligence interest worldwide. She
also provided specific briefings for crews deploying on operations and missions
throughout the world.
From Lyneham she deployed to the Air Component HQ in Al Udeid, Qatar, and worked within the Intelligence, Reconnaissance and Surveillance Division. She was responsible for the maintenance of the air threat matrix for the Iraq and Afghan theatres and provided Intelligence support to the UK deployed operating bases (DOBs) throughout the Middle East.
On completion of that operational tour, she was posted to HQ 3 (UK) Div to establish the post of SO3 Air Intelligence within the Army HQ as part of Forces-wide moves towards greater air-land integration. With a blank canvas for the post, she also took on responsibility for ISTAR within the HQ, contributing both to the Division’s preparations for the NATO Reaction Force 6 role and to exercises for the Division’s deployable brigades. In September 2006, she deployed with the Division to Iraq. There she was responsible for CCIRM, Air ISTAR collection planning and management of ISTAR apportionment. She was also the Liaison Officer (LO) for all UK national air intelligence and ISTAR matters during a period that saw a frenetic pace of multiple operations.
On her return from Iraq, she continued in post at HQ 3 (UK) Div providing training, support and mentoring to a number of Brigades preparing to deploy on operations and taking on special responsibility for ensuring the smooth integration of UK REAPER into UK ground forces operations.
In October 2007 she deployed to Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, where she acted as the Air Intelligence Officer within the Brigade HQ, ensuring the timely dissemination of all air related intelligence from numerous agencies and sources. She also provided both analysis and air intelligence advice direct to Commander British Forces in Afghanistan.
| Rotary Division | Fast Jets Division | Human Factors Division |
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| ISTAR Division | Radar & EW Division | Air Transport Division |
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| Maritime Air Division | Intelligence Division | |
 
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