Intelligence Training Equipment

The Intelligence Training Equipment program is a line item in the Air Force's Other Procurement budget, supporting the modernization and sustainment of equipment used for training personnel in intelligence-related career fields. The primary goal of this program is to ensure that both initial and advanced training for General Intelligence, Cryptologic, and Signals Intelligence specialties are conducted using the most current and relevant systems available. This includes providing functional training on the latest generation of intelligence systems, with an emphasis on computer-based training, modeling and simulation, and live, virtual, and constructive training capabilities.

The program is managed under the General Intelligence Skill Training (GIST) initiative and is closely tied to upgrades of the intelligence training architecture at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. The objective of these upgrades is to consolidate multiple training networks and systems into a single, integrated architecture. This integration supports enterprise-wide intelligence training for Air Force, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Joint/Coalition partner personnel, ensuring interoperability and standardization across agencies and allied forces.

Funding for the Intelligence Training Equipment line item in FY2026 is directed toward modernizing the training infrastructure, specifically focusing on upgrading the training network backbone and delivery systems. These upgrades are critical for supporting thousands of students annually and are designed to meet or exceed current cybersecurity requirements at all security levels. The modernization effort includes lifecycle support for hardware and software, ensuring that training delivery remains aligned with operational customer requirements and the evolving landscape of intelligence tools and techniques.

The equipment procured under this line item encompasses a wide array of technologies, including student workstations, network servers, storage solutions, thin client technology, scenario-based modeling and simulation tools, courseware development software, delivery servers, application hardware, and networking equipment. These components are selected to support advanced teaching techniques and to increase system capabilities, enabling training on the latest operational intelligence tools and reducing the risk of system outages or failures.

A key justification for this investment is the need to maintain readiness and effectiveness among intelligence personnel who support warfighting commanders and the National Intelligence Program. By providing access to current and high-fidelity training systems, the program ensures that analysts, officers, and support staff are prepared to operate and maintain complex intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems in real-world scenarios. The focus on modeling, simulation, and virtual environments also allows for scalable and flexible training that can adapt to emerging threats and mission requirements.

Procurement under this line item is executed through various contractors, with production and delivery schedules planned to ensure timely modernization of the training architecture. The program does not reflect unit prices, as funds are allocated for IT system architecture rather than individual equipment units. The recurring cost for equipment modernization in FY2026 is consistent with prior years, indicating a sustained commitment to keeping training infrastructure current and effective.