Air Force intelligence professionals play key roles in combating weapons of mass destruction (WMD) at combatant commands and components and national intelligence agencies. The Air Force, however, does not adequately prepare its intelligence analysts; targeteers; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operators; and unit-level and air and space operations center (AOC) personnel with the knowledge and the expertise required to fill these positions. This paper examines the current status of Air Force intelligence WMD expertise and proposes recommendations for improvement using Air Force intelligence-distinctive capabilities (predictive analysis, targeting, ISR operations, and unit-level and AOC operations) as a framework for discussion. In the areas of predictive analysis, targeting, and unit-level and AOC operations, Air Force intelligence training courses do not provide the requisite WMD expertise. The Air Force must leverage its technical and scientific core and expert organizations across the government to improve training for intelligence personnel requiring WMD expertise. In the area of ISR operations, the Air Force requires enhanced collection capabilities and better marketing of existing capabilities across the intelligence community. This paper also recommends changes to Air Force intelligence training, technical WMD expertise, and marketing and collection capabilities to improve the nation's ability to combat WMD.

Title from title screen (viewed March 23, 2009). "November 2006."