Intelligence Flight: commander's informational hub

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La --  From planning detailed missions for aircraft to analyzing cyber threats on military networks, Barksdale's wing intelligence office is an integral component to providing the 2nd Bomb Wing commander and his forces the most current and relevant intelligence to support all 2 BW missions.

"Intel provides the answer to any 'why' question: Why are we going to war? Why is this information important? We are there to provide the intelligence scenarios, to review the facts and provide accurate intelligence estimates of the situation and provide probable courses of action for the enemy so that we can remain one step ahead of our adversaries at all times," said Staff Sgt. Marcus O'Sullivan, 2nd Operations Group Intelligence NCO in charge of operations intelligence support.

With that responsibility, the 2 OGI directly impacts Barksdale's mission, which is home to Air Force Global Strike Command.

"Without Intel, aircraft would be unaware of threats, security forces wouldn't know who might be a threat to the base and its populace, and deploying members would have a hard time knowing what might harm them downrange," said Tech. Sgt. Dale Coonfield, 2 OGI section chief of intelligence analysis. "Leaders and planners need the most current information to make correct decisions, without Intel you basically 'fly blind' into any operation."

As part of their mission, the 2 OGI works to provide mission support, facilitate global strike and expeditionary capability to geographic commanders and provide full spectrum B-52 combat support, coincidentally, that is also what makes their mission unique from the rest of the Air Force Intel shops.

"Supporting the 2 BW is unique in that we support a nuclear capable aircraft and an older, larger airframe," said Sergeant Coonfield. "Threats that may not affect other airframes will affect ours; so extra care has to be taken when we look at things that can harm our aircraft and crew members. That coupled with our global presence makes supporting the 2 BW a challenge for any Intel professional."

Commonly referred to as "a jack of all trades," Intel professionals experience all aspects of the intelligence career field.

"We provide a variety of support," said Sergeant O'Sullivan. "From compiling and providing briefings or updates to working closely with other agencies to ensure force protection is upheld, there are numerous tasks we are responsible for."

Intel Airmen's knowledge, training and experience help ensure Barksdale remains mission capable, anytime, anywhere.