28 IS Airmen work hand-in-hand with 2nd SOS Airmen

  • Published
  • 655th ISR Wing Public Affairs

Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 28th Intelligence Squadron are supporting the 2nd Special Operations Squadron during a 365 day mobilization, performing duties as mission intelligence coordinators (MIC).

Working as one team along-side the pilot and sensor operator, the MICs support the crew by acquiring weather, determining threats and target information, while simultaneously passing coordinates and pertinent data. The MIC cadre are able to enhance battlefield situational awareness through multi-medium coordination and also coordinating the supported unit’s requested requirements. Their input forecasts possible adversary routes to aid the crew in target acquisition and prosecution, thus conducting all source analysis and driving the flow of the mission. Additionally, the MICs support force employment planning, execution, and combat assessment for unit operations.

“Members of the 28 IS have become Citizen Air Commandos in the last year, but more importantly, they have become members of the Scorpion family, jumping in to help wherever and whenever necessary,” said Lt. Col. Mark Jones, Jr., 2nd SOS commander. “They have performed at an exceptional level in some of the most important missions we have ever flown.  We could not have accomplished these missions without their augmentation.  I’m delighted by the breadth of experience they add to our unit mission and daily operations,” said Jones.

As Reservists, having the experience of an all source intelligence analyst has created numerous career opportunities to branch out and participate in multiple intelligence facets in support of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) missions worldwide. There are few components that offer a position to support the Special Operation Forces community as a mission intelligence coordinator. However, the Air Force Reserve has provided a front row seat to travel the world, experience supporting both Active Duty and Reserve components, while also, earning a degree, developing leadership skills, as well as, capitalizing on professional skill-sets to carry over to our civilian employment.

The 28 IS members include a breadth of experience across all military components. They are professionals and include members who have formerly transitioned from active duty, or have cross-trained from other career fields such as security forces, to members that have made the transition from the Army to the Air Force Reserve.

“Supporting our Nation as “quiet professionals” in the Air Force Reserve has been the best opportunity to defend our country and our comrades, through means that very few people get to experience, said Master Sgt. Caleb Monday, 28 IS mission intelligence coordinator.

Monday said Tech. Sgt. Brian Pickett and Staff Sgts. Olivia Davis, Jessica Hudson and Dylan Dorman have all displayed what “Any place, Anytime, Anywhere” looks like in the Air Force Reserve while in support of the 28 IS and the 2nd SOS, through an AFSOC mission set.