By Billy Booth
Early Research:
Between 1991 and 1994, He was posted to a division called Secretariat (Air Staff) and was given the job of researching and investigating the UFO phenomenon, mirroring the work done in the U.S. by the now defunct Project Blue Book. Although most of the cases could be explained as misidentifications of known objects and phenomena, a hard core of sightings defied any conventional explanation.
Unique Access to Files:
His unique access to new data and old government files convinced him that the UFO phenomenon raised serious defence and national security issues. He came across numerous instances where UFOs had been tracked on radar, leading to jets being scrambled. Strong evidence emerged suggesting the presence of structured craft capable of speeds and manoeuvres beyond the capability of even the most advanced prototype craft operated by the Royal Air Force or the United States Air Force.
Terrifying Near Misses:
There were also cases where there had been terrifying near-misses between UFOs and civilian aircraft. All this led him to believe that an extraterrestrial explanation for some sightings could not be ruled out. Through his official investigations into UFOs he was drawn into other mysteries such as alien abductions, crop circles, animal mutilations and ghosts. Although no longer carrying out this sort of work for the government, he continues research and investigation in a private capacity.
Ministry of Defense:
Currently, he works at the Ministry of Defense, which he joined in 1985. He has had many different postings and has undertaken a fascinating series of jobs within the Department, including work in the Joint Operations Centre during the Gulf War, where he was a briefer in the Air Force Operations Room. He has also been involved in work on the crises in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a Senior Executive Officer, which is a civilian grade equivalent to the military rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Books on UFOs:
Pope has written four books: Open Skies, Closed Minds details his official UFO work, while The Uninvited deals with alien abductions; Operation Thunder Child and Operation Lightning Strike are science fiction novels based on his government work.
Media Work:
Pope has done extensive media work, including the BBC's Newsnight and Radio 4's Today programme. He has also lectured all around the world, at academic conferences, museums, military bases and the Oxford Union.
Personal Beliefs:
Pope: “I believe that governments and the military, and indeed private researchers, politicians- whoever- should place everything in the public domain on this issue. Governments can't, I think, have it both ways. You cannot say on the one hand, as the party line often goes, that UFOs are of no defense significance, and then on the other keep back some of the data."
Personal Quote:
“You simply can't do that. You have to have it one way or the other. And if, as governments consistently say when the politicians probe on this issue or when the media inquire, that there's really nothing to worry about, then okay, let's see all the data.”
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