USAF Re-activating Aggressor Squadron

Let's hope that they haven't forgotten those hard-won lessons.

USAF Re-activating Aggressor Squadron

Source: US Air Force

Jan. 6, 2006

eDefense

The US Air Force (USAF) will reactivate the 65th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis AFB, NV, on Jan. 12.

In a letter to airmen, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, USAF chief of staff, cited the history of the unit as “legendary” and said the aggressors will “directly contribute to the combat capability of our airmen.”

“The 65th and other aggressor units will provide realistic adversary training in air, space, and information operations that make us even better,” General Moseley said. “Their training will keep us innovative as we fight this global war on terror and defend this great nation in the face of modern threats and tactics that continue to proliferate. We have to have adversarial training to remain razor sharp.”

The unit will stand up with nine F-15C Eagles and later will be expanded to a total of 24 fighters. The squadron was last active in 1989 when it operated F-5E Tiger II aircraft. Once active, the squadron will fly alongside the F-16 Fighting Falcons of the 64th Aggressor Squadron – part of the Air Force’s advanced composite-force training team.

In the letter, the general also said advanced adversarial training will better prepare airmen. He also urged people to “use these opportunities to continually innovate and improve our tactics, technologies, and training. If we do that then we will continue to dominate air, space, and cyberspace.”