Intelligence Analyst
The Squadron for which I work is tasked with conducting the reconnaissance and information collection for its parent echelon of the 56th SBCT. Within this Squadron, I work at the Headquarters Troop – the element where all of the plans and analyses are performed, boiled down into actionable information, and then disseminated to subordinate units and higher headquarters with a need-to-know. In Headquarters, I work with what is known as the “S2” – the Intelligence Section. This section is composed of roughly ten individuals at any given moment; H/HT is composed of roughly 100-150 personnel; the Squadron nears a thousand personnel.
As an Intelligence Analyst, I have augmented the S6 (communications/IT support) section by providing support to their staff in the managing of secured networks and in the implementation of mission critical communications equipment. Often times I assist the S6 with updating/managing the credentials of squadron user accounts and ensuring that all applicable machines are in the network using Active Directory Domain Services. These applicable machines also include Linux systems used for real-time battle tracking and digital communication.
Recently during the 56th SBCT\’s rotation at the National Training Center, in addition to assisting with network managements, I was tasked with the fill loading, operation, and troubleshooting of squadron Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) and Blue Force Tracker (BFT) assets: systems used in military vehicles which facilitate improved situational awareness and minimize risk of injury to friendly personnel. Managed by encrypted communications technologies, these systems provide secure text messaging interfaces for active machines within the network and disseminate both friendly and enemy positions to an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) similar to the one used by DCGS-A – both of which are features integral to meeting the time-sensitive needs of accurate battle-tracking. These machines are apt to overheat or crash in austere environments, necessitating a vehicle\’s system to be re-filled and re-calibrated for full functionality – a problem that was encountered extremely often in the recent training exercise. These tasks, assigned by the S6, helped to cement the knowledge I acquired from MIS2502, wherein students are instructed in the use of AD DS and DNS as well as overall IT Architecture methodologies; the notion of continuing this line of MIS-related work within my unit excites me and encourages me to continue learning about general IT architecture and cybersecurity operations.