SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Army and Air National Guard, in partnership with
the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, concluded Joint Exercise Hydra on May 8, 2025. The exercise demonstrated the lethality of cross-service collaboration and the value it brings to joint force readiness, innovation, and cultural evolution within the force, an essential step in building America’s combat power and enhancing homeland security.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary multi-headed serpent of Greek mythology,
Hydra, the joint exercise incorporated the strength, adaptability, and coordination of a
force capable of operating across multiple domains in unison. Designed to simulate
modern challenges, Exercise Hydra brought together over 200 soldiers and airmen from
multiple units within the Utah National Guard, Air Force, and Air Force Reserve.
Much like its mythological namesake, known for its resilience and ability to strike from
multiple angles, the joint exercise showcased real-time battlespace visualization,
enhanced targeting coordination, and extended operational reach through advanced
technology and communication capabilities. These are critical components of
developing wartime skills, deterring the enemy, and ensuring operational flexibility in
dynamic threat environments.
Exercise Hydra is the Utah National Guard’s answer to emerging and evolving threats. It
blends innovative concepts with first-of-its-kind training to push the boundaries of joint
operations, while supporting long-term goals in peace through strength and long-term
strategic competition. The Exercise demonstrated joint force capability to project combat
power across the full spectrum of operations.
“We must prepare for the future in different ways. The next fight will not be the same as
previous fights. We will be required to think differently, plan differently, and act
differently,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dan Boyack, the adjutant general, Utah
National Guard. “We are focused on defending and strengthening our homeland while
we adapt and innovate our wartime skills to be ready to respond and strike the enemy
anywhere and anytime.”
Building on concepts proven successful in previous years, planners for Exercise Hydra
developed a unique scenario that combined multiple Army and Air Force units across
several components. Together, they trained on joint targeting processes and
communication platforms to maximize effects on exercise targets across the state and
region, advancing both wartime skills and joint mission integration.
Exercise Hydra enhanced the ground command’s ability to visualize the battlespace in
real time, showcasing the power of new connections between targeting platforms,
artillery, and fighter aircraft—including B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, F-35 Lightning II
fighters, KC-135 Stratotankers, AH-64 Apache helicopters, and Sikorsky UH-60 Black
Hawks. This improved capability increased overall battlefield flexibility and proved
essential in coordinating precision across services, a testament to joint force readiness
and lethality.
As the defense landscape evolves, the Utah National Guard remains committed to
accelerating change, ensuring readiness, and fostering a culture of continuous
improvement. Exercise Hydra also marked a cultural shift within the Utah National
Guard by providing soldiers and airmen the opportunity to share ideas, influence
decisions and operational focus; advancing both combat readiness and fiscal
responsibility through smarter, more efficient training initiatives.
“When leaders are willing to challenge the status quo, truly listen to the suggestions of
those they lead, and accept any associated risks, the possibilities are endless,” said
Boyack. “The team exceeded all my expectations with this exercise, and I couldn’t be
more proud of all they accomplished.”
The Utah National Guard remains committed to building strong, agile teams capable of
defending the homeland and deploying globally in support of national security
objectives. This ensures that when the next fight arrives, the Utah National Guard is
prepared and at the cutting edge of modern warfare, with a joint force capability to
project combat power wherever needed.
