Intelligence training leaves a mark

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The training is demanding, yet equally rewarding, for the Airmen of the 442nd Operations Group Intelligence Office.

To become a master of his craft, an intelligence-field Airman trains to collect mission- essential data and disseminate it to United States and allied military personnel to optimize aircrew success.

"It's a job that demands constant learning from an Airman," said Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Lowe, 442nd Operations Group intelligence superintendent. "We have the traditional upgrade training and additional re-evaluations to stay qualified."

Lowe said the intelligence field has provided him opportunities to work at a wing level and an international level.

"It's given me a sense that I can make a mark around the world, because I've imparted my intel-knowledge to troops in other countries like Afghanistan where they'll be able to use it for the security of their nation for years to come," Lowe said.

Lowe said being a member of the intelligence community is equivalent to being at the forefront of the Air Force mission in a constant learning environment that allows an Airman to leave his fingerprints on a global scale by delivering information.

"We are constantly learning new systems and being tested on that knowledge - you've got to want to learn," Lowe said. "Once an Airman has acquired the data, they need to be able to communicate that understanding to a wide variety of people."

Maj. David Casler, 442nd chief of intelligence operations, said it can be a challenge to find traditional reservists willing to sacrifice so much time for training, but the rewards are worth it.

"It can be tough to break away from the civilian world for that long while you're in the process of opening doors to a wide variety of jobs in the Air Force and American workforce," Casler said.

Casler said although Airmen will not be imbedded spies while a member of the 442nd Intelligence Office, they will do a lot of hands-on training with A-10 pilots, and an intelligence job can get their foot in the door with government and contractor jobs.