Airmen at Air Force Distributed Common Ground System locations across the globe conducted Sentinel Focus, a week-long rigorous look at their operations during real-world activity to highlight areas for improvement. “Our goal [with this evaluation] is to enhance cooperation between various intelligence entities by enhancing a culture of collaboration to share best practices and lessons learned,” said Col. Jeffrey Kruse, commander of the 480th ISR Wing at JB Langley-Eustis, Va., that oversees DCGS and led the twice-annual evaluation. According to a Nov. 2 Langley release, Sentinel Focus had four main objectives: document areas requiring operational standardization; identify the effectiveness of tactics; capture lessons learned and best practices for integration of recently fielded ISR platforms, such as the MC-12W; and assess the development of ongoing operational relationships with British coalition partners. DCGS is a globally networked system that provides near-real-time intelligence to battlefield commanders. (Langley report by Marge McGlinn)
Air Force Eyes New-Build F-16s to Boost Fighter Force
Sept. 16, 2026
The Air Force will consider acquiring new F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to answer capacity shortfalls in its aging fighter fleet, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. These discussions are happening as the Air Force is building its proposed fiscal 2028 budget and the five-year spending plan that goes…
