526th Intelligence Squadron creates MIDNITE APEX, increasing combat readiness for peer conflict

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  • By Tech. Sgt. AJ Hyatt

Hundreds of intelligence analysts, from 27 units across the globe, recently participated in the MIDNITE (Multi-Intelligence Discipline Network Integration Training Exercise) APEX 24-1 exercise in November 2024, which allowed intel professionals to overcome foreseen and unforeseen complications in their targeting cycle, lay out the groundwork for the specificity of each units’ role within the targeting cycle, and more importantly shorten timelines with repetition and practice.
 
MIDNITE Apex is a training exercise designed and delivered by the 526th Intelligence Squadron, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, with the support of ACC/A23.
 
According to U.S. Air Force Maj. Kevin Walters, 526 IS Director of Operations, this exercise allowed all Combat Intelligence Network (CIN) audiences to integrate with the intent to prepare intelligence professionals to participate in future CAF exercises. The MIDNITE APEX scenario was designed in accordance with National Defense Strategy (NDS) priorities to support the Air Force intel training and integration requirements for a Joint Force effort, which equipped individuals and teams with the skills to effectively collaborate across intel functions.
 
The goal of MIDNITE APEX is to directly target and train intelligence Airmen, creating an environment where we can find our own weaknesses in systems and processes with the goal of strengthening our force to be more combat effective, according to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Stout, a 526 IS imagery analyst who helped build the synthetic images supporting the exercise.
 
“In the past the intelligence community has never had a large-scale combat representative exercise tailored to their skill and problem set,” said Stout. “MIDNITE APEX was created to better prepare our Airmen by honing the skills of their respective AFSC’s while also improving the communication between various forms of intelligence units.” 
 
These type of exercises enable service members to practice tactics, techniques, and procedures in situations that mimic real-world conditions, enhancing operational readiness, and foster both collaboration and adaptability.
 
“This could also lead to use of finding new software as well as solidifying plan A and fully fleshing out a Plan B, C, etc.,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ian Castro, 526 IS analyst who helped build the synthetic signals intelligence associated with the exercise. “It provides valuable intelligence training and prepares intelligence professionals and joint force players for a multi-domain conflict increasing our chances to prevail.”
 
“MIDNITE APEX changes the way we think about combat air force intel training,” said Walters. “For the first time, intelligence Airmen from across the world are able to participate in an exercise where their training is the priority and they are all working on the same scenario, environment, and their analysts drive the outcome.”
 
Historically, intelligence Airmen participate in large force exercises or local exercises that are tied to command and control or combat flying, which must meet their training objectives, providing intelligence Airmen combat skills training in conjunction with others. In this exercise, it is all about intelligence.
 
“As much as I hate to say it, intel is hard and we are often wrong because the enemy has a vote,” said Walters. “This offers an environment to be wrong, to learn from the mistakes, and to get better for when it matters … when lives and national objectives are at stake. This is also the first time where the true priority is intel integration! Intel is complex and spans across so many disciplines. They all have to work together.”
 
Another game changer is that this exercise focuses on real world tools and system.
 
“Intel does not have a simulator like pilots or other weapon systems,” the 526 IS DO said. “The only way to understand the tools is to use the tools. MIDNITE APEX (and the MIDNITE series) is based on using real world tools and not some tools designed just for an exercise. Everything looks and feels like the expected tools and tasks for combat.”
 
“Overall, the exercise was an overwhelming success due to the development and growth of the intel training audience in a complex virtual environment,” U.S. Air Force Colonel Ryan O’Neal, 365th ISR Group commander said. “Each CIN entity (DGS, Targeting and Unit Level Intel) drastically improved each day due to a dedicated daily intel sync, which allowed for integration debrief and application of the debrief the following day. The most notable development was the streamlining of the information flow as participants become more familiar with the flow of information and timelines between the DGS, 363 ISRG Targeteers and the Unit Level Intelligence members working in the Combat Intelligence Cell’s (CIC). The integration drove deeper analysis and communication, supporting better learning and development as the byproduct of intel as primary training audience.”
 
The next iteration of MIDNITE APEX is schedule for mid-2025. In the coming months, senior leaders will continue to plan and execute exercises such as MIDNITE APEX to focus on readiness.