Imagine a team that takes cutting-edge intelligence technologies and transforms them into game-changing tools for America’s warfighters—delivering battle-ready solutions in as little as two years. That’s Air Force Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (AF TENCAP), a congressionally mandated powerhouse headquartered in the innovation hub of Colorado Springs, Colorado, with liaisons embedded at Langley AFB, Virginia; MacDill AFB, Florida; and Hurlburt Field, Florida.
Unleashing National Intelligence Capabilities for Military Might
AF TENCAP is no ordinary program—it’s the Air Force’s premier rapid prototyping organization, bridging the gap between the shadowy world of U.S.C. Title 50 Intelligence Community (IC) capabilities and the boots-on-the-ground needs of Title 10 military forces. Working hand-in-hand with IC agencies, AF TENCAP spots high-potential technologies, builds prototypes at breakneck speed, and proves their worth in real-world scenarios. When a prototype hits the mark, it’s handed off to operational units or acquisition Programs of Record (POR) for further development, production, or sustainment, ensuring warfighters stay ahead of the curve.
The Dream Team Behind the Mission
Backed by Odyssey Engineering, Professional, and Administrative Support Services (EPASS) contractors, AF TENCAP operates like a well-oiled machine. From their Colorado nerve center and strategic outposts, these Odyssey experts tackle everything from executive administration and security to systems engineering, project management, and field testing. Whether it’s crunching requirements, dreaming up bold concepts, or ensuring a seamless handoff to operational users, this team delivers with precision and speed.
Speed, Agility, and Unique Authority
What makes AF TENCAP truly unique? Its unparalleled ability to move fast. With delegated authorities—Requirements Approval Authority from USAF Air Combat Command (ACC/A589) and Acquisition Approval Authority from PEO ISR/SOF—AF TENCAP bypasses bureaucratic red tape. This allows them to take a concept from a spark of inspiration to a fielded capability in roughly two years, a timeline that’s unheard of in most DoD circles. Operations, Intelligence, and Acquisitions experts work together to spot capability gaps, adapt existing technologies, and deliver solutions that win today’s fights while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.
From “Napkin” to “Talon”: The Journey of a Game-Changer
Every AF TENCAP project starts with a “napkin”—a bold idea scribbled into existence. This initial concept kicks off a whirlwind of requirements generation, market research, and rigorous validation. Once the AF TENCAP Director confirms a project’s “national tie” (think Title 50 IC data or tech repurposed for Title 10 impact), it earns the coveted “Talon” moniker. These Talon projects aren’t just experiments—they’re designed to transition to warfighters or IC agencies, shaping the future of air, space, cyber, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, both traditional and non-traditional.
Why It Matters
AF TENCAP isn’t just about building cool tech—it’s about giving warfighters the edge they need to dominate the battlefield. By leveraging the Intelligence Community’s most advanced tools and tailoring them for military use, AF TENCAP ensures our forces are equipped with capabilities that are as innovative as they are effective. From enhancing situational awareness to revolutionizing ISR, Talon projects are rewriting the playbook for modern warfare.
Want to know more about how AF TENCAP turns bold ideas into battlefield victories? Dive into their world of rapid innovation and discover how they’re shaping the future of defense!
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Join us on September 17th for 3RD Thursday!
This month’s 3RD Thursday All Hands will feature a presentation by Odyssey’s external marketing partner, Gladius. They’ll share the 2025 Odyssey Corporate Message Guidance, walking us through Version 1 of the updated messaging architecture and rollout plan—an important step in aligning how we talk about Odyssey moving forward. Don’t miss it!
Please remember to join 3rd Thursday Virtual Community Meetings every month—we highlight company news and a different part of our business on a rotating basis. Invitations for all 2025 3rd Thursday sessions are on your Odyssey calendar.
At the end of each 3rd Thursday session, Odyssey’s Executive Leadership Team will answer questions from team members—you can submit your questions using the button below.