Full Breakdown
U.S. Air Force Academy Conducts Large-Scale CULEX Training Exercise
4/18/2026, 9:03:06 AM
Overview of the CULEX Exercise
The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) conducted its annual "CULEX" training exercise on April 15-16, 2023, involving nearly 4,000 cadets in a simulated combat scenario. This large-scale exercise transforms the academy's 18,500 acres into a mock war environment, specifically designed to replicate a defense operation on Hokkaido, a Japanese island under attack. The exercise aims to enhance cadets' decision-making, teamwork, and leadership skills in a realistic setting.
Structure and Activities
During the CULEX, cadets are divided into four joint operating areas (JOAs), each comprising approximately 800 cadets tasked with defending airfields, high-value assets, and a downed airman. The exercise incorporates real-world challenges, including managing injured personnel and responding to simulated attacks from a designated "Red Force," which consists of upperclassmen acting as adversaries. Colonel Jennifer Hall, the CULEX director, emphasized the importance of creating an immersive environment, stating, "What we're trying to do is have the cadets prioritize through decision-making."
Training Focus and Objectives
The CULEX is designed not only to simulate combat but also to foster essential skills among cadets. Unlike traditional training exercises that may employ a pass-or-fail system, this year's CULEX emphasizes building confidence and teamwork. Hall noted that the exercise prepares cadets for future roles in the Space Force and Air Force, enhancing their ability to tackle complex problems. "The only way to prepare for the fight that we're in, or the future fight, is to develop the training necessary where they can experience it real time," she explained.
Cadet Participation and Experience
Cadets engage in various activities, including flying aircraft, deploying parachutes, and defending their camps with airsoft guns. Others operate drones and utilize mapping technology to address challenges encountered during the exercise. This hands-on experience is intended to equip cadets with the skills necessary for their upcoming roles as officers, particularly as many are set to graduate in just over a month.
Criticism & Opposition
While the CULEX is generally well-received, some critics argue that the focus on simulated combat may not fully prepare cadets for the unpredictability of real-world scenarios. Concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of training methods and whether they effectively translate to actual combat situations.
Official Statements
Colonel Hall reiterated the importance of the CULEX in developing future leaders, stating, "For our seniors, in 44 days, they're going to graduate, and they're going to go off, and they're going to be officers... how much more equipped they're going to be to lead."
Verbatim Quotes
- "What we're trying to do is have the cadets prioritize through decision-making." — Colonel Jennifer Hall, CULEX Director
- "The only way to prepare for the fight that we're in, or the future fight, is to develop the training necessary where they can experience it real time." — Colonel Jennifer Hall, CULEX Director
- "For our seniors... they're going to be officers... how much more equipped they're going to be to lead." — Colonel Jennifer Hall, CULEX Director
