Replicating the threat
Capt. Todd Hale shows an authentic former Soviet Union flag displayed in the 18th Aggressor Squadron June 9 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The flag lends to the ambience pilots created to place themselves in the "enemy" mindset for Red Flag-Alaska 08-3. The 18th AGRS chose the pretense of the Soviet Union to emulate since they represented a past threat. Captain Hale is a pilot with the 18th AGRS who obtained the flag during the two years he spent in Russia as a missionary. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nora Anton)