The nature of intelligence work in the Air Force has changed, becoming more inclined to produce “actionable intel,” reports Air Force journalist Maj. Ann Knabe. That means intel airmen spend much of their time channeling essential threat information between ground forces and aircrews. She notes that one intel squadron in Southwest Asia in 2006 analyzed more than 13,000 aircrew mission reports and produced more than 10,000 intel products for everyone from individual aircrews to wing commanders to special operations forces on the ground.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.