The United States Air Force is well known throughout the world. It takes part in strategic missions and rescue operations around the globe. Overall, it has had a very successful career from its inception in 1947 to its strategic bombing and airlifts in Operation Enduring Freedom. It is one of the premier fighting forces in the world, undefeated in modern combat operations. It has a short history, but nonetheless it has been a stellar one.

The USAF was founded by the National Security Act of 1947 which also created the Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency. Its mission is, “The Air Force shall be responsible for the preparation of the air forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Air Force to meet the needs of war.” Prior to the establishment of an independent Air Force aerial support was handled by the Army on land and the Navy at sea. The first Army air corps was founded in 1907 as the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Signal Corps. It also has been designated the Aviation Section of the U.S. Signal Corps, the Division of Military Aeronautics, The U.S. Army Air Service, the U.S. Army Air Corps, and the U.S. Army Air Forces. Currently the Air Force is headquartered at the Pentagon under the supervision of the Secretary of the Air Force who oversees the administrative tasks. He serves under the Secretary of Defense. Both of these are civilian positions. The highest ranking military officer in the Air Force would be the Air Force Chief of Staff who is effectively the chief operations officer.

As the largest and most technologically advance aerial force in the world it is only fitting that it have an intelligence agency to support it. This command is known as the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency (ISR). The ISR’s mission is, “organize, train, equip and present assigned forces and capabilities to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for combatant commanders and the nation. Implement and oversee execution of Air Force headquarters policy and guidance to expand Air Force ISR capabilities to meet current and future challenges.” This agency was active as of June 8, 2007. It primarily collects signals data and information. Before the 2007 restructuring it was known as the Air Intelligence Agency. The ISR is headquartered at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and operates at over 72 locations worldwide. It controls a number of subsections and agencies to carry out its mission. These subdivisions are the: 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing; National Air and Space Intelligence Center; 480th Intelligence; Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing; and Air Force Technical Applications Center. The agency also administrates the mission management and support of signals intelligence operations for the 67th Network Warfare Wing, Air Force Information Operations Center, and the 55th Wing, all of which are part of the Eighth Air Force. The ISR provides support that includes organizing, training and equipping the cryptologic elements of these subdivisions. The ISR currently employs over 15,000 people.

The ISN is one of the newest intelligence agencies but it comes from a successful and notable history. It cannot be disputed that the USAF in is a very powerful entity and they hold to the pride and success of their past. No other words need describe them, their Creed says enough: “…I am an American Airman: Wingman, leader, warrior. I will never leave an airman behind, I will never falter, and I will not fail.”