The 96th Test Group is an integral part of the United States Air Force dedicated to testing and evaluating airborne weapons systems and associated battle management command and control capabilities. This group operates under the Air Force Materiel Command and is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.The primary mission of the 96th Test Group involves conducting operational test and evaluation (OT&E) for the U.S. Air Force to ensure that new weapons systems meet operational requirements prior to their deployment. The group’s activities span a wide range, from air-to-air, air-to-ground, and ground-to-air weapons tests, to battle management command and control system evaluations.The 96th Test Group is composed of several test squadrons, including the 428th, 53rd, 54th, and 71st Test Squadrons, each with its specific focus on various aspects of testing and evaluation. The group’s work is essential for maintaining the U.S. Air Force’s technological edge in air combat capabilities.