Developing Airmen for Integration into Air, Space, and Cyberspace: The New Aggressors
Abstract
Revitalization of the aggressor program provides expanded training opportunities in the air, space, and cyber realms. The following discussion details basic principles of the aggressor program, developed over time by organizations whose express objective has been to expose weaknesses in current systems and tactics in order to improve them. The article then looks to the future as the aggressor program integrates space and cyber capabilities into its existing activities involving air and air defense. With the current pace of operations, training for the full spectrum of conflict has in large part given way to the need to focus on today s battle as it should. High-end training opportunities are limited for any number of reasons, but at some point in the future, we will likely need to employ in major combat operations, bringing to bear technological advantages the United States has developed and maintained over the years. But the US Air Force cannot attribute its success during the last 61 years only to superior technology; in fact, we can blame dependence on technology during the Vietnam War for higher-than- expected attrition in the air. Rather, the way the Air Force employs technology has enabled the service to stay ahead of its adversaries. Effective, realistic training prepares Airmen to use their weapons systems in expected roles and missions; it also prepares them to deal with the unexpected. Such training teaches them not what to think, but how to think, react, improvise, adapt, and overcome. The opposing force (OPFOR or Red ), the stone upon which the Air Force hones its combat skills, constitutes a key component of realistic, meaningful training.1 If the OPFOR presents an outdated, unrealistic, or otherwise nonrepresentative threat, then Airmen learn the wrong lessons or don t learn at all.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA594487
Entities
People
- David R. Stilwell
Organizations
- Air University