Air Intelligence Officer

An air intelligence officer serves to collect information about air operations and assist in the direction of their execution for maximum effect. The evaluation of target damage is an essential task of the air intelligence officer, who is expected to use a variety of technologies to acquire, analyze, and assess information regarding the effects of air operations and the potential results of future operations. The air intelligence office typically serves as the G-2 officer (the staff officer responsible for intelligence) in a particular command staff, however such an officer may also serve as G-3 officer (operations and plans) where their role will be more focused on the direction of air operations than on the collection and analysis of intelligence.^[1]

From a 1978 report on the training of US Army air intelligence officers:

The Surveillance Systems Work Unit Area of the U.S. Army Research Inst for the Behavioral and Social Sciences has been analyzing the Army's aerial surveillance and reconnaissance (AS/R) system, particularly with respect to the G2 Air Officer position and image interpretation personnel. This present effort concentrated on developing resource management materials for the G2 Air Officer that could be used for on-the-job training and guidance in the performance of duties and in intelligence school courses. Resource management materials were compiled in the form of a handbook to achieve the training objectives. The first step involved gathering information on tasks as performed by operational AS/R units. Next, a content outline of the handbook was prepared by integrating the field interview data with the existing data base. Third, preparation of the handbook itself took into account the various training techniques and aids appropriate for on-the-job and school application. Step four consisted of conducting a limited evaluation of the handbook to determine its usefulness, acceptance, and final structure. Next, a 'preliminary' edition of the handbook used the information derived from the evaluation. Finally, an automated demonstration of a portion of the handbook illustrated how the materials could be used with possible future computerized information systems.^[2]

References

1. "Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Close Air Support (CAS)" (PDF). USDoD. 2003-06-30. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-04-11. Retrieved 2014-04-15.
2. "Development of Resource Management Materials for the G2 Air Officer". September 1978. Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2009-03-24.