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Behind the intelligence: USAFE-AFAFRICA civilian earns Air Force-level recognition

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DVIDS - Georgia

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — For Rachel Kreisman, intelligence has always been about solving puzzles. But unlike the puzzles most people encounter, the answers she helps uncover can influence military operations, protect thousands of service members and shape decisions across two continents.

Kreisman, an intelligence analyst and Regional Analysis Branch team lead assigned to U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, was named the winner of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Awards Program's Senior Civilian Category at the Headquarters Air Force level, recognizing her contributions to intelligence operations, mission readiness and leadership.

Her interest in intelligence began during a college internship as an open-source analyst, where she discovered a passion for examining information, identifying connections and solving complex problems.

"It started with an internship in college as an open-source analyst, and I immediately loved the 'puzzle-solving' aspect of intelligence," Kreisman said. "A mentor of mine put it best, that intel is solving the toughest problems with the smartest people."

That passion eventually led her to a career in Air Force intelligence, where she has continued to develop her analytical expertise and leadership skills.

Since joining USAFE-AFAFRICA in 2022, Kreisman has worked on a wide range of intelligence challenges, from examining regional malign political influence and European defense initiatives to assessing adversarial military capabilities.

"I love it when every day has a new challenge, and to get to solve different problems," she said.

While intelligence professionals often operate behind the scenes, their assessments help commanders understand evolving threats and make informed decisions in rapidly changing environments.

Over the past year, Kreisman spearheaded multiple crisis intelligence cells supporting named operations across the European and African theaters. In support of U.S. Africa Command, she analyzed time-sensitive reporting on emerging threats to U.S. and partner forces, providing senior leaders with critical intelligence that informed the rapid repositioning of coalition aircraft and defensive capabilities. Her efforts contributed to adjustments in defensive postures, helping protect more than 40,000 deployed personnel, dozens of aircraft and critical Allied installations.

She also provided time-sensitive intelligence briefings to senior joint and NATO leaders, supporting the reallocation of air and missile defense capabilities across partner installations.

"Her dedication, precision, and unwavering focus on the mission exemplify the very best of our civilian workforce," said Senior Master Sgt. Sean T. Loveland, USAFE-AFAFRICA A2 superintendent.

For Kreisman, delivering actionable intelligence requires more than gathering information. It demands understanding the operational environment, recognizing what matters most and working with trusted colleagues to provide leaders with accurate assessments.

"You have to understand the bigger picture to know what pieces of intelligence matter most, and what is going to change the threat environment," Kreisman said. "Having subject matter expertise and a trusted network around you is really important because as intelligence professionals we try never to make assessments singlehandedly, even when decisions are being made very quickly."

That collaborative approach extends to her leadership responsibilities within the regional analysis branch.
In addition to supporting operational requirements, Kreisman led and mentored cross-functional analysis teams, contributed to dozens of intelligence reports and helped eliminate overlapping workflows across three organizations. These improvements strengthened intelligence integration supporting 10 combat wings.

Her team's performance also earned USAFE-AFAFRICA Team of the Quarter honors, a recognition Kreisman attributes to the commitment and expertise of those around her.

"My team has so many strengths and it’s wonderful to see those recognized at the HQ level!" Kreisman said. "Everyone believes in the mission and the importance of providing timely, actionable intelligence assessments that inform real-world events."

That same appreciation for teamwork shaped her reaction when she learned she had received the Air Force-level award.

"My friend saw the news first and sent it my way! I was shocked and very honored, and still am," Kreisman said. "It means a lot to be the name recognized, but none of it would be possible without my team and my leadership and the hard work they do."

As a team lead, Kreisman also recognizes the importance of developing future intelligence professionals. Drawing from her own experiences and the mentorship she received early in her career, she encourages those entering the field to remain curious and embrace new challenges.

"Find opportunities, ask questions, and challenge yourself," she said.

Despite the demands of intelligence operations, Kreisman remains focused on the people and missions her work supports.

"Protecting people, defending our assets, and defeating the adversary are three really big motivators," she said.
For Kreisman, the award represents more than individual achievement. It reflects the collective efforts of intelligence professionals whose work helps USAFE-AFAFRICA anticipate threats, strengthen partnerships and support informed decision-making across the European and African theaters.

And while much of that work happens outside the public eye, its impact can be felt throughout the force.

"In intel we often work behind the scenes and hope our efforts make a difference to the decisionmaker and the warfighter," Kreisman said. "It's rewarding to see that play out."

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