S4S leads the way in largest, most realistic Space Flag yet

Published Jan. 14, 2026
By Capt. Cameron Silver
U.S. Space Forces-Space

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Guardians assigned to U.S. Space Forces-Space (S4S) headquarters, the Combined Space Operations Center and the National Space Defense Center recently wrapped up Space Flag 26-1—the latest and largest iteration of the U.S. Space Force’s premier space warfare training exercise—after three weeks of hands-on scenarios alongside joint partners Dec. 1-19, 2025.

This was the 22nd Space Flag and featured stress-testing master space plans, live assessments, new technology, and around 800 participants across multiple bases. These advancements and the opportunity to utilize actual equipment—just as they would in a real-world scenario—allowed close replication of how combat leaders would run their formations in wartime conditions.

“Space Flag provides a great opportunity for Space Force forces to train like we fight, with who we fight, because ultimately, we will fight like we train,” said Lt. Col. Tyler Paffet, director of operations for both Space Delta 15 and the NSDC.

The exercise included personnel from HQ S4S, the CSpOC, the NSDC, the National Reconnaissance Office and the 392nd Combat Training Squadron serving as players and exercise controllers.

The role of HQ S4S in the exercise was higher command, dispensing strategic oversight of the operations, while the CSpOC and the NSDC provided command and control of space assets in their respective mission areas.

“26-1 allowed us to hone the synchronization between operational command and control and tactical execution,” said Paffet.

The CSpOC, co-located with HQ S4S at Vandenberg SFB, specializes in delivering synchronized space effects while integrating with joint and coalition partners. The NSDC, located at Schriever SFB in Colo., is tasked with shielding space assets by utilizing space domain radar sensing, joint battle management, intelligence and cyber capabilities to achieve space superiority.

“Delta 15 and the National Space Defense Center propel tactical forces’ ability to achieve space superiority through maximum application of mission command principles,” said Paffet.

The principles referenced by Paffet are those found in Space Force Doctrine Document 1, where mission command is characterized by empowered Guardians who make decisions at the necessary speed, enabled by clear orders, authorities, control and coordination.

While the first week of the training focused on operational mission planning—generating plans and task orders—the second and third weeks launched participants into a slew of tactical scenarios.

S4S’s overall objectives for the exercise were to prepare Guardians to operate and lead in contested, degraded, and operationally limited space environments as well as to enhance space integration amongst the different space disciplines in realistic training environments.

“The Fighting Tigers achieved notable success in developing and refining crisis and conflict authority matrices, which enabled command and control to be decentralized, empowering the lowest echelons to make rapid, effective decisions in specific scenarios,” said Col. Justin Sorice, Space Delta 5 commander and CSpOC director, referencing the unit’s informal moniker.

Among the technology fielded for this exercise were live range emitters for real-time signal geolocation and a virtual radio frequency environment to test electronic warfare capabilities—both firsts for the exercise.

“The team embraced a ‘field to learn’ approach to innovation, rapidly deploying and adapting new tools such as Minerva (a space domain awareness apparatus), thereby strengthening our combat readiness, and ensuring that our capabilities evolve at the pace of operational needs,” said Sorice. “This proactive approach directly supports our efforts to stay ahead of adversaries and enhance mission-critical effectiveness.”

In the final stage of the exercise, the assessments and feedback provided players with specific areas of success and improvement—vital information as S4S and the rest of the Space Force continue adapting to provide combat-ready operators and commanders that can meet real-world threats in an increasingly contested environment.

“Combat Delta 1-5's participation in Space Flag 26-1 significantly enhanced our processes and procedures, fostering better integration with tactical units to deliver critical space-enabled support for military operations,” said Sorice.

In utilizing Space Delta 5’s combat designation, Sorice echoes the 24/7 mission of S4S in the protection and defense of the space domain and the never-ending effort to be ready for the future fight. Space Flag 26-1 underscored S4S’s is determination to meet that challenge.