Information-Driven Interagency Operations in Afghanistan

Abstract : At the request of Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai, a team of civilian, military, and coalition scientists, engineers, and support personnel has been collecting hyperspectral data over Afghanistan for the past 2 years. The team includes scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), aircrew and support personnel from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) WB-57 program, U.S. military logistics and support personnel, and participants from private sector information technology companies from Australia and the United States. Partially funded by the government of Afghanistan, scientists are using this hyperspectral data to assess the country's natural resources. The data promise to identify new sources of revenue and generate jobs for the people of Afghanistan. Scientists leading the effort believe the data should accelerate the development of infrastructure within the country. Although the mission-named High Altitude Observatory (HALO) Falcon-did not originate as a U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) theater security cooperation initiative, it evolved into a military-supported and mutually beneficial operation as a result of close interagency collaboration. After securing high-level USGS, Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), and NASA support to fulfill the host nation's request, OSD and NASA principals contacted USCENTCOM and its air component, Air Forces Central (AFCENT), in an effort to coordinate support, including aircraft beddown, logistics, and NASA flight operations in an environment heavily populated by military aircraft. During this process, several general officers from USCENTCOM and AFCENT were briefed on the mission and the corresponding request from the government of Afghanistan. While briefing the deputy combined forces air component commander, it became clear that AFCENT was seeking additional opportunities to demonstrate how airpower could support strategic objectives in the region.