547th Intelligence Squadron
Mission
The 547th Intelligence Squadron (IS) delivers tailored, decision quality intelligence in a timely and relevant manner to support combat operations. It is a preeminent source for foundational intelligence on adversary tactics analysis, unit level intelligence support, and threat expertise for the United States Air Force.
The squadron compiles, writes, and edits the Air Force Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (AFTTP) 3-1. Threat Guide and the Threat to Aerospace Operations (TTAO). It also analyzes, refines, and disseminates serialized intelligence products, SPIDER BITES and WIDOW BURSTS, tailored to Combat Air Forces, Mobility Air Forces, and Special Operations Forces customers. These products provide timely, actionable intelligence that supports tactical, operational, and strategic mission planning. These cornerstone documents provide comprehensive assessments of enemy tactics, capabilities, and employment philosophies.
The squadron also hosts the Nellis Air Tactics Conference (NATC) and co-chairs Emerging Threat Tactics Teams (ET3) on a variety of developing threats to America’s airpower.
In addition, the 547th IS provides unit level intelligence training for Air Combat Command's (ACC) 400-level exercise BAMBOO EAGLE. The unit provides expert analytic support on capabilities and schemes of maneuver to produce accurate adversary threat replication, driving validation of Air Force capabilities, specifically focusing on distributed command and control, disaggregated mission generation, and the joint maritime environment.
The squadron also operates and maintains Air Combat Command’s only Threat Training Facility (TTF), providing familiarization training on adversary systems and capabilities to thousands of personnel annually, using real-world adversary threat equipment.
The squadron accomplishes this mission through six flights:
Intelligence Analysis Flight (INA) conducts in-depth analysis of adversary Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) systems; Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems; space threats; electronic warfare; cyber systems; and adversary air threats including fighters, bombers, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and strategic missile forces.
Intelligence Production Flight (INP) reviews and validates all intelligence products generated within the squadron, and is responsible for producing supplemental graphics and ensuring timely publication of the AFTTP 3-1 and TTAO, ensuring all products are fully compliant with Intelligence Community Directive 203.
Weapons, Tactics, and Training Flight (INK) manages the analytic writing process and trains squadron personnel in advanced analytic tradecraft. They oversee Initial-Qualification Training (IQT), Mission Qualification Training (MQT), the Advanced Integrated Air Defense Systems (A-IADS) instructor course, and Threat Training Facility (TTF) instructor development.
Future Threat Tactics Adversary Studies Element (FTTASE) conducts analysis of emerging adversary threats in development to inform Combat Air Force planners and operators on future adversary capabilities and tactics.
Operating Location – B (OL-B) is National Tactical Integration (NTI) support to the Persistent Attack and Reconnaissance Operations Center (PAROC). They provide real-time surveillance of airspace, detecting and identifying potential threats to ensure rapid and effective responses.
Unit Heritage
The 547th Intelligence Squadron traces its roots to both the 547th Night Fighter Squadron, flying the P-61 “Black Widow,” which provided air suppression support during the rescue of 511 American and Allied prisoners at Cabanatuan, Philippines during WWII, and to the 4513th Tactical Training Group (TTG), which consolidated separate intelligence organizations supporting the Tactical Fighter Weapons Center, Red Flag, the Directorate of Tests, and other flying units in 1975. In 1981, the 4513 TTG was renamed the 4513th Adversary Threat Training Group (ATTG).
By the mid-1980s, the 4513 ATTG was well on its way to establishing a reputation of excellence in threat analysis. The group's men and women made significant contributions toward the study of adversary threats through participation in the development of the Multi-Command Manual 3-1, Volume 2, Threat Reference Guide and Countertactics, as key contributors to regional tactics analysis teams, and as host to the annual Nellis Tactics Conferences.
As part of the overall USAF reorganization, the 4513 ATTG was redesignated the 547th Adversary Threat Squadron in 1994 and later that year, became the 547th Intelligence Squadron.
The 547 Intelligence Squadron builds on a legacy of excellence in adversary threat analysis and intelligence support that spans decades. Through rigorous analysis, expert training, and dedicated operational support, the squadron ensures that the Air Force remains informed and prepared against evolving threats in multiple domains.
(Current as of July 2025)