Beyond Blue 4: The Past and Future Transformation of Red Flag

摘要

For almost 30 years, Red Flag has given relatively inexperienced aircrew-Blue 4-a chance to experience eight to ten realistic combat missions in a high threat, but safe environment. It has also given more experienced pilots the chance to serve as package commanders and learn how to best employ an integrated large-force package to achieve a tactical objective. However, as the complexity of air operations has increased-with the advent of network-centric warfare, precision-guided munitions, stealth technology, and the integration of special operations, space, and information warfare into the Combat Air Forces- so has the pressure to change Red Flag to include more platforms and expand its training focus. The Air Force now has an historic opportunity to foster a new era of realistic training. More importantly, the expansion of Red Flag-without corresponding improvements in the range, aggressor, and assessment capabilities- will actually decrease the training value of Red Flag. Transforming Red Flag will not come 'on the cheap' as did the original Red Flag exercise that simply combined pre-existing Aggressor capabilities and range space. This paper reviews the origins of Red Flag, highlights recent changes in the exercise, and provides recommendations on how to guide the transformation of Red Flag.