The Air Force’s intelligence structure makeover (see above) also includes shifting the Air Force Intelligence Agency and its subordinate units from Air Combat Command to the newly expanded A2. It will work directly for Lt. Gen. David Deptula, whose title changes from intelligence to intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance deputy chief of staff. The agency also will change its name to Air Force ISR Command, effective March 1.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.