Air Force Intelligence Officer Targeteers: A Discussion on Specialization

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Several recent targeting studies have fundamentally shaken the Air Force to its core by challenging the service’s ability to employ precision munitions. The erosion of the targeting skill sets occurred gradually. Protracted low-intensity conflict from the end of the first Gulf War to the war in Afghanistan left the Air Force with little opportunity for self-reflection. Following the release of the Greybeard targeting study in 2008, the Air Force invested significant resources to organize, train, and equip its Airmen in re-establishing mastery over targeting skill sets. Action and dialogue persist. To contribute to the present discussion for strategic decision making, this research paper addresses a primary research question: Is there a benefit to the Air Force in creating specialized company grade targeting officers? Themes that emerged from interviewing targeteers and senior intelligence officers during this research project indicate the Air Force should focus its attention on force management, education and training, and organizational structure.