Nellis

Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., is one of the largest fighter bases in the world. Aircraft from Nellis operate on the Nevada Test and Training Range, which offers more than 15,000 square miles of airspace and 4,700 square miles of restricted land. More than 75 percent of all live munitions used by the Air Force for training are dropped on the Nevada Test and Training Range. Many communities in southern Nevada see and hear Nellis aircraft 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From 100 feet above the ground to twice the speed of sound, Nellis conducts advanced combat training, performs operational test and evaluation, and develops tactics.

Red Flag Exercises

Fact Sheet!

The Red Flag exercises at Nellis are regarded as the most realistic wargames in military aviation, allowing Allied forces the chance to work together in an environment that is as a close to actual combat as it’s possible to get.

Disparate air forces get the opportunity to integrate with other air arms in a genuine air expeditionary wing. With the involvement of different aspects of military aviation (air combat, air-to-ground firing, ISTAR, air-to-air refuelling, etc), and live ordnance involved, all participants face a challenging but valuable experience.

Exercise participants also gain invaluable experience of fighting a ‘enemy’ squadron – in reality, USAF F-16s and F-15s from the 57th Wing who as the “Red Force” challenge exercise participants in air combat and electronic jamming, thereby providing a credible learning experience.

Nellis has hosted Red Flag since its inception in 1975. Four to six Red Flags are typically held each year, with the participants varying from exercise to exercise.

Source - Armed Forces International's US Correspondent