Sigint

SIGINT – U.S. Air Force

Sadie T. Prescott

Mercyhurst University

RIAP 177 (9:40am)

December 17, 2012

Introduction

Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) has been described to be the most sensitive and important forms of Intelligence. There is an elite set of personnel and the equipment within the U.S. Air Force that is tasked with handling the SIGINT operations. It started in 1948 and continues still today to lead the way in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

First Source: Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency

Col. Richard P. Klocko took the lead to create an Air Force unit designed to handle special information over 63 years ago. His actions developed into the Air Force establishing the Air Force Security Group in1948. It was the predecessor to the current Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency (ISRA). It has been known throughout the years as the expert security organization adapted to meet mission requirements and handle evolving threats while staying true to its motto: “Freedom Through Vigilance.” (Myers, Williamson, Marshall, Jones, 2010)

There are five Units that make up the Air Force ISRA. Each one has a unique set of jobs to keep everything on track and running smoothly. The Units are:

Air Force Cryptologic Office (AFCO) is the Air Force ISRA’s primary cryptologic intelligence staff . It has about 40 people at three operating locations. They are the smallest of the groups but their jobs are very important none the less.

Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) performs nuclear treaty monitoring and nuclear event detection. It provides national authorities quality technical measurements to monitor nuclear treaty compliance and creates advanced observing technologies to preserve America's safety.

National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) is the primary producer of foreign aerospace intelligence for the Department of Defense (DoD). It develops its products by analyzing...