445th AW provides vital support to 655th ISGR

by Capt. Elizabeth Caraway
445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

3/11/2014 - WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 445th Airlift Wing keeps a rigorous schedule flying and supporting nine C-17s, aeromedical evacuation missions, and maintaining operational readiness. In Sept 2013, the wing began the additional task of supporting the newly-activated 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group.

The 655th ISRG has grown quickly--an astonishing 1,600 percent from 2012-2013 -- and for the 445th, the rapid growth has meant supporting the ISR group staff and three squadrons stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB in functions like recruiting, finance, personnel, training, and communication. However, many wing members are still in the dark about the new unit located across base--who they are, what they do, and their current recruiting efforts.

The mission of the new ISRG is to ensure the training and readiness of Air Force Reserve Command intelligence squadrons engaged in diverse intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission sets, explained Col. Douglas Drakeley, 655th ISRG commander. The independent group reports to 10th Air Force and is composed of 11 squadrons at Wright-Patterson AFB, Langley AFB, Va., Beale AFB, Calif., Hurlburt Field AFB, Fla., Offutt AFB, Neb., and Ft. Meade, Md. Of the more than 900 group positions, 203 personnel are at Wright-Patterson, divided between group staff and the 14th, 64th, and 71st Intelligence Squadrons. Those squadrons have been busy since the get-go, says one squadron commander.

"It's an exciting time to be in intel," said Lt Col Dianne Hickey, 14th Intelligence Squadron commander. "After 9/11, it became even more important. Fighting smarter is key for the future and intel is the key to fighting smarter. More and more, we are seeing the impact of our efforts."

As an acquisition intel squadron, the 14th works with AFMC and the Lifecycle Management Center to create programs that will deal with future threats; they look at technology competitors, political-military relations, and plan for threats to our security that may be 20 years ahead.

"There is more work to do than resources, so we work with an active-duty unit, the 21st IS, and by training with real world material, we can help accomplish real missions," said Hickey.

The 64th and 71st intelligence squadrons stay engaged with active duty units in the National Air and Space Intelligence Center.

"We are busy in the intelligence community," affirmed Drakeley. "There are personnel working 24/7 to accomplish the mission." Those personnel come from a varied background.

Of the 740 group positions that are currently filled, 10 percent are non-prior service, 30 percent are cross-trainees, and 60 percent are intel professionals leaving active duty or IMA positions, members of the Guard looking for new opportunities, or current intel members changing units. Some positions were filled by members of the 445th AW.

The 445 AW has also been instrumental in meeting staff level functions absent from the group.

"The 445th Airlift Wing has given us phenomenal support," said Hickey. "I don't know if we'll ever be able to give it back, but they've been wonderful."

"We would not have had nearly the success we've experienced without the 445th Airlift Wing," said Drakeley. "When AFRC looked at Wright-Patt as a potential location for the new group, one of the things they looked at was the proven success of the existing Reserve presence. The 445th paved the way and has continued to ensure the success of the 655th ISR group. We are truly appreciative for the support and professionalism of the men and women of the 445th."

Drakeley acknowledged the outstanding support of the 445th AW recruiting office in filling the new unit positions. "They have worked very closely with my staff and squadron commanders to help us get the right people in the right positions."

The 655th ISRG is still recruiting to fill the more than 160 open positions at six bases. Openings are available for Active Guard Reserve, Air Reserve Technician, Traditional Reserve, and civilian positions. Interested personnel should contact Master Sgt. Allen Hall at (937) 257-4607 or allen.hall.1@us.af.mil.