Reserve intel squadron takes big step toward operational capability

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Sam King Jr.
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The Air Force Special Operations Command's Reserve intelligence squadron officially reached its initial operational capability here, in February.

The 28th Intelligence Squadron declared IOC approximately two months ahead of schedule, according to Maj. Elisabeth Applegate, the squadron's assistant director of operations.

"The hard work of the Airmen of this squadron led to reaching our IOC goal well before our established deadline," said Lt. Col. Joseph Marcinek, the 28th IS commander.  "I'm proud of the job they've done so far and will continue to do in this critical mission."

The squadron grew exponentially in its first year, increasing its manning from zero to 120 percent of authorized officers and 83 percent of enlisted for an 89 percent total in manning.  During this time, Marcinek and his Airmen focused on recruitment, building processes and programs, training, readiness and integration with the squadron's active duty associate unit, the 25th Intelligence Squadron.

Through this growth and transition, the 28th IS relied heavily on support from their local supporting Reserve wing, the 919th Special Operations Wing, according to Applegate. 

The 919th SOW's force support squadron supplies the fellow Reserve squadron with support on all personnel issues.

With IOC reached, the squadron currently works toward full operational capability. During the next year, the 28th IS will focus on the operational functions necessary to be a fully mission capable unit.

The squadron's mission is to deliver specialized analysis directly to Air Force Special Operations forces.  Ground analysts in the squadron execute national tactical integration missions, including the associated collection, analysis, and dissemination for mission planning and execution downrange and reach-back.

The 28th IS also hosts the only aircraft maintenance flight within its group, the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.  The aircraft maintenance flight consists of a highly technical team responsible for C-130, U-28, and CV-22 equipment installations. Those Airmen ensure sensitive electronic equipment is properly maintained, configured, and loaded for mission success.

The squadron also provides deployment support and relief to the high operation tempo of the 25th IS.

"Declaring FOC will have a positive impact to AFSOC and the 361st Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, and provide additional support to the dedicated Airmen supporting this important mission," said Marcinek.