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.

AMC performs DLE 2025 airdrop with historic tail C-130

Air Mobility Command

Video by Tech. Sgt. James Thomas

July 25, 2025 | 1:23

U.S. Air Force service members from the 700th Airlift Squadron, Dobbins Air Reserve Base conduct airdrop operations in Japan with their heritage tail insignia “Big Square A” C-130H3 Hercules during the U.S. Air Force’s 2025 Department-Level Exercise series, July 28, 2025. “The Big Square A” tail insignia is the 94th Airlift Wing’s heritage insignia dating back to World War II when the wing was a bomber unit housing the B-17 Flying Fortress. Today, the "Big Square A" serves as a reminder of the unit's past and a source of inspiration for current Airmen participating in the Air Force’s DLE 2025. 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 Tech. Sgt. James K. Thomas) More