An Intel overview: new training program provides insight into host of agencies.

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In an effort to produce a more well-rounded enlisted force as well as promote mobility between the various Reserve programs, Air Force Reserve Command's intelligence community is offering a new training program in the national capital region.

The Reserve National Intelligence Training Program is designed to provide a "big-picture" overview of the national intelligence agencies as well as a career-broadening experience for enlisted Reservists in the intelligence career field, said Chief Master Sgt. David White. Chief White serves as the chief enlisted manager in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Directorate at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

Enlisted members serving in the intelligence career field in the rank of technical sergeant through senior master sergeant, to include traditional Reservists, individual mobilization augmentees, air reserve technicians and members of the Air National Guard, are eligible to participate in the five-day program. With visits to the National Security Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, Central Intelligence Agency, State Department, National Geospatial Agency, Office of Naval Intelligence and 480th Intelligence Wing at Langley AFB, Va., the program offers Reservists an unprecedented view into the workings and mission of the intelligence community.

So far, the command has conducted three sessions involving more than 35 people.

"The program demonstrates senior leadership's commitment to networking across agencies for force development and providing mobility opportunities across the enlisted force," said Chief Master Sergeant Karen Kistle, a participant in the first course and superintendent of the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing at Fort Meade, Md. Chief Kistle also serves as the National Security Agency Reserve program manager.

Each course includes one or two chiefs to serve as mentors and share their experience with students.

Members of the intelligence career field, as in other Air Force specialties, often become stove-piped or one-dimensional, familiar with only their piece of the intelligence mission, Chief White said.

"The RNIT provides the opportunity for our enlisted intelligence analysts to explore not only other missions but also the idea of cross-flowing between the IMA, unit and AGR programs," Chief Kistle said. "Each class, by design, includes people from every Reserve category in the hope that it will provide an opportunity for cross-flow between programs as the attendees learn more about each other's organization."

Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., AFRC commander, is a big proponent of "portability" for all members of the Reserve. This idea promotes the movement of Reservists seamlessly between the different Reserve programs throughout their careers.

"Portability vastly improves members' expertise in the full complement of what intelligence professionals can offer the Air Force," said Senior Master Sgt. Angie Hanck of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency at Lackland AFB, Texas.

With an already jam-packed schedule, the program is poised to grow, adding more locations for the participants to visit. In addition, there have been discussions about providing the course with a "joint" flavor by adding attendees from the Army and Navy.

The training program is conducted twice a year, in April and October. Enlisted intelligence professionals interested in competing for a spot in the next class should submit a resume and copies of their last two enlisted performance reports to the HQ AFRC/A2 chief enlisted manager for consideration. The Reserve Intelligence Enlisted Forum will review packages and select attendees.

(Staff reports)