ISR Focus: A Culminating Point for Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
This article proposes that the Air Force is at a culminating point with regard to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). In 2011, the US pivot in national strategy, the forecast drawdown in Southwest Asia, the surge force structure, and impending constraints on national resources all demanded attention. Recognition of this fact prompted a comprehensive ISR review for the secretary of the Air Force. Completed in six months, the report made a number of observations concerning operations in permissive environments, the spectrum of operations in future requirements, and the increasing demand for ISR as an end product rather than a supporting operation. These findings led to the secretary’s assignment of seven ISR tasks that address large, complex problems—with study results due at the end of 2012. To understand globally integrated ISR, every Airman should be aware of the scope, findings, and recommendations of the review.