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Library > Fact Sheets > 414th Combat Training Squadron (Red Flag)
414TH COMBAT TRAINING SQUADRON (RED FLAG)
Red Flag, a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies, is conducted on the vast bombing and gunnery ranges at Nellis AFB, Nev. It is one of a series of advanced training programs administered by the Air Warfare Center and Nellis, through the 414th Combat Training Squadron.
Red Flag was established in 1975 as one of the initiatives directed by General Robert J. Dixon, then commander of Tactical Air Command, to better prepare our forces for combat. Tasked to plan and control this training, the 414th Combat Training Squadron's mission is to maximize the combat readiness, capability and survivability of participating units by providing realistic training in a combined air, ground and electronic threat environment while providing for a free exchange of ideas between forces.
Most of the aircraft and personnel deployed to Nellis for Red Flag make up the exercise's "Blue" forces. These forces use various tactics to attack Nellis range targets such as mock airfields, vehicle convoys, tanks, parked aircraft, bunkered defensive positions and missile sites. These targets are defended by a variety of simulated ground and air threats to give participant aircrews the most realistic combat training possible.
The "Red" force threats include electronically simulated surface-to-air missiles and antiaircraft artillery, communications jamming forces and an opposing enemy air force composed of 64th Aggressor Squadron pilots. These pilots fly the F-16C and are specially trained to replicate the tactics and techniques of potential adversaries. Their mission is to attack the "Blue" forces and protect the target area.
A typical Red Flag exercise involves a variety of attack, fighter and bomber aircraft (F-15Es, F-16s, F/A-18s, A-10s, B-1s, etc.), reconnaissance aircraft (Predator, Global Hawk, RC-135, U-2), electronic warfare aircraft (EC-130s, EA-6Bs and F-16CJs), air superiority aircraft (F-15s, F-16s, F/A-18s, etc), airlift support (C-130s, C-141s, C-17s), search and rescue aircraft (HH-60s, HC-130s, CH-47s), and aerial refueling aircraft (KC-130s, KC-135s, and KC-10s). The E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and E-8C Joint Stars aircraft play a significant role in the training by using their unique capabilities to monitor and support many aspects of the "Blue" force effort.
A "White" force in Red Flag uses the Nellis Air Combat Training System (NACTS) monitor this mock combat between "Red" and "Blue." NACTS the world's most sophisticated tracking system for combat training exercises allows commanders, safety observers and exercise directors to monitor the mission and keep score of simulated 'kills' while viewing the simulated air battle as it occurs.
As Red Flag expanded to include all spectrums of warfare (command, control, intelligence, electronic warfare) and added night missions to all exercises, the NACTS, improved tactics, and increased aircraft/aircrew capabilities improved flying safety.
All four of our military services and their Guard/Reserve components participate in to Red Flag exercises each year. Air forces of other countries participate in one or more designated coalition exercises annually. NATO and 27 other countries have joined the United States in these exercises over southern Nevada since 1975. Additionally, individual members of other countries (such as India) have participated as observers. Red Flag exercises have provided training for over 400,000 military personnel, including more than 132,000 aircrew members flying over 350,000 sorties and logging over 600,000 hours flying time.
This mock battle in the skies over the Nellis Air Force Range Complex yields results that will increase the combat capability of our armed forces for any future combat situation.
(Current as of July 2004)
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Division
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada 89191-7078
Phone (702) 652-2750 DSN 682-2750 FAX (702) 652-9838
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