Air Commando Intel: Optimizing Specialization Training for Air Force Special Operations Command Intelligence Officers

摘要

Since 1999, Air Force Intelligence officers have been trained, managed, and assigned in accordance with a 'generalist' approach to intelligence disciplines. Specialization is the exception, and intelligence officers are assigned to a variety of missions, disciplines, and commands in an attempt to 'broaden' their experience and maximize exposure to various disciplines. Because of this approach, specialization training after completion of the Air Force Intelligence Officer Course has become crucial to intelligence officer success at the unit level. This research examines specialization training provided to intelligence officers assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) flying squadrons. Information gathered through surveys and interviews of AFSOC squadron leadership, weapons officers, and intelligence officers, coupled with a detailed analysis of AFSOC Intelligence Officer responsibilities and training, was utilized to develop a web-based survey designed to measure intelligence officer performance at unit level AFSOC flying squadrons. The survey results were analyzed to determine areas of strength and weakness, and recommendations for optimizing specialization training were created from the survey results. Recommendations include actions to enhance intelligence at the individual and team level in AFSOC flying squadrons, minor modifications to specialization training, and an alternative intelligence career path which allows increased specialization is discussed.