The 496th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron (RTS) processes and exploits reconnaissance imagery of the United States European Command area of responsibility to produce imagery intelligence and products supporting the United States Air Forces Europe and the United States European Command.
They accomplish second phase sensor exploitation, processing and reporting which includes bulk film reproduction to support USAF requirements. The squadron stores, maintains, and distributes tactical target materials and provides reconnaissance technical support, expertise, and guidance to other theaterunits.
Producing photographic materials, the 496RTS supports special requirements including mosaics, briefing graphics, sonne prints, and quick reaction target graphics. The squadron also provides imagery interpretation training for all wing and squadron imagery interpreters.
The NATO Equipment Interpretation Course (NEIC) is a USAFE directed course for imagery interpreters. The course is instructed by 496RTS imagery interpreters that are highly trained for this special task. The 496th has also created a mobile training team in order to get more personnel trained
