Tyndall graduates largest intel class in three years

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alex Echols
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Operations Support Squadron F-22 Raptor Intelligence Formal Training Unit graduated its largest class in more than three years Aug. 8.

The class of eight Airmen learned the F-22 systems, intelligence disciplines and theories, adversary threats and mission planning skills during the F-22 Intelligence Initial Qualification Course.

"Overall, this is a very intense course for all of the students that attend," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Allen, 325th OSS F-22 IFTU instructor. "Upon graduation, they will be equipped with the basic capabilities needed to support pilots flying the F-22. The instructors here at the IFTU consistently monitor the currency of our academics and keep them as up-to-date as possible with all of the changes that happen in the Raptor community."

The course consists of nine training blocks over 23 days, totaling 196 classroom hours and is taught by three assigned instructors as well as many subject matter experts, pilots, air battle managers and F-35 Lightning experts not attached to the unit.

A larger class creates a more difficult environment to teach such an extensive subject within the short class period.

"The three instructors don't have as much one-on-one time with the students to answer questions and maybe go a little bit further in depth when instructing a particular subject, which in my opinion presents the greatest challenge," said Allen. "Our job as instructors is very challenging and can become stressful if you let it, but at the end of the day, we really do love our jobs."

The F-22 IFTU class is the last stage in the student's training. Once completed, it is a high probability that the students will go on to operational F-22 fighter squadrons, said Allen.

Tyndall is home to the only F-22 IFTU in the Combat Air Forces.

Graduating Class 14-05:
2nd Lt. Jeffrey S. Elmore, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
Tech. Sgt. Brian D. Woodell, Tyndall AFB
Staff Sgt. Bryan M. Burns, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
Staff Sgt. Kenneth Marcheterre, Tyndall AFB
Staff Sgt. Ross D. Kemp, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
Senior Airman Jason M. Daneault, Tyndall AFB
Airman 1st Class Travis N. Carper, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
Airman1st Class Brandon D. Morad, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.