LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Instructor pilots from the 87th Flying Training Squadron (FTS) conducted a training exercise August 8, 2025, executing mission readiness objectives and enhancing the instructor pilot development in the T-38C Talon.
The exercise scenario integrated instructors from across the wing, pairing previous operational assignment instructors with First Assignment Instructor Pilots (FAIPs), imparting lessons of basic Combat Aviation knowledge and tactics. The 87th FTS pilots flew within an expanded Military Operations Area (MOA), coordinating with multiple agencies, to practice conducting visual rejoins from non-standard positions.
“Operating in an expanded MOA during this exercise, increased the ground knowledge of our FAIP core and increased all instructor pilots’ ability to safely reform a formation for various scenarios,” said Capt. Sebastian Coburn, 87th FTS instructor pilot.
Experienced fighter pilots took lead of 4-ship T-38C formations, where less experienced instructor pilots gained and maintained the visual lookout of other aircraft.
Gaining and maintaining visual identification of other aircraft is the foundational building block of basic fighter tactics. During the exercise, FAIPs sharpened their ability to not only find other aircraft in a non-standard location but maintain the visual to safely and successfully complete the rejoin.
“It's an axiom we tell our young Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) students, ‘lose sight, lose the fight,’” said Capt. Andrew Barto, 87th FTS instructor pilot. “It’s essential not only in the Combat Air Forces but also here training students to maintain the visual in order to be safe and complete our training missions.”
The 87th FTS, affectionately called the Red Bulls, conducted the exercise on the seventh of August, 8/7, known around Laughlin as Red Bulls Day, honoring the tradition and mission of the squadron.
As part of the 47th Flying Training Wing, the 87th FTS utilizes the T-38C to train graduate student pilots for operational assignments across the Air Force. Red Bulls instructors train their students in the foundation of high-performance jet operations, preparing them for assignments as Combat-Ready aviators.
“This exercise marks an important step in advancing instructor development at Laughlin,” said Lt. Col. Johnathan Radtke, 87th FTS commander. “By challenging our instructor pilots in complex, dynamic scenarios, we’re not only honing their tactical skills but also preparing them to train the next generation of Combat Air Force aviators.”