During their Iraq deployment, members of the 120th Fighter Wing of the Montana Air National Guard continue to play an important role in the conflict by providing ground forces with needed intelligence.

Using theater airborne reconnaissance systems, or T.A.R.S. for short, the unit’s five F-16 fighters are an “eye in the sky” for American commanders. The National Guard says these advanced camera systems provide ground forces with vital information in near-real time.

“This helps the commanders on the ground tremendously,” said Major Rick Anderson. “It helps them know troop strength, location, and the enemy’s intentions.”

“This is going to help our forces to know better how to fight the fight,” he added.

The 120th Fighter Wing says the new equipment is a big upgrade over their old film system, as their intelligence can now be seen almost immediately on the ground.

The unit is more than half-way through its scheduled 60-day deployment and has five F-16s stationed at Balad Air Base in Iraq.