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.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.