On Friday 21 February, Green Flag 2025 came to an end. This is one of the most important joint exercises between US air and ground forces. A team of qualified Air Force Riflemen (FCA) Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) del 16th Wing took part in this exercise, conducted in the training area of National Training Centre of Fort Irwin in California.
Starting from 3 February, amidst desert and rocky mountains, Italian personnel have trained by testing and enhancing their operational capabilities in highly complex and realistic combat scenarios. After an initial phase dedicated to redeployment in the training area and tactical planning, the exercise got into full swing with large-scale ground manoeuvres characterised by the presence of advanced threats, including integrated air defence systems, hostile drones and electronic warfare.
The operations involved integration with tactical air assets of the USAF, employed in missions of Close Air Support (CAS) to neutralise armoured columns and hostile positions, as well as in operations of Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD), targeting the suppression of enemy air defences. The use of drones with functions of was also fundamental Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), whose contribution guaranteed essential information superiority for the precision of the attacks and the success of the operations.
The pivotal element of the exercise was the role of the JTACs integrated into the TACP TeamsTactical Air Control Party) of the USAF. In this context, working alongside their American counterparts in a highly complex operational environment, Italian JTACs coordinated close air support (CAS), ensuring maximum effectiveness of offensive manoeuvres and reducing the risk of collateral damage or “friendly fire” incidents to a minimum.
Participation in Green Flag 2025 it is part of a broader training path that sees Air Gunners constantly engaged in high-profile national and international exercises. Through continuous and realistic training, FCA personnel enhance their capabilities across the broad spectrum of Force Protection (Force Protection – FP), ensuring standards of operational excellence in increasingly challenging scenarios.
It 16th Wing It is the department of Air Fusiliers and it is subordinate to Mobility and Support Forces Command and Air Squadron Command. Her main task is to ensure, according to the assigned readiness levels, the operational capability of the specialist components of Force Protection for Air Operations, to ensure participation in the protection of personnel, weapon systems, means and materials, as well as areas, sites and infrastructures of particular interest to the Armed Force, located on national territory or abroad.
The War Flag of the 16th Wing “Force Protection” She was awarded a Gold Medal and a Silver Medal for Aeronautical Valour by the President of the Republic.
