The exercise, which began three years ago to train personnel in the conduct of a complex ’air campaign“, came to an end on Friday 18 November. In particular, the objectives set for this exercise were to verify, at an operational level, the ability to plan and conduct a medium-scale operation, involving the establishment of two DOBs (Deployable Operational Bases) and one APOD (Airport of Disembarkation) in a scenario typical of operations outside national borders; to develop the capabilities of military personnel to operate, in a synergistic and effective manner, within Command and Control structures (JFACC-AOC), in accordance with NATO’s new doctrines; to verify the redeployment capability of the Air Force’s Mobile Command and Control Unit and to train AOC personnel to operate from mobile facilities; to develop ”simulated“ CAX (Computer Assisted eXercise) training capabilities through the use of computer simulation systems and new communication technologies; finally, to validate the content of the programmes at the Air Operation Training Centre, namely the air operations command and control training centre established last year in Poggio Renatico.
Unlike the previous two editions, this year the “training audience” planned and conducted the air operations from the operations rooms of the Mobile Command and Control Unit in Bari Palese, which, for the occasion, deployed 12 shelters and around 30 personnel to Poggio Renatico.
“Virtual Flag 2011” took place in two phases, each lasting five days: during the first, known as the “orientation course”, the “training audience” was able to familiarise themselves with the structure and operational procedures of the JFACC (Joint Force Air Component Command), namely the military capability that enables the planning, coordination and control of all aspects of an air campaign.
During the same phase, EXCON (EXercise CONtrol) staff – the exercise’s “control centre” – were also able to practise using simulation software, including the Joint Planning and Execution Coordination Tool (JPECT), an interface developed by NATO to train personnel on the Command and Control (C2) systems and procedures for military operations. The second phase involved the practical part of the exercise, set in a Crisis Response Operation (CRO) scenario and focusing on the operational planning and execution of an air campaign directed, coordinated and controlled by a JFACC-AOC (Air Operations Centre) redeployed close to the area of operations.
The “Virtual Flag 2011” concluded with the identification of the measures deemed most effective for implementing the necessary improvements to the organisation, processes, procedures and training of personnel working within a JFACC.
During the exercise, Air Force General Pasquale Preziosa, Commander of the Training Centres/3rd Air Region; the Director of Military Personnel Deployment for the Air Force, Air Force General Paolo Magro; Air Division General Carlo Magrassi, Deputy Commander of the Air Force Command (CSA), and Air Division General Enzo Vecciarelli, Chief of Staff of the CSA, visited the COA and commended the excellent organisation of the exercise, which was designed to achieve the objectives set by the Armed Forces.
