414th Combat Training Squadron

414th Combat Training Squadron
The building at Nellis AFB where the squadron hosts Red Flag exercises, 2023
Active1943–1947; 1969–1981; 1991–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleCombat Training Unit
Part ofAir Combat Command
Garrison/HQNellis Air Force Base, Nevada
Engagements
World War IIEAME Theater[1]
Decorations
Distinguished Unit Citation

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (7x)[1]
Insignia
414th Combat Training Squadron emblem (approved 22 October 1980)[1]
414th Night Fighter Squadron emblem[2]

The 414th Combat Training Squadron (414 CTS) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 57th Wing, 57th Operations Group at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The 414th is a non-flying organization charged with hosting Red Flag exercises, Air Combat Command's largest Large Force Exercise (LFE).

The unit was originally formed as the 414th Night Fighter Squadron in 1943. After training, it was deployed to Twelfth Air Force during the North African Campaign to provide air defense interceptor protection against Luftwaffe night air raids. It later operated in Sardinia, Corsica, Italy, plus a detachment served in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. It returned to the United States and was inactivated in 1947.

It was reactivated as the 414th Fighter Weapons Squadron at Nellis in 1969, serving in that role until inactivated in 1983. It was activated again at Nellis in 1991 as the 414th composite Training Squadron. In 2005, it became a non-flying squadron managing Red Flag exercises.

  1. ^ a b c Kane, Robert B. (30 June 2009). "Factsheet 414 Combat Training Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  2. ^ Watkins, p. 49