This thesis examines the evolution of concepts for the development and management of United States Air Force imagery reconnaissance systems and the application of these concepts to current Air Force support to Army ground commanders. By examining the evolution of imagery reconnaissance operations, this thesis identifies principles of imagery support regarding critical information needs, exploitation techniques, reporting methods, the need for imagery rather than imagery derived information, and service approaches to dealing with constraints inherent in imagery support operations. A generic imagery architectural model is proffered, based upon historic operations and current doctrine. This model includes the following functional components: acquisition sensors, receiver/ processors, exploitation elements, transmission/ dissemination media, and recipient processing.

ADA 132209 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.