Virtual Flag exercise hosted at Pentagon

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  • By Staff Sgt. Julie Weckerlein
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON (AFNEWS) --  The Air Force's C4ISR Visualization Center at the Pentagon, along with the 705th Combat Training Squadron from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., hosted a simulation exercise March 7 to help joint tactical air controllers experience the challenges of calling in air strikes to enemy targets without actually being in any real danger.

Equipped with flat screens, dedicated network connections and simulation software and equipment, participants of the Virtual Flag exercise were able to connect with other participants stationed around the nation.

Modeling and simulation professionals from the Air Force Distributed Mission Operations Center provided live, virtual and constructive simulation expertise for the exercise.

"The DMOC allows the early integration and testing of new technology," said Capt. Julie Nash, 705th CTS, who briefed at the Pentagon. "It allows trainees to experience real-world scenarios, threats and other cyber operations that would normally not be available to them."

Master Sgt. Lloyd Alderton, a JTAC who works as an advisor for the DMOC, demonstrated the program. Wearing a helmet similar to one worn playing video games, he was able call in a simulated air strike on a simulated enemy convoy. Two fighter pilots at Kirtland responded with simulated A-10s.

"This type of training is so valuable because it prepares Airmen for their deployments and they can start working as soon as they hit the ground," said Sergeant Alderton. "When I deployed, it took a few days to get a good idea of my surroundings and the way things operated there. With this program, Airmen will have a better idea as to what to expect."

Everyone participating in the exercise was able to see what Sergeant Alderton and the pilots could see on the flat screens in real-time. After the successful convoy attack, observers were invited to try out the system. Maj. Lee Spechler, from the Pentagon's C2 Battle Management division said the range of vision was a little more narrow than he expected.

"I wanted to see more," he said, "but this was the first time anything like this has been available  Like anything new, there is room for improvement. This is a great idea, especially the joining of organizations that are spread out all over the country."

Captain Nash said the long-term goal is to be able to provide Virtual Flag-type training exercises to JTAC Airmen around the globe so that they can be connected to, and train with, everyone involved in their missions. 

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