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- Yesterday (Sunday), at 7 AM, the IAF launched a surprise force-wide annual exercise. Lt. Col. O., Head of Training, spoke about the significance of the element of surprise and the importance of holding such an exercise at this time
Four months after the conclusion of the previous annual exercise, the IAF "goes to war" once again: The "Vered Hagalil" (Galilee Rose) exercise commenced in a surprise format - a week before the original date. The purpose of the exercise, held under the order of IAF Commander, Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin, is to improve the IAF's combat readiness in the Northern Theater and is set to last through Wednesday.
The Element of Surprise
Sunday, 7:00 AM. Some of the IAF's service members have yet to arrive at their bases - North to South, from the Regional Control Units to the various flight squadrons and air defense batteries. Suddenly, the IAF's annual exercise begins and the entire force must transition to the highest state of alert. "The first day focused mainly on planning and preparing for a war-time scenario, while days two and three will be dedicated to around-the-clock fighting", described Lt. Col. O, Head of Training. "The final day will be centered around defending Israel's airspace".
The exercise will simulate combat scenarios in the northern arena and train the IAF's divisions in their core tasks, which include maintaining air supremacy, defending Israeli airspace, and attack and reconnaissance missions. In addition, planning and control processes and logistical and technological capabilities will be put to the test, with emphasis on maintaining freedom of operation and full operational continuity.
One of the meaningful elements of this exercise is the surprise factor. Typically, the annual force-wide exercise is anchored in the periodical training plan, which allows units and squadrons to prepare accordingly. However, that is not the case this time around. "One of the main aspects that differentiate between war and training, is unpredictability", said Lt. Col. O. "The element of surprise is expressed in the ability to adapt plans to a changing reality. It also reflects the way in which we deal with the mental-psychological challenges of uncertainty".
In the Field
Unlike internally-focused exercises, the essence of this annual exercise is drilling operational procedures and the connection between the various operating bodies. "The AD (Administrative Division) that simulates the enemy throughout the drill, set itself several goals with the aim of winning the war", explains Lt. Col. O. "Thus creating a large variety of dilemmas and challenges for the force. The IAF has to face a thinking, dynamic, and determined enemy that doesn't operate according to a pre-planned strategy. The AD makes real-time situational assessments to understand how to alter the behavior of enemy-simulating forces in the field".
The intention is to simulate the war in the most accurate way possible, including the countless challenges that may arise. Doing so effectively requires people that know the arena well and can control the operation in real-time. "The AD is comprised of professional personnel from all divisions", continues Lt. Col. O. "Since we're familiar with the IAF's operational plans, we know the areas for improvement and the methods that challenge our personnel optimally. We introduce them with alterations that prevent them from acting on their original operational plans. We evaluate how IAF personnel face real-time decision-making as well as how strategic adaptations are made in the air and the command and control centers".
"Such a widescale drill a very significant event for the IAF", concludes Lt. Col. A. "The air force is a very complex organization that relies on the competence, expertise, and professionalism of each individual service member - from Air Traffic Controllers, intelligence personnel, aircrews, and more - all working toward a shared and meaningful goal. For this to happen, we must work in synergy, maintain a common language, and operate with utmost precision. This can only be achieved by holding these kinds of exercises".
