DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The constant hum of computer monitors and the fast-paced clicking of keyboards become distant background noise as eyes scan over words, deciphering critical information.
As an all-source intelligence analyst for the 7th Operations Support Squadron, Airman 1st Class Brieanne Childs sorts through and analyzes information about adversaries, determining what could enable or hinder future operations.
“I focus on global news to stay informed on current events that may be otherwise overlooked or significant within our operations,” said Childs. “I am always learning to ensure I have a better understanding of the world around me.”
After gathering open-source intelligence, Childs creates and provides intel briefs at least three times a month. She briefs different groups at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, including base leadership, Dyess Newcomers and the First Term Enlisted Course ensuring they are well informed and prepared to support the Lift and Strike mission. She also provides global threat assessments shaping the Air Force Global Strike Command and 7th Bomb Wing leadership’s decision calculus.
"My favorite thing about this job is working with various agencies and personnel worldwide -having access to information allows everyone to feel safe," said Childs. "We provide unbiased intelligence that gives strategic and operational insights crucial for making informed decisions and maintaining a tactical advantage."
Meticulously examining information and data gathered from different sources globally and effectively communicating it to specific audiences allows the Air Force stays at the front of the information warfare mission.
“Without information we are powerless,” said Master Sgt. Jasmin Gillard, 7th OSS intelligence senior enlisted leader. “We are able to adjust the narrative and can analyze our adversaries’ tactics and potential to exploit their decision-making matrix. Each intelligence discipline feeds into a holistic picture that must be integrated to drive offensive operations while denying and degrading our enemy’s perceptions of the battlespace. Intelligence data collection supplies our warfighter with critical information and identifies vulnerabilities that can aid in the protection of our U.S and allied forces.”
Another aspect of Child’s anticipates potential threats to make sure critical assets are protected and the mission is executed precisely to safeguard national security. This includes how adversaries affect bomber missions and how the 7th BW reacts. Childs is a part of every step of the planning process and debriefs aircrew after missions to generate mission reports aiding U.S. and global mission partners.
“Without our Striker intelligence analysts, we would not be able to generate airpower and ensure our aviators return home safely,” said Gillard. “Our analysts mission plan with the aviators, provide situational battlespace awareness, identify critical threats along their routes, conduct target modeling of targets, and aid with route development.”
With the knowledge of strategic thinking and intelligence navigation, Childs directly brings integrated deterrence to the forefront of the Bomber Task Force and other routine bomber missions. By integrating deterrence across the technological and information domains, she shows Dyess leaders and Airmen possible threats in different regions the wing operates in.
“As an intel analyst, my main priority is to ensure my team is well-informed,” said Childs. “If I don't do that we would be going in blind. When analyzing information, I make sure I find multiple sources and ask critical questions to ensure accuracy.”
From information warfare to enabling dynamic force employment missions, Childs fights on a different battlefield than most Air Force Airmen. Her mission: discover, collect, analyze, evaluate and disseminate intelligence information through the production of all-source intelligence. Her battlefield: cyberspace and the minds of U.S. global adversaries.
Childs is always there, always a step ahead and always supporting Striker warfighters.