Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401) is an adversary squadron of the United States Marine Corps Reserve, flying the F-5N Tiger II. Known as the "Snipers", the squadron is the only adversary squadron in the Marine Corps, also is the first and only reserve squadron in the Marine Corps tasked to act as the opposing force in simulated air combat. They are based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and fall under the command of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Aircraft Group 41. VMFT-401 is a non-deployable unit.
A formation of squadron F-5N Tiger IIs over MCAS Yuma in 2018
F-5N Tiger IIs of VMFT-401 on the flightline at MCAS Beafort in 2017
An aggressor squadron or adversary squadron is a squadron that is trained to act as an opposing force in military wargames. Aggressor squadrons use enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures to give a realistic simulation of air combat. Since it is impractical to use actual enemy aircraft and equipment, surrogate aircraft are used to emulate potential adversaries.
A USAF F-16C aggressor aircraft. The camouflage scheme emulates Soviet markings.
An F-14A Tomcat aircraft from the Navy Fighter Weapons School painted to resemble an Iranian F-14.
Three F-5E Tiger II from the 527th Tactical Fighter Training Aggressor Squadron.
A US Navy Vought EA-7L Corsair II aircraft with a Soviet star and red numbers.
