2025 flew by in what felt like the blink of an eye. Like every year, the DCS community faced its share of challenges — platform updates, third-party developer issues, and uncertainty around future module support. Even with those headwinds, the v303rd Fighter Group stayed focused on what matters most....flying with friends, developing skills, and building capable virtual combat aviators. Our foundation remains steady.
In a sad moment on August 1, 2025, the v303 FG lost one of our own when Recon passed away after a battle with cancer. From the moment he joined the v93FS, Recon brought a unique energy to the squadron a quiet strength, steady professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the Makos despite a demanding real-world schedule in law enforcement. He consistently showed up with humility, integrity, and heart. Whether flying training or combat sorties, Recon was always ready to support his flight, offer thoughtful advice, or share a laugh back in Discord. His calm presence on the radio made him genuinely enjoyable to fly with, even amid the chaos of Operation Hedge of Protection. He will be remembered not only for the pilot he was, but for the teammate and friend he will always remain within the Group and Makos.
The group ended 2025 honoring both Emmy and Recon during our annual End of Year sortie.
Despite some setbacks, 2025 was a strong, productive year — and 2026 is shaping up to be even better.
2025 Highlights & Operations
In 2025, the Group:
Completed two combat deployments to Afghanistan ( Operation Prevailing Liberty – Phases 1 & 2 )
Transitioned primary training from NTTR to the Cold War Germany map
Shifted operations from Spangdahlem to Ramstein AB
Continued refining tactics, techniques, and procedures across all aircraft
After years of desert operations and limited map updates, the move to Germany brought fresh training environments, better terrain variety, and renewed mission creativity.
A Tough Call: Inactivation of the v2 CAB
One of the hardest moments of the year was the decision to shut down the Virtual 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade (v2 CAB).
Challenges included:
Limited participation
Aircraft bugs impacting the Kiowa
Real-world commitments requiring leadership to step away
Several members remained with the Group and transitioned into A-10C and F-16C operations. Looking ahead, leadership is considering a new rotary-wing effort in late 2026 — focused on an Apache Attack Reconnaissance Battalion if conditions allow.
A New Chapter: Standing Up the v757th Airlift Squadron
With one door closing, another opened. The release of the C-130J-30 allowed us to begin forming the:
v757th Airlift Squadron — “Blue Tigers”
In progress now:
v303 FG Manual 11-2 DCS C-130J
C-130J B-Course development & validation
Future integration of the MC-130J when released
We're lucky to have a two members with real world experience on the C-130J and we hope to open recruitment in mid to late January — marking a major expansion of Group capability.
2025 Flight & Training Statistics
Total Group Activity
836 sorties
1533.2 flight hours
Sortie Breakdown
v93 FS (F-16C): 333 sorties / 501.5 hours
v303 FS (A-10C): 439 sorties / 912.1 hours
v2 CAB: 46 sorties / 83.3 hours
v757 AS (C-130J-30): 16 sorties / 36.7 hours
Controllers / JTAC: 27 events / 59.2 hours
Combat Deployment Totals
331 sorties
638.4 flight hours
1,037 munitions used
24,923 gun rounds fired
19 enemy aircraft destroyed
A year of steady flying, disciplined execution, and meaningful training progress.
How We Measured Up: 2025 Goals & Results
Maintain 4 active pilots per squadron weekly —B (steady roster, mixed consistency)
Solidify v2 CAB program —Not achieved (unit shut down)
Complete MQT for assigned pilots —A- (strong completion across platforms)
Train new recruits through B-Course & MQT —A- (excellent progress)
Build Weapons School courses —Partial (CAS, FL, IP complete)
Host Virtual Gunsmoke & vHawgsmoke —Deferred
Add C-130J to the Group —In progress
Evaluate MiG-29A red air role —Closed (A model wouldn't provide meaningful challenge)
Inter-organization operations —Deferred due to scheduling
Looking Ahead: 2026 Plans
Projected Training & Deployment Timeline
Germany (Ramstein AB)/ Guam (Andersen AB) — B-Course, MQT, Weapons School): 1 Jan 26 – 31 Mar 26
1. PURPOSE. This memorandum establishes the FY26 Recruiting and Retention Plan for the Virtual 303rd Fighter Group. This plan aligns recruiting, onboarding, training, and retention efforts with the FY26 Objective Force Model to ensure a sustainable, operationally credible, and leadership-supported force.
2. SITUATION.
Operational Environment. The v303 FG operates in a volunteer-based environment with finite leadership bandwidth and fluctuating participation. Historical data demonstrates that sustained readiness is driven by a small number of stable squadrons supported by niche enabling elements.
Friendly Forces. The v93 FS (F-16C) and v303 FS (A-10C) form the core combat capability of the group with the v757 AS (C-130J) being added at the end of CY25. Support functions include LotATC, Olympus, and JTAC elements.
Assumptions. Annual attrition of 10 to 15 percent is expected. Participation fluctuates based on campaign tempo, module stability, and leadership availability.
3. MISSION. The v303rd Fighter Group recruits, onboards, and retains personnel during CY26 in order to man, train, and sustain the Objective Force while preserving unit culture, training quality, and leadership endurance.
4. EXECUTION.
Command’s Intent.
Purpose: Build a durable force centered on stable squadrons and institutionalized support functions.
End State: A 30 to 45 member operational force with three healthy core squadrons, support functions actively used, and new members graduated from their respective B-Course and progressing through MQT.
Concept of Operations. Recruiting efforts will focus on squadron-specific messaging and referrals. New members will be assigned to squadrons within 72 hours and sponsored through an accelerated onboarding pipeline. Retention will be driven by predictable operations, clear progression paths, and protection of key cadre.
Tasks to Subordinate Units.
v303 FS and v93 FS: Maintain squadron culture, execute onboarding, and develop wingmen into flight leads and instructors.
v757 AS: Integrate airlift into operational planning, maintain a deliberate growth posture, and incorporate into our core combat capability.
LotATC/Olympus/JTAC: Provide command-and-control and CAS integration support for major exercises and combat operations.
Group Staff: Monitor participation metrics and manage recruiting pipelines.
5. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS. Quarterly participation reviews will categorize members as Active, ELOA, or Retired/Removed. Metrics will be tracked by the Group Staff.
From Group Leadership
A Tough Call: Inactivation of the v2 CAB
A New Chapter: Standing Up the v757th Airlift Squadron
Snoopy
