Friendlies and aggressors squared off over Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, in May at the first Gunfighter Flag held at the base. Some 40 aircraft of six different types participated in offensive and defensive air operations, reports The Gunfighter. Alongside F-15C/Ds, F-15Es, and F-16s of Mountain Home were F-16s from Luke AFB, Ariz., B-52s from Barksdale AFB, La., E-3s from Tinker AFB, Okla., B-1Bs from Ellsworth AFB, S.D., and F-15s from the Oregon Air National Guard. During offensive counter air ops, the visitors played “red” air, while the roles reversed during defensive ops.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth vowed to undertake far-reaching reforms on the way the U.S. military buys weapons, promising a sweeping overhaul of the way the Defense Department determines requirements, handles the acquisition process, and tests its kit. The fundamental goal, which Hegseth underscored in a 1-hour and 10-minute speech…


