AL DHAFRA AIR BASE, The United Arab Emirates -- Earlier this November the United States Air Warfare Center celebrated its’ 28th graduation from the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course (ATLC).
The class consisted of 32 members, supported by more than 400 personnel, and provided mission commanders, maintenance personnel, ground controllers, and air defense operators the opportunity to experience realistic combat scenarios to prepare for future conflicts.
“Our respective forces are responsible for maintaining the upper hand to defend our nation and protect our citizens,” said Col. Thomas Wolfe, Commander at the Air Force Central Command Air Warfare Center. “Whether it’s operational training, senior leader seminars, or exercises – these are all ideal ways to prepare our forces to operate together when called upon.”
Over the course, participants from partner nations worked together to solve tactical challenges they may face in modern conflicts. The students faced a variety of scenarios, some of which included counter unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, defensive counter air and integrated air, missile defense against cruise missiles and theatre ballistic missiles.
“ATLC ensures combat air forces are ready to win wars and builds partnerships and interoperability among allies and across multiple domains,” said Capt. Cara Fitzgerald, Chief of Command and Control. “Integrating processes, systems, and command and control functions strengthens relationships and trust – neither of which can be surged in times of crisis.”
According to Fitzgerald, with the support of the U.S. Air Force, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates are developing tactics, techniques and procedures for countering an unmanned aerial system threat.
"These routine exercises allow us to optimize the existing processes and collaboration amongst allies in order to effectively counter adversaries.” Fitzgerald said.
Graduates included mission commanders, intelligence officers, command and control, and remote piloted aircrew. Over the 4-week course 672 sorties were flown.