Military Training at Volk Field Taking Place Through August 24
From Facebook: “This video was put together a couple years ago following one of our Northern Lightning exercises. The exercise going on right now is the largest joint force exercise in the history of Volk Field. The training our troops get here is unlike any other training in the world!”
CAMP DOUGLAS, Wis. — Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center will host aircraft and personnel from multiple active duty Air Force, National Guard, Marine and Navy units as part of the annual Northern Lightning Counterland training exercise Aug. 13-24.
Northern Lightning is one of seven Air National Guard joint accredited exercises held at a Combat Readiness Training Center. According to Col. Chad Milne, Wisconsin Air National Guard director of operations, the two-week long exercise will increase military readiness by providing participating units a tactical level, joint training environment emphasizing user-defined objectives.
The general public can expect to see an increase in aircraft activity in and around the Camp Douglas area Aug. 13-24. Those living in the following counties can anticipate increased flight activity in the airspace from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. from Aug. 13-24 as well: Adams, Brown, Calumet, Clark, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Jackson, Marathon, Marquette, Monroe, Outagamie, Portage, Sauk, Sheboygan, Trempealeau, Waupaca, Winnebago, and Wood.
“The goal of the exercise is to provide tailored, cost-effective and realistic combat training for participating units in a joint and multinational environment.” Milne said. “The specific exercise scenario focuses on opposed air interdiction against a highly integrated air defense network composed of relevant surface-to-air and air-to-air threats.”
More than 1,000 participants and 60 aircraft representing a broad range of military assets are participating in the exercise.
There are Air Force, National Guard, Navy and Marine assets participating from units based in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Additionally, international partners are coming to observe portions of the exercise.
This year’s exercise runs in two sessions. The first was May 14-25, and the second is Aug. 13-24. Overall, Northern Lightning emphasizes air interdiction and fourth- and fifth-generation fighter integration, while focusing specifically on unit aircrew training objectives to prepare participating units for both their state and federal missions.
Volk Field is one of four combat readiness training centers in the country. It specializes in counterland operations, and is able to blend live and synthetic training domains. It has a 9,000-foot military-use only runway able to accommodate most military aircraft, and a 30,000 cubic mile airspace up to 50,000 feet. It is well equipped and situated to meet most aircrew training needs.
