AFGSC hosts annual Air Force targeting workshop Published July 21, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Stephen Albert 2nd Operations Support Squadron BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La., -- Barksdale was recently chosen as the host location for the annual Air Force targeting workshop. The conference, held July 12-14, attracted 88 participants from across the globe to discuss emerging and ongoing targeting issues. Barksdale was selected by the Air Staff to host the typically Air Combat Command-driven workshop as a means to showcase the newest member of the Air Force targeting community, Air Force Global Strike Command. The AFGSC plays an important role in conventional and nuclear targeting and is home to both the B-2 and B-52 long-range bombers. The agenda consisted of three days of presentations and discussions, ranging from program developments to best practices, and even lessons learned from Operation Odyssey Dawn, the U.S. combat operation in Libya. Brig. Gen. Everett Thomas, AFGSC vice commander, delivered the keynote address where his candid and personal remarks provided senior level insight. "He clearly understood our functional area and our role, and had personally put some thought into relating his knowledge and experiences to our perspective," commented a member from the headquarters Air Force Intelligence Directorate. "That respect, coupled with his affability, was well-received by the attendees." The annual workshop distinguishes itself from other conferences through its interactive nature. Each year problems are identified and become action items for working groups over the next calendar year. In that way, the workshop serves as a benchmark for resolving differences throughout the targeting community.