Intelligence officer arms Airmen in information warfare

Published June 16, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- When it comes to the warfighter missions of Iraq and Afghanistan, military intelligence has never been so critical. Enemy threats to U.S. aircrews flying in and out of the warfront is a sobering reality.

It is for this reason that Capt. Jason Evatt, 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron Intelligence flight commander, and his team of intelligence analysts are such a valuable asset to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing and its flying mission.

"Knowledge is power," said Captain Evatt, a Greenville, S.C. native deployed from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. "If we arm our leaders with enemy tactics, techniques and intent, then they can properly apportion assets. These are life and death decisions that need to be made. If we are right, our guys live to fight another day."

Captain Evatt oversees a handful of analysts who tear down large data sets of information and correlate them to enemy intent and likely course of action to paint the intelligence picture for commanders and aircrews.

"Although I am the flight commander, I am surrounded by extremely intelligent folks," said the captain. "I have young airmen and NCOs who on a moment's notice can walk in and brief a general officer off the cuff. No matter how old, or what rank you attain, someone can always teach you something new."

The 15-year Air Force veteran said his days are pretty routine downrange, beginning with an early morning workout at the gym, followed by gathering information and compiling reports for leadership.

"Staying fit can be a challenge while deployed, so I try to knock it out before my day starts," said the captain, who has participated in a 5K, half marathon and triathlon since arriving here. "My job here is much the same as back home, the major difference being we are in harm's way. The first part of my work day here is spent compiling information we've received over the past 24 hours and condensing it for the commanders to review. I attend meetings, build and give briefings, and sort through data for relevant news."

The captain said that while he loves his job, he does face his share of challenges.

"Not knowing everything is hard," he said. "We don't get paid to report what did happen, we need to brief what will happen. Staying one step ahead of the bad guys can be challenging."

The company grade officer said he has found certain attributes to be essential for those looking to make it in the intelligence career field, especially in a deployed environment.

"You need thick skin, an inquisitive mind and a good set of eyes," he said. "We are always on the look-out for young, eager folks who want to be challenged."

While having deployed to numerous locations throughout Asia, this is Captain Evatt's first time in the Middle East.

"I always enjoy the experience of deploying," said Capt. Evatt. "It's tough being away from friends and family, but freedom isn't free. We owe to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to live in a free, democratic society."

The captain added that his biggest surprise in deploying to the desert was the quality of life Airmen here experience.

"I would say I am most surprised by the outstanding living conditions here," he said. "Our leaders have put a lot of time, energy and money into the facilities and activities, and I'm thankful."

Captain Evatt added that his biggest lesson learned from his time spent downrange is that teamwork drives the success rate of every deployment.

"No one person can do it all," he said. "These deployments are made up of hard-charging airmen and NCOs who are the envy of the world militaries. These folks make me extremely proud to serve."

The captain is scheduled to redeploy to Keesler AFB in the coming weeks.

Day in the Life - Capt. Jason Evatt