102nd Intelligence Wing
The 102nd Intelligence Wing is a unit of the Massachusetts Air National Guard that delivers precision intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, including multi-domain analysis and command-and-control support, to the United States Air Force and expeditionary forces worldwide.[1] Headquartered at Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod, the wing operates as a key node in the Air Force's Distributed Common Ground System, providing near-real-time intelligence products 24/7 when activated.[2] Originating as the 101st Observation Squadron in 1921 under the Massachusetts National Guard, the unit underwent multiple redesignations, serving in fighter-interceptor roles during World War II and the Cold War— including interceptions of Soviet bombers—and transitioning to an air defense wing in 1972 before becoming the 102nd Intelligence Wing in 2014 amid broader Air National Guard realignments away from manned fighters.[3] Its historical contributions encompass combat air patrols over New York City following the September 11, 2001 attacks, earning commendations for rapid mobilization and sustained operations.[4] The wing has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for operational excellence and readiness.[5] In 2023, however, its primary intelligence mission faced temporary suspension after Airman First Class Jack Teixeira, assigned to the 102nd Intelligence Wing, was charged with unauthorized disclosure of classified documents related to the Ukraine conflict and other sensitive operations, exposing vulnerabilities in access controls and insider threat mitigation within Guard intelligence units; the mission resumed in 2024 following investigations and reforms.[6][7]Mission and Organization
Core Mission and Capabilities
The core mission of the 102nd Intelligence Wing is to deliver worldwide precision intelligence and command and control capabilities, while furnishing trained and experienced Airmen for expeditionary combat support missions.[1] This federal mission emphasizes intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) functions, supporting Air Force and joint operations through the processing, exploitation, and dissemination of intelligence data.[8] As a unit of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, the wing maintains readiness for both state and federal activations, prioritizing the sustainment of ISR operations amid dual domestic response obligations.[9] Key capabilities center on integration within the Air Force's Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS), where the wing provides continuous intelligence analysis to combatant commands across global theaters.[8] Subordinate elements, such as the 102nd Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, execute systems maintenance, integration, and operational support for DCGS nodes, enabling real-time intelligence processing from multiple sensor platforms.[10] These efforts contribute to war-winning intelligence by fusing data from airborne, space-based, and ground sensors into actionable insights for tactical and strategic decision-making.[10] The wing's expeditionary posture extends its capabilities beyond fixed-site analysis, deploying personnel to support combatant commands in theater environments, thereby enhancing operational tempo and force protection through timely ISR products.[1] This includes robust command and control functions that facilitate joint and coalition interoperability, drawing on the unit's expertise in signals intelligence, imagery analysis, and targeting support.[11]Command Structure and Leadership
The 102nd Intelligence Wing, a unit of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, maintains a dual chain of command responsive to both state and federal authorities. For state missions, it reports through the Adjutant General of Massachusetts to the Governor, while federal activations place it under Air Combat Command of the United States Air Force.[2] The wing commander, a colonel, oversees approximately 1,260 personnel across intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and support functions, ensuring readiness for worldwide precision intelligence operations and expeditionary combat support.[12] Colonel Andrew St. Jean assumed command of the wing on August 21, 2025, during a ceremony at Otis Air National Guard Base, succeeding prior leadership focused on transitioning intelligence capabilities.[13] The deputy commander, Colonel Nicole Ivers, supports operational and administrative execution. The senior enlisted advisor, Command Chief Master Sergeant Shane P. McGuire, assumed responsibility on January 11, 2025, guiding enlisted personnel development and welfare.[14][15] Subordinate groups report directly to the wing commander, forming the core operational structure. The 102nd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, commanded by Colonel Kevin L. Archer, directs intelligence squadrons providing analysis and systems support.[16] The 102nd Mission Support Group, under Colonel Michael C. Kelley, manages over 400 personnel in logistics, security, and base operations.[17] The 202nd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, led by Colonel Brian P. McCaffrey, focuses on distributed intelligence operations.[18] To align with Air Force standards, the wing integrated an A-Staff organization—encompassing directorates for personnel (A1), intelligence (A2), operations (A3), logistics (A4), plans (A5), communications (A6), and others—alongside its traditional wing staff on June 28, 2023, enhancing decision-making and resource allocation without altering group-level commands.[19] This structure supports the wing's primary mission under Air Combat Command while preserving National Guard flexibility for state emergencies.Assigned Units
The 102nd Intelligence Wing's subordinate units are structured to support its intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and mission sustainment roles, with primary operational elements under the 102nd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group (ISRG) and the 202nd ISRG, alongside support functions in the 102nd Mission Support Group.[20][2] The 102nd ISRG, comprising over 370 personnel, falls under operational control of the 480th ISR Wing and focuses on distributed common ground system (DCGS) operations.[2] Key units within the 102nd ISRG include:- The 101st Intelligence Squadron, which operates the AN/GSQ-272 SENTINEL DCGS at Digital Ground Station-Massachusetts, providing near-real-time processing, exploitation, and dissemination of intelligence from U-2, MQ-9, and RQ-4 platforms to support U.S. Central Command, European Command, Africa Command, and Special Operations Command; it also aids state emergency management with imagery analysis using approximately 230 personnel.[21]
- The 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron, responsible for maintenance, integration, and operations of intelligence systems within the DCGS enterprise.[2]
- The 102nd Operations Support Squadron, delivering technical expertise for operational intelligence support to the DCGS network.[2]
- The 202nd Intelligence Support Squadron, furnishing multi-domain intelligence products to warfighters and commanders.[22]
- The 203rd Intelligence Squadron, training and retaining cyber ISR analysts to augment total force capabilities.[22]
- The 267th Intelligence Squadron, specializing in signals intelligence exploitation for the 25th Air Force and U.S. Cyber Command.[22]