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Eielson pilots assume role of aggressor aircraft

By By 1st Lt. David Tomiyama, Red Flag-Alaska Public Affairs / Published April 17, 2007

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EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Eielson F-16 pilots took to the skies as aggressors for the first time in Red Flag-Alaska history. 

Aggressors are a valuable training tool for Red Flags. The pilots and aircraft, F-15s or F-16s, are specially trained to act as the enemy during exercise scenarios. The aircraft sport distinguishable paint jobs and pilots use only the capabilities that the enemies have available to them. 

"Our role is to provide realistic training for blue forces by replicating enemy threat aircraft and command and control systems," said Lt. Col. Brook Leonard, 18th FS director of operations. 

Flying with the 64th Aggressor Squadron from Nellis AFB, Nev., Eielson pilots began the transition of a permanent F-16 aggressor squadron for Red Flag-Alaska. Red Flag-Alaska is scheduled to add their own F-16 Aggressors in August when the 18th Fighter Squadron becomes the 18th AGRS. 

During a Red Flag-Alaska mission, eight-to-ten F-16 Aggressors fly against coalition forces. The aggressors mimic MiGs or other enemy aircraft to test and train pilots in offensive and defensive counter air maneuvers. 

To become an aggressor, 18th FS pilots train for weeks at Nellis AFB. The training included intensive academics, numerous upgrade sorties and the specialization of a particular enemy aircraft. 

"Every aggressor becomes an expert on a particular enemy threat system and is responsible for compiling the latest intelligence and building academics," said Colonel Leonard. "The training is different, but not difficult; however, it takes a concentrated effort to excel."

When Red Flag-Alaska exercises are not taking place, the aggressor pilots will continue to fly both operational and aggressor missions. Operational missions allow pilots to continue insight into enemy tactics while aggressor missions help pilots build an insight into how to provide better training. 

"The transition time actually provides a unique and beneficial opportunity," Colonel Leonard said. "Our mission in the Air Force is to provide combat capability to the Joint Forces Commander and training to both missions at the same time makes our time in the air more efficient." 

Beginning this fall, the 18th FS is scheduled to swap F-16's with Kunsan AB, Japan. The aggressor F-16's will receive the distinct paint jobs late this year. The final transition from operational to aggressor F-16's is scheduled to take place in February 2008 when all operational pilots will have moved on to other assignments leaving only aggressor pilots in the squadron, Colonel Leonard said. 

During past Red Flag-Alaska's, the 353rd Combat Training Squadron brought in various units to play as aggressor forces. A permanent aggressor squadron relieves the 353rd CTS from the logistics and scheduling conflicts that come with finding a unit to participate. 

"Having our one aggressor squadron brings stability and consistency to the red air side of the house," said Capt. Ron Strobach, 353rd CTS team chief. "By having one unit here for one job for every exercise brings consistency and stability in our training."