CALIENTE, Nev. -- In the vast Nevada desert, where dust and heat push Airmen to their limits, the 729th Air Control Squadron (ACS) has been proving why they are among the Air Force's premier command and control units. Tasked with establishing a deployed radar and communications network in a contested battlespace, the Utah-based squadron has spent the past two weeks integrating with joint and coalition forces for one of the world's most rigorous combat training exercises, Red Flag.
The exercise, designed to replicate peer-level adversary threats, challenges Airmen to execute real-world operations in an environment where failure is not an option. For the 729th ACS, it's not just a training mission, it's a validation of their ability to rapidly deploy, set up a mobile sensor network, and provide critical air battle management in high-threat scenarios.
"The best way to think of us is as the eyes and ears of the air war," said 1st Lt. Justin VanMeter, operations officer, signal corps. "We provide real-time sensor coverage that enables tactical command and control out of the Tactical Operations Center at Nellis."
The squadron's deployable radar site acts as an early warning system, detecting and tracking aircraft, and feeding critical data to Air Battle Managers who orchestrate the fight. The ability to establish this network away from fixed infrastructure makes the 729th ACS indispensable in combat operations.
"We're out here in the middle of nowhere, but without us, the commanders at Nellis would be blind," said Master Sgt. Dustin Herznak, CMSD flight chief. "If we're down, they have no picture of the battlespace. We're the first link in the chain."
That link, however, is tested at every level during Red Flag. The 729th ACS has faced a gauntlet of simulated attacks, from cyber threats to chemical warfare scenarios, each designed to push their ability to operate under pressure.
"The evaluation has covered everything from Tactical Combat Casualty Care to responding to system failures due to battle damage," said Capt. John Zehnder, inspector general of exercises. "It's not just about setting up our equipment, it's about proving we can sustain the mission when things go wrong."
The road to Red Flag was an exercise in itself. The squadron executed a two-day convoy, transporting sensitive radar and communication systems across state lines, a process has historically posed logistical challenges.
"This time, we took every lesson learned from previous movements and applied it," said VanMeter. "No major hiccups, no delays. That's a testament to how well-prepared our team was before we even arrived."
Once on-site, the unit moved quickly to establish its footprint, getting the radar operational and linked into the broader network within 24 hours.
"The setup was faster and more efficient than anything I've seen before," said 1st Lt. Jayla Garner, officer in charge of mission systems. "Watching our young Airmen hit the ground running and execute with confidence was incredible."
For many of those Airmen, this was their first taste of a large-scale combat training exercise. The intensity of the training, combined with the pressure of performing in a joint environment, was an eye-opener.
"This is the first exercise I've been on, so I didn't have a reference point," said Garner. "But seeing how quickly everything came together, how seamlessly we integrated with other units, it's clear that this team is operating at a really high level."
At Red Flag, the 729th ACS is working alongside Marine Corps and Navy elements and allied forces from Australia and the United Kingdom. The ability to integrate with coalition partners is a critical aspect of modern warfare, and Red Flag provides a rare opportunity to practice those relationships in a controlled environment.
The exercise also allows higher leadership to prove that the squadron can deploy, establish operations, and sustain itself in an austere environment while working with international partners. Beyond showcasing their ability to execute, it highlights the importance of maintaining legacy systems while integrating newer technologies. Troubleshooting and adapting to unpredictable conditions in the field reinforce the fundamental skills Airmen will need in real-world combat scenarios.
For the 729th ACS, Red Flag is more than a training exercise, it's a chance to measure themselves against the highest standards and to refine their ability to deploy at a moment's notice.
"We've taken everything we've practiced, convoy training, field exercises, daily operations, and put it to the test in an environment that simulates real combat," said Lt. Col. Tyler Lorhenz, director of operations. "This is our Super Bowl, and we've proven we're ready."
As the exercise nears its conclusion, the 729th ACS leaves behind more than a successful training record. The experience gained here will shape their approach to future operations, ensuring that this team is prepared to answer when the call comes, whether for a real-world deployment or another large-scale exercise.
"Our Airmen now know what it feels like to execute at this level," said Lorhenz. "And that confidence, that experience, it's what will make the difference in the fight when it really counts."