Blue Flag (United States Air Force exercise)

Blue Flag is a command and control exercise conducted by the United States Air Force. It is designed to train Air Force personnel in air operations center (AOC) functions, crisis action planning, and execution of airpower across the spectrum of conflict. It is a large-scale, joint, and combined exercise, often involving other branches of the U.S. military, as well as allied nations. The exercise focuses on improving interoperability, refining command and control processes, and ensuring effective integration of airpower into broader military operations. Blue Flag typically simulates a complex, contested environment and aims to replicate real-world challenges faced by air component commanders and their staffs. The exercise emphasizes the effective use of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets, targeting processes, and battle management techniques. Blue Flag helps prepare air component commanders and their teams to rapidly respond to contingencies and to effectively manage air operations in support of national security objectives.