Ellsworth wraps up Virtual Flag exercise

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alystria Maurer
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Aircrews from the 37th Bomb Squadron linked their simulators with other bases to train in cyberspace during Virtual Flag, May 14 to 24.

Virtual Flag is a quarterly training event that allows U.S. and coalition partner aircrews to train for combat in large-scale joint and coalition environments by linking simulators together and flying missions as one unit.

"The value of an exercise like Virtual Flag is difficult to fully appreciate," said Quinten Miklos, 28th Operations Support Squadron B-1 bomber simulator program manager. "On the strategic level, Virtual Flag allows senior Air Force and Department of Defense leaders to practice the integration of large numbers of forces to achieve strategic objectives. On a smaller scale, aircrews that participate will have the experience of integrating the particular strengths of their weapon system and the tactics they employ into an overall battle plan."

Virtual Flag - hosted by the Distributed Missions Operations Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. - is currently the largest virtual exercise conducted in the U.S. The number of participants varies depending on the scenario, but there are generally 20 to 30 units in each exercise.

These forces represent different elements of full-spectrum theater air warfare and include command and control, transport, air superiority, simulated strike and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as ground elements conducting command and control, cyber warfare and tactical air control.

"This exercise provides necessary integration and large force employment training," said Capt. Makisi Haleck, 37th Bomb Squadron weapon systems officer. "Specifically, we get to operate a B-1 formation in a high-threat environment where survival is predicated on detailed planning with air-to-air fighters."

The fact that these exercises are conducted in a virtual airspace affords exercise planners the flexibility to tailor each fight to maximize training objectives and incorporate lessons learned during previous exercises.

Aircrews are not bound by airspace boundaries or noise-abatement procedures and are able to hone their craft in any simulated area of interest worldwide.

"Virtual Flag is beneficial because it allows us to accomplish training similar to a live-fly exercise at a fraction of the cost," Haleck said.

There are enormous fiscal savings involved in conducting this training in a virtual setting. The elimination of temporary duty expenses to bring participants together makes this training a more feasible option in the current budget climate.

"Our current operations tempo does not provide many opportunities for this type of training," Haleck said. "Any chance we have to fly with other assets in a high-threat environment increases aircrew proficiency."