In a striking blend of reality and simulation, San Francisco recently morphed into a tactical training ground for the U.S. Air Force during “Exercise Sourdough,” a comprehensive urban evasion drill that unfolded from December 8 to December 11. This event, one of the largest of its kind orchestrated by the Department of War, involved over 150 military personnel, including airmen and various law enforcement agencies, all engaged in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse across the city.
The core objective of this exercise was to enhance the airmen’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) skills—critical competencies for service members who may find themselves behind enemy lines in urban environments. Lt. Col. Mary Lea Bordelon, the commanding officer of the squadron, emphasized the importance of this training, stating that it immerses airmen in “realistic and high stress urban environments” akin to what they might face in hostile territories.
Divided into eleven teams, the airmen were tasked with evading capture for 72 hours, navigating the urban landscape with minimal resources while being actively hunted by a coalition of forces. The opposition included members from the city’s Sheriff’s Office, SWAT teams, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other military units, all eager to test the airmen’s mettle. This multifaceted approach not only provided a challenging scenario for the airmen but also offered valuable insights for law enforcement, which was keen on honing its own tactics in pursuit and capture.
The training scenarios were meticulously crafted to mimic real-life communications that soldiers might encounter in the field. For instance, airmen were given precise instructions to rendezvous with extraction teams in predetermined locations, complete with vehicle descriptions and operational signals. “For example: Go to this location; there will be a black vehicle in this spot… approach from the rear; open the trunk; take out your overnight bag and depart,” explained Bordelon. Such detailed planning ensured that participants could engage in the exercise with a sense of authentic urgency and strategy.
Notably, the drill was not without its challenges, as Bordelon noted that five of the eleven teams were captured during the exercise. This outcome underscored the realism of the training, providing both the airmen and the participating law enforcement agencies with critical lessons on evasion and pursuit strategies. “It gives some realism, for sure,” Bordelon remarked, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event as agencies worked together to refine their operational effectiveness.
As the exercise drew to a close, all teams were successfully extracted by helicopters and boats from various California agencies, culminating in their return to Moffett Federal Airfield aboard a C-5M Super Galaxy transport aircraft. Master Sgt. Jeremy Campbell succinctly captured the significance of the event, asserting, “The training value cannot be understated because there are few frameworks of this magnitude within the Department of War.”
In an era where the complexities of modern warfare increasingly demand innovative training methodologies, exercises like Sourdough serve as vital preparation for airmen. They not only enhance individual skills but also foster inter-agency cooperation, ultimately contributing to a more proficient and responsive military force. The lessons learned in the streets of San Francisco will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the city’s iconic skyline, shaping the future of military readiness in urban conflict scenarios.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
