188th announces activation of RPA, intelligence and targeting missions
By Senior Airman Cody Martin, 188th Wing
/ Published October 05, 2016
EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark -- The 188th Wing announced the activation of its remotely piloted aircraft, intelligence analysis and targeting missions, Sept. 29, 2016, completing the wing's conversion from an A-10 flying mission.
Col. Bobbi Doorenbos, 188th Wing commander, emphasized that the wing is operational, unique and hiring.
"The 188th is now actively engaged in full-time operations from right here in Fort Smith, flying MQ-9 missions, developing intelligence products, and producing targeting products" said Doorenbos. "We are unique in so many ways, but particularly in combining the remotely piloted aircraft and distributed ground station operations under one roof. This is a one-of-a-kind operation that we believe will someday become the standard in operations."
The 188th Operations Group flies the MQ-9 Reaper, an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance RPA that provides real-time intelligence support to combat troops and leadership. It is capable of remote split operations, allowing control of aircraft anywhere in the world from Fort Smith, Ark. At the same location the 188th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group focuses on near real-time intelligence analysis and dissemination of information, delivering products that are integral in the planning and execution of military operations across the spectrum of conflict around the world.
Co-locating the RPA crew with the distributed ground station analysts and pairing them on the same combat line should reduce the find, fix and finish cycle by leveraging proximity, relationships and communication, enhancing ISR to supported units and providing more efficient, effective and timely solutions for the battlefield commanders.
The first-of-its-kind targeting mission focuses on space-related ground assets. Airmen evaluate potential targets and provide targeting products consisting of the processing, exploitation, analysis and dissemination of targeting intelligence and data from a number of sources.
The wing is looking to hire over 150 new Airmen across the organization. Positions available include cyber and information technology, intelligence analysis, MQ-9 pilots, sensor operators, heavy equipment operators, security forces and firefighters, among others.
"As the 'Innovation Destination', the 188th seeks to provide unique capabilities and training that makes Fort Smith a premier location for cutting-edge businesses to benefit from our drill-status Airmen," Doorenbos stated. "We have a highly capable workforce with highly desirable skill sets, and our surrounding community has a unique opportunity to grow hand-in-hand with us toward a bright future."