The U.S. Air Force adopted an ASEACE-based approach to test flexible and independent operating capabilities in a scenario that envisions central bases being targeted in the event of a potential conflict. The 23rd Squadron’s ability to conduct autonomous missions from dispersed and remote airfields for days or weeks was tested during Exercise Mosaic Tiger 26-1, held in Florida and Georgia from November 12-21, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The basis for the exercise was the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept; This strategy aims to allow operational continuity and management of forces even if the enemy can target central bases.
In line with distributed operations and sustainability goals, ACE emphasizes the ability to move troops independently from smaller, centralized bases, sustain combat air power operations, and coordinate communications even in limited conditions. Many air force members took part in the exercise, including attack, rescue and support elements. Processes known as integrated combat turns were used to establish forward operating areas and carry out rapid arming and refueling; thus testing the ability to sustain operations with limited resources.
The idea of highly skilled staffwas one of the most critical aspects of the exercise. With the introduction of the 23rd Combat Air Base Squadron, each airman was expected to face missions generally beyond his or her area of responsibility; This necessitated flexibility and creativity, as available resources at an isolated base were limited. In terms of scarce resource management, the economical actions of maintenance personnel came to the fore; Creative solutions have been developed to make parts and materials last longer. In this way, sustainability was aimed so that critical aircraft such as the A-10 Warthog could remain on the battlefield.
Maintaining the chain of command in conditions where communications were restricted was also tested. Governance mechanisms and synchronization strategies were evaluated to ensure that combat operations were directed even during moments of disconnection from senior command. In the 72-hour communications blackout scenario, the focus was on local coordination and planning processes to ensure that troops could continue to carry out their missions.
