David R Salazar III
San Angelo
Summary
Results-driven United States Air Force Intelligence Analyst with over 8 years of experience supporting MQ-9 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in combat and high-pressure environments. Proven expertise in intelligence analysis, mission planning, operational threat assessments, and aviation operations support across counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and near-peer adversary missions. Experienced in supporting joint and special operations forces, coordinating intelligence between air and ground assets, and delivering mission-critical intelligence in dynamic operational settings. Recognized for leadership and instruction capabilities, including training nearly 4,800 intelligence professionals as a Master Instructor. Holds an active Tier 5 Top Secret/SCI clearance and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Intelligence Analyst
United States Air Force, USAF
Afghanistan
09.2020 - 02.2021
- Facilitated intelligence operations supporting MQ-9 Launch and Recovery missions in Afghanistan, providing aircrews and task force personnel with actionable intelligence that contributed to successful combat operations.
- Coordinated intelligence support between aviation assets, ISR platforms, and ground forces to enhance situational awareness, operational synchronization, and mission effectiveness in dynamic combat environments.
- Supported operational missions involving HH-60 Black Hawk, CV-22 Osprey, and MH-6 Little Bird aircraft by delivering timely intelligence support and maintaining close coordination with aircrews during rapidly evolving mission operations.
- Collaborated closely with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), Pararescuemen (PJs), Army Infantry units, and Afghan National Army personnel to provide intelligence support for joint-force combat operations, enhancing mission coordination, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness in high-tempo environments.
Senior Intelligence Analyst
United States Air Force, USAF
Ellsworth AFB, SD
12.2018 - 02.2022
- Completed specialized counter-narcotics operations training focused on trafficking routes spanning South America through North America, developing expertise in transnational criminal organizations, illicit trafficking networks, operational intelligence integration, and regional threat analysis.
- Supported Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations for MQ-9 platforms across five Areas of Responsibility, contributing to counter-terrorism, humanitarian, and near-peer adversary mission objectives.
- Partnered directly with aircrews, intelligence analysts, and joint-force personnel to deliver actionable intelligence support for ISR, combat, and time-sensitive operational missions.
- Utilized Full Motion Video (FMV) intelligence collected from the MQ-9 Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS) to identify targets, monitor operational activity, support mission planning, and disseminate real-time intelligence updates to aircrews and ground personnel in dynamic operational environments.
- Maintained subject matter expertise across five Areas of Responsibility through continuous operational research, regional analysis, and intelligence development supporting counter-terrorism operations and humanitarian efforts.
Intelligence Analyst: Master Instructor
United States Air Force, USAF
Goodfellow AFB
03.2022 - Current
- Led the development and execution of training programs for diverse military personnel, ensuring instructional objectives aligned with operational mission requirements and intelligence support standards.
- Delivered hands-on instruction utilizing advanced simulation systems and operational training methodologies to enhance mission readiness and real-world decision-making capabilities.
- Assessed trainee performance through practical evaluations and knowledge-based assessments, providing constructive feedback to strengthen operational effectiveness and technical proficiency.
- Directed curriculum development initiatives designed to align intelligence training objectives with evolving aviation operations, ISR mission sets, and operational requirements.
- Mentored and developed junior instructors by promoting instructional excellence, professional growth, and effective training delivery in high-tempo learning environments.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX05-2028
Associate of Applied Science - Intelligence Studies
Community College of The Air Force
Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL06-2022
Skills
Certification
- MQ-9 Operations Support (Creech AFB, NV)
- Counter-Narcotics Operations Training (Hurlburt Field AFB, FL)
- Counter-Terrorism Operations (Creech AFB, NV)
AWARDS
Air and Space Commendation medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal with “Combat Device”, Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Remote Combat Effects Medal with 4x devices, NATO Meritorious Service Medal, Marksmanship Ribbon, Volunteer Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal
SECURITY CLEARANCE
TIER 5 TOP SECRET/SCI
Timeline
Intelligence Analyst: Master Instructor
United States Air Force, USAF
03.2022 - Current
Senior Intelligence Analyst
United States Air Force, USAF
09.2020 - 02.2021
Senior Intelligence Analyst
United States Air Force, USAF
12.2018 - 02.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Angelo State University
Associate of Applied Science - Intelligence Studies
Community College of The Air Force