US Air Force and Space Force Undertaking Department-Level Exercise (DLE) Series in the Pacific

The US Air Force and Space Force have launched what they say is a “first-in-a-generation Department-Level Exercise (DLE) series” across multiple locations across the US and in the Indo-Pacific.

The massive exercises will involve all branches of the US Department of Defense (DoD) and along with allies and partners will involve over 12,000 members across more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles.

Over 350 joint and coalition bombers, fighters, cargo and refueling aircraft will be part of the DLE which will also involve space-based and space-enabled capabilities including space electromagnetic warfare, space domain awareness, orbital warfare and navigational warfare.

"This exercise, the first of its kind since the Cold War, marks a pivotal moment for our Air Force and Space Force, bringing together Airmen and Guardians to bolster our nation's warfighting capabilities,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in a Department of Air Force release. “Training like this alongside the Joint Force, our allies and partners in realistic operating environments using distributed operations is how we integrate capabilities to overcome any national security challenge.”

The DLE series will incorporate multiple command exercises such as Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), Resolute Space, Mobility Guardian, Emerald Warrior and Bamboo Eagle 25-3, into one overall threat deterrence scenario. The inclusion of Resolute Space, in the series will introduce the US Space Force’s capabilities as they would, when integrated in a real-world scenario.

"Exercising at this speed, scale and tempo is how we prepare for the future fight,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “We need Airmen to move fast and think outside the box, disrupting the operational status quo. We also build trust and understanding through deliberate planning, operating and learning alongside our partners across the Pacific."

One of the focus areas of the expanded exercise construct is to tackle the logistical challenges of sustaining operations over a long period of time. The US Air Mobility Command has been preparing for the month-long effort for nearly two years and has also incorporated valuable lessons from Mobility Guardian 2023.

“Validating our ability to sustain operations by rapidly flowing forces and conducting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) throughout the Indo-Pacific theater is essential,” said Allvin.

This year, the AMC will showcase improved sustainment operations, both as part of the DLE and as part of US Transportation Command’s Ultimate Distribution exercise.