Military Science Liaisons Provide Essential “Lifeline” [Dispatches from Antarctica]

McMurdo Station, Antarctica: National Science Foundation Liaisons

Sometimes, it feels like a game show. You know, the ones involving trivia questions that offer you lifelines to either call a knowledgeable friend, or get a vote from the audience, etc?

Well, in my daily work here, one my most often used “lifelines” is either emailing or calling the military’s liaison officers, or LNOs, at the National Science Foundation (NSF) back in Washington, DC.  When it comes to accessing corporate knowledge of long-standing issues, assessing the viability of something new, or brainstorming solutions, these LNOs are invaluable to the operation on a daily basis.

The idea of embedded liaisons is not new. In joint-service operations, there are well-known LNO positions populated by one service or another to provide two-way insight and communication for the Joint Force Commander. An Air Liaison Officer, or ALO, is a good example. Embassies around world may use Defense Attachés as liaisons to integrate or coordinate diplomatic and military activities and interests. When it comes to Defense Support to Civilian Authorities in emergencies or crises, there are rapid response LNOs that can be sent out to a field location to provide direct person-person expertise and coordination between agencies.

For better NSF support and coordination, the military has a Department of Defense liaison and an Air National Guard liaison. Because of the Air National Guard’s significant and long-standing role supporting the NSF in scientific pursuits in both Arctic and Antarctic regions, the two LNOs can work interchangeably on many issues.

Presently, the Air National Guard liaison to the National Science Foundation is Lieutenant Colonel Mark Doll. Mark is one of our “lifeline” phone and email contacts for a variety of mission-related topics. On a personal level, I count on Mark’s counsel when making decisions involving Antarctic aviation operations, especially involving ice runways and ski-ways.

As the former LC-130 chief pilot for the 139th Airlift Squadron, and an expert in practical aviation applications of ski-to-snow interface mechanics, Mark’s advice informs policy. Additionally, he’s earned the trust and respect of his colleagues at NSF. When science support issues concerning operations and logistics percolate up to the NSF management level for decisions, Mark provides appropriate two-way dialog between decision-makers and those charged with executing the decisions.

Since the Air National Guard’s role in supporting NSF science extends beyond Antarctica into Arctic Greenland, Mark graciously offered these unpublished photos for inclusion in these Dispatches.