Red Flag 15-3 wraps up Published July 31, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Jake Carter 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- After three weeks days of realistic warfighting training that encompassed air, space and cyberspace, Red Flag 15-3 concluded here July 31. During Red Flag 15-3, over 15 units from the around the Air Force and sister services participated in the training which encompassed air, space and cyberspace operations. "Red Flag 15-3 has played out well with lots of learning throughout the exercise," said Maj. William Lutmer, 414th Combat Training Squadron director of operations. "Participants have shown good improvement in execution and integration planning over the exercise. We were able to have B-2 (Spirits) support the exercise from Whiteman Air Force Base which provided additional assets for integration above what we had on the ramp at Nellis AFB." An addition included in this Red Flag were the availability of sandy pilots, who aid in the recovery of equipment. "We have had F-16 (Fighting Falcons) from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron acting as dedicated sandy pilots throughout the exercise," said Lutmer. "It is the first time in over two years that we have had qualified sandy pilots and it has made a big difference in the level of personnel recovery training we have been able to accomplish. They have been working with Air Force HH-60G (Pave Hawks) and Navy MH-60s supporting as recovery vehicles." For Red Flag 15-4, allied countries are slated to experience Red Flag training with new systems being integrated to enhance the experience. "Red Flag 15-4 will bring in allies from (other countries)," said Lutmer. "This will provide a unique opportunity to train at a very high level with some of our allies. We also will be continuing to integrate live, virtual and constructive aspects into the exercise by aligning with Virtual Flag. This will include virtual intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets and patriot (missiles)." Additionally, members from the U.S. Army Special Forces are planning to work hand-in-hand with exercise participants. "Another unique aspect of Red Flag 15-4 will be the participation of U.S. Army SOF. We will have teams of SOF that will be in-scenario for days at a time on the NTTR. They will be tasked with a multitude of missions that will drive integration with the air effort," said Lutmer. "We expect aircrew and SOF forces to learn a lot about each other's capabilities and requirements for integrating these capabilities to effectively support the mission. This will be the most robust SOF play at Red Flag in a long time." Although individual participants gain a bevy of experience throughout the exercises, teamwork and integration is the key component that makes Red Flag a success for everyone involved. "One of the key benefits of Red Flag is getting to plan with a diverse set of units all in the same building. While the team will be very similar in combat, all the planners will not be in the same place," said Lutmer. "The lessons that are learned at Red Flag will need to be applied in combat when geographic separation will make communication and coordination more difficult. Additionally, air power is a product of multi-service, multi-(mission design series), and multi-domain integrated warfighting. Red Flag 15-3 was able to bring together U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps assets from the air, space, and cyberspace domains." Maj. Joe Haggerty, 414th CTS Red Flag 15-3 team chief, also understands that Airmen working with sister service members and allied countries benefit from the training here. "For Red Flag, this is some of the Air Force crew's first-hand exposure working with other units," said Haggerty. "Working face-to-face with other units benefits the training Airmen receive here." Lutmer said Red Flag, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, will continue to provide participants the highest level of warfighter training. "Red Flag continues to evolve to provide our Air Force, sister services, and allies the highest level of training possible," said Lutmer. "We are trying to stay one step ahead of the adversary so that our forces are ready to solve any problem thrown at them. While home station training produces operators skilled in their particular areas, it is critical to bring the team together to practice and learn integrated fighting. Today's threats demand that our military be able to integrate capabilities across services, domains and nations to be successful."
