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Global Strike launches first-ever Nuclear Intelligence Course

  • Published
  • By Maja Z. Stevanovich
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Air Force Global Strike Command has launched a new course to give intelligence practitioners the strategic skills needed to be effective nuclear professionals.

The Intelligence Formal Training Unit course is the first of its kind in the Air Force and will establish a baseline of shared knowledge and expertise within the Command's intelligence community, said Col. Richard Ayres, director of the Command's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance directorate.

"In order to round out our intelligence professionals' education it's important for our students to understand the nuclear aspect and how deterrence works," said the Colonel. "The IFTU is an integral part of building the professionalism and expertise we expect in our Command."

The three-week initial qualification course provides an overview of strategic operations, nuclear fundamentals, intelligence support, weapon system capabilities and mission planning.

"The instructors are engaged in day-to-day intelligence activities and are able to provide considerable, first-hand insight," said 1st Lt. Olivia Hardy, an intelligence analyst. Lieutenant Hardy graduated from the inaugural class in June.

To complement the formal instruction during the course, students meet with pilots and missileers to learn how intelligence can best support the ICBM, B-52 and B-2 missions, said Capt. Amy Hall, commander of the training and evaluation flight.

"Students interacting with their peers also helps them learn," said the Captain. "An analyst from an ICBM base will gain greater insight into the intelligence support required for the B-2 and B-52 missions, and vice versa," she said.

Air Force Global Strike Command requires the new training for enlisted, officers and civilians assigned to AFGSC intelligence units. The course will be offered five times a year with the next course scheduled here in October.