Air Force Global Strike Command intelligence units are learning the skills needed to support the nuclear deterrent mission through a new, first-of-its-kind training course in nuclear intelligence. “It is important for our students to understand the nuclear aspect and how deterrence works,” said Col. Richard Ayres, director of the command’s intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance office. He added that the course is “an integral part of building the professionalism and expertise we expect in our command.” The nuclear intelligence course runs three weeks and offers instruction in strategic operations, weapon capabilities, and, critically, intelligence support. Augmenting classroom work, students will meet with pilots, and missileers, studying first-hand how best to support the operational needs of B-2 and B-52 bomber aircrews and Minuteman ICBM crews. (Barksdale report by Maja Z. Stevanovich)
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
