Department-Level Exercise (DLE) Series

Through this series, the Department of the Air Force is preparing to be a stronger, more lethal deterrent force, to provide an advantage against competitors and adversaries across all domains, and to ensure regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The DLE series will incorporate multiple command exercises into one overall threat deterrence scenario, including Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), Resolute Space, Mobility Guardian, Emerald Warrior and Bamboo Eagle 25-3.

It will also integrate multiple allies and partners in specific component exercises with shared interests. Partner integration is critical to U.S. efforts to ensure regional and global peace and stability and provides a decisive advantage against complex threats.

DLE 2025: A C-17 Globemaster III lands at Yokota

374th Airlift Wing

Video by Yasuo Osakabe

July 16, 2025 | 2:19

A B-roll package of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base, WV, lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 18, 2025, as support aircraft participating in on-going exercises throughout the Indo-Pacific Theater as part of the 374th Air Expeditionary Wing. These exercises are part of the first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise series, a new way of conducting operations in a contested, dynamic environment to build capabilities making a stronger deterrent force. The DLE series encompasses all branches of the Department of Defense, along with Allies and partners, employing more than 400 Joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 members at more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force video by Yasuo Osakabe) More