RF-A 10-3: Before the sorties

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Before any mission can begin, pilots and aircrews must be familiar with the territory in which they're flying and their counterparts with whom communication is essential to achieving mission success.

RED FLAG-Alaska exercises include a diverse group of military members ranging from the Marine Corps and the Army, to multiple countries including Japan and Italy; all joining forces for one of the largest training exercises poses several different obstacles.

Before taking off for their first mission, pilots must go through a day of briefings and a day of flying, often called FAM Day, to familiarize themselves with the area.

According to Capt. Bill Nodine, 353rd Combat Training Squadron Tanker Liaison, FAM Days are held so that participants aren't learning administrative lessons on the first day of the "war".

In a job where a few seconds could mean life or death for combatants on the ground, all operations must work like a well-oiled machine.

"Briefings cover the capabilities of all players, their strengths and weaknesses and address the language barrier, mission, and timelines for the week so everyone knows where they're supposed to be," said Captain Nodine. "FAM Day is also important for the safety of all of the participants."

Mission success not only lies with the training and capabilities of the pilots and weapons system officers, it is dependent on the preparation and training of everyone involved.

RED FLAG-Alaska is a large-force exercise conducted over 10 days in interior Alaska to simulate aerial combat. Aircrews will operate in the 67,000 square-mile Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. The JPARC offers adequate space and ranges for crews to simulate full-scale aerial battles. Coalition partners along with all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces have participated in past exercises.

With the initial briefings and familiarization flights complete, pilots and aircrew are now participating in world-class aerial combat training in the skies above Alaska.

Please visit the Eielson Air Force Base website and PACAF Pixels for continuing coverage for RED FLAG-Alaska 10-3.