Enhancing Air Force Preparedness for Future Conflicts

Navigating Future Theater Operations

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the U.S. Air Force anticipates potential conflicts with advanced adversaries such as China. This necessitates a redefinition of operational capabilities. Units may face scenarios where they must conduct sustained air operations for extended periods—days, weeks, or longer—without access to reinforcements, resupply, or reliable communication networks.

To address these emerging challenges, the 23rd Wing from Moody Air Force Base in Georgia engaged in an intensive exercise named Mosaic Tiger 26-1. Conducted between November 12 and 21 at various locations in Florida and Georgia, this training initiative demonstrated the wing’s readiness to execute combat operations under potential high-end warfare conditions.

Agile Combat Employment: A Tactical Imperative

Central to the exercise was the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy. Established to enhance operational agility, ACE equips Air Force wings with the capability to sustain and execute airpower initiatives from dispersed and austere environments, often isolated from conventional command structures.

Key Objectives of ACE:

• Operational Flexibility: Enable operations from remote airfields when traditional bases are compromised.
• Sustainment of Airpower: Maintain combat effectiveness even when logistics chains are disrupted.

The underpinning philosophy acknowledges that large, centralized bases may become primary targets, making their operational viability uncertain. As such, ACE encourages the Air Force to leverage smaller, less fortified bases while ensuring mission continuity even in contested areas.

Comprehensive Training in Resilience

Exercise Mosaic Tiger 26-1 included diverse personnel from various operational areas, including attack, rescue, and logistical support units. Airmen trained in conditions reflecting the potential realities of modern combat environments where resource scarcity is the norm.

• Forward Operating Site Establishment: Airmen were tasked with quickly setting up operational locations capable of supporting air operations.
• Integrated Combat Turns: Crews practiced rapid rearmament and refueling techniques essential for maintaining air sorties under strained conditions.

Versatility of Personnel

In alignment with the multi-capable airman initiative, participants expanded their skill sets beyond traditional roles. This adaptive training paradigm requires airmen to engage in functions such as aircraft maintenance, communication setup, and perimeter security.

Lt. Col. Justin May, commander of the squadron, emphasized that such cross-training fosters a versatile force capable of dynamic responses to unforeseen challenges.

Supply Chain Innovations and Constraints

Maintenance personnel faced significant challenges during the exercise, often working without the luxury of knowing when additional supplies would arrive. This situation compelled them to:

• Optimize Resource Utilization: Airmen were instructed to manage spare parts and fluids judiciously, promoting creative problem-solving to maintain operational capability.
• Example of Efficient Resource Use: Strategies included judiciously rotating aircraft to minimize resource consumption, ensuring that operational readiness remained a priority.

Staff Sgt. William Flores highlighted the critical nature of accountability and resource management, stating that prudent usage of supplies directly impacts the sustainability of air operations.

Operating Without Command Communication

Airmen were also evaluated on their ability to generate combat sorties in scenarios where communications with higher command levels were compromised. Lt. Col. Nathan Frey outlined a structured approach whereby units initially operated under an air tasking order detailing their missions over a specified time frame.

In cases of prolonged communication outages extending beyond 72 hours, units adapted to broader operational directives, relying on coordination with adjacent units while aligning with the last known intent of their commanders.

Tactical Adjustments Under Dispersion

• Rapid decision-making in the absence of direct orders.
• Collaboration with nearby units for mission planning and execution.

Lt. Col. David Pool explained that sustained operations require a decisive shift towards independent action, empowering units to fulfill their mission objectives while remaining adaptable to evolving battlefield dynamics.

Conclusion

The tenets of Agile Combat Employment and resilience training embodied in exercises like Mosaic Tiger 26-1 are increasingly vital as the Air Force prepares for potential conflict scenarios against sophisticated adversaries. This proactive approach ensures that air units can sustain operational effectiveness in contested environments, maintaining air superiority while adapting to the unpredictable nature of modern warfare. The capability to operate independently and effectively from dispersed locations not only enhances combat readiness but also represents a fundamental shift in strategic military thinking.