Kirtland AFB DMOC conducts Virtual Flag 12-2

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Calder Goc
  • 705th Combat Training Squadron
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  More than 360 joint warfighters from 11 time zones participated in "Virtual Flag 12-2," orchestrated from the Air Force Distributed Mission Operations Center at Kirtland Air Force Base from March 21 through 29.

Virtual Flag is a seven-day, large-force composite exercise that integrates live, virtual and constructive elements in a realistic major combat operations scenario.

The 705th Combat Training Squadron, which runs the DMOC, conducts four Virtual Flag exercises annually.

Nineteen sites and 30 systems, including B-1, B-52, C-17, F-15C, F-16, E-3, E-8, EP-3, MQ-9, RC-135, Patriot and an Aegis cruiser participated from their home stations and the DMOC for this event.

"Virtual Flag presents a unique opportunity for multiple warfighters from across the joint community to plan and execute a large-force operation, spanning all elements of the joint fight, from the Air Operations Center to the Joint Terminal Attack Controller on the ground," said Lt. Col. Darrick Galacgac, 705 CTS director of operations.

Sixteen senior military leaders attended the Virtual Flag distinguished visitor day March 28, including Lt. Gen. Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements; Dr. Jacqueline Henningsen, Air Force Director of Studies, Analyses, Assessments and Lessons Learned; Rear Adm. Thomas Cropper, commander, Strike Force Training Pacific; Rear Adm. Dennis Fitzpatrick, commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic.