USAFCENT team's data research, analysis proves vital in the AOR

Published Dec. 19, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Alexander Martinez
U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- With so many moving parts to the war effort, the ability to collect, analyze and translate essential information in a timely manner is critical. This task belongs to the Combined Air and Space Operations Center's Operational Assessment Team.

This small team of Air Force officers, part of the strategy division of the CAOC, has a broader "view" of air and ground operations in the U.S. Air Force Central Command's area of responsibility. The information they provide is used by Air Force leadership and key decision makers throughout the AOR.

The division provides analysis on short and long term priorities as determined by Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, the combined forces air component commander. Other commanders in the AOR can use the information, analysis and predictive assessments the OAT provides to aide in critical decision making.

"Our main priority is to support the CFACC and other general officers with their requests for information or analysis," said Lt. Col. Chris Cullenbine, the OAT chief.

There is no limit in the types of data the OAT can collect and analyze. Examples of important information they've provided include metrics on casualties in relation to kinetic events; weapons systems; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance efforts; and combat aircraft sorties.

When a special request comes in, an OAT analyst will begin the research process of the subject. The team calls these requests science projects. The projects can be simple requests for additional information or in-depth research on a specific subject. Through coordination with subject matter experts and using their research tools, the OAT can break down the data, track trends from previous research and compare results with other projects to provide the comprehensive analysis needed.

"We are able to provide unbiased analysis of data because we have access to a lot of resources," said Capt. Susan Keely, an OAT analyst. "We can marry that data together and provide the important information needed."

Maj. Ryan McGuire, an OAT analyst, said some factors of determining what science projects OAT takes on include command needs and daily operations and activities in the AOR. As the mission in the AOR changes, so does the need for analysis and information.

"We're trying to improve what we do [in the AOR]," said Capt. Kasey Miller, an OAT analyst and newest member of the team. "If we don't know what we did yesterday, or how we did it, we can't plan or improve for tomorrow."

While the International Joint Command transitions from a lead to support role in Afghanistan, many of OAT's projects have been helpful to assist with the changes.

"We have been able to track activity on the [transition] to help show how our security forces are passing responsibilities to the [Afghan National Security Forces]," said Maj. David Mills, an OAT analyst.

Their research and analysis aid decisions on such things as how to apportion limited resources to maximize air support to the ground commanders or whether or not to change techniques for IED searches. As analysts from very different bases and missions throughout the Air Force, the members of OAT are able to come together with the collective objective of supporting the AOR missions with their analytical skills.