United States Air Force Doctrine Publication -: Intelligence

Key Chapter Title List

1. Intelligence Operations
2. Command and Control, Force Presentation, and Organizational Structure
3. Intelligence Process
4. Intelligence Resources
5. Intelligence Disciplines
6. Policies and Tactical Doctrine Related to Intelligence Operations
7. Airpower Intelligence Support
8. The Role of Intelligence in Operations
9. Distinction Between Intelligence and Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR)
10. Key Principles of U.S. Air Force Intelligence Operations
11. Intelligence Requirements
12. Intelligence Methods and Products

Document Introduction

This publication serves as the core intelligence doctrine released by the U.S. Air Force in 2023. It aims to standardize the organization, training, and employment of Air Force intelligence capabilities within the joint force framework, providing critical support for achieving Joint Force Commander (JFC) objectives. Its core purpose is to clarify the fundamental value of Air Force intelligence at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels—by illuminating the operational environment and clarifying adversary intent, it becomes a key pillar for commander decision-making across the full spectrum of competition.

The doctrine systematically defines the core distinction between intelligence and surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR): ISR, as a subordinate intelligence activity, is responsible for collecting data and information, while intelligence is the product of transforming this data into actionable decision support through the Joint Intelligence Process (planning and direction, collection, processing and exploitation, analysis and production, dissemination, evaluation and feedback). It also clarifies the core attributes intelligence should possess—such as foresight, timeliness, and accuracy—as well as key principles of U.S. Air Force intelligence operations like integration, survivability, and sustainability.

Regarding organization and command systems, the doctrine elaborates in detail on the responsibilities and divisions of labor at different levels, including the Department of Defense, Combatant Commanders (CCDR), Joint Force Commanders (JFC), and air component commanders. This covers intelligence resource allocation, the delineation of Collection Management Authority (CMA), and the core functions of the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Division (ISRD) within the Air Operations Center (AOC). It also introduces force presentation models, including the Air Operations Center and Air Expeditionary Task Force (AETF) structure, reachback support, and distributed operations—flexible deployment methods to address the global allocation challenges of high-demand, low-density (HD/LD) intelligence assets.

The section on the intelligence process revolves around core concepts such as Commander's Critical Information Requirements (CCIR), Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR), and Essential Elements of Information (EEI). It systematically breaks down the full chain of activities from requirement generation to evaluation and feedback, and details the characteristics and application scenarios of various intelligence products like intelligence preparation, warning intelligence, current intelligence, and target intelligence. The appendix supplements with the characteristics of various intelligence resources (air-based, space-based, ground-based, cyberspace, etc.) and the definitions and functions of major intelligence disciplines such as Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), Human Intelligence (HUMINT), and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT).

This publication integrates the U.S. Air Force's intelligence support experience across multiple domains, including joint operations, special operations, homeland defense, nuclear operations, and cyberspace operations. It provides intelligence personnel with comprehensive guidance covering theory, processes, resources, and disciplines, serving as an authoritative reference for understanding the operational logic and practical norms of the U.S. Air Force intelligence system.