The 67th will support the battlelabs by generating innovative ideas, providing professional expertise and validating new concepts in the operational environment.

The battlelabs can be used as forums for testing new ways to integrate all of Air Intelligence Agency's capabilities through the 67th and out to other warfighters.

"The key to the U.S. Air Force Battlelab success will depend on tapping into the ingenuity and experience of Air Force members for new ideas. These labs provide an avenue for timely, cost efficient concept development and I urge 67th IW personnel to contribute their talents," said Col. Gary Harvey, vice commander 67th IW.

Although the battlelab initiative is new, our units have already brainstormed ideas on using intelligence to advance the Air Force's Core Competencies.

Detachment 1, 67th Intelligence Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. provides AIA reachback capability and professional expertise to Air Combat Command's Battle Management Battlelab and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Battlelab.

Lt. Col. Charlene Barnes, commander Det. 2, 67th IG at Davis-Montham Air Force Base, Ariz., sees her unit as being in an excellent position to team with the Information Warfare Battlelab.

"The recent delivery of the new upgraded Compass Call to the 41st Electronic Combat Squadron has expanded the Air Force capability to conduct information warfare on the battlefield.

"This is a good place to begin teaming with the warfighter by effectively integrating the range of battle management capabilities with Compass Call," said Barnes.

A suggestion forwarded by the 390th Intelligence Squadron's Operations Directorate at Kadena Air Base, Japan was battlelab exploration of a modeling and simulation concept to enhance reconnaissance platform employment.

Flight route collection opportunities and risk analysis could be assessed by simulating new tracks to examine how multiple factors, including Integrated Air Defense Systems coverage and international civil air routes, may affect flight routes.

Battlelab development of new means/concepts of operations for cross cueing sensors could increase simultaneous collection and exploitation opportunities against new threat tactics and weapons systems. This is a priority mentioned by the 97th IS at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Members at the 39th IS at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. suggested 67th IW units test, demonstrate and apply Information Operations principles and concepts within the U.S. Air Force exercise program.

Units will prove concepts, provide post-exercise feedback and evaluate ideas applied during U.S. Air Force and joint exercises. The final goal is to integrate/institutionalize information operations and warfare into operations.

67th IW intelligence squadrons co-located with Numbered Air Forces and future embedded Wing Information Operations Detachments will ensure warfighters understand full capabilities. The presence of 67th IW operators at the numbered Air Forces will offer new perspectives.

The key to the battlelabs' success will depend on the enthusiastic support of Air Force members including the 67th.

Retrun to July 97