<hi style=afpcap>Despite a healthy order book for its F-5 fighter with overseas customers, the US Air Force was reluctant to make a substantial purchase for the type as it simply had not need for yet another fighter type within its inventory. Small numbers were obtained for duty in South Vietnam, although these were either lost to during combat or transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force. A small number of F-5Es were operated by the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Williams AFB, Arizona, although these were primarily for overseas students who air arms were F-5 operators. However the revolution in Iran and the collapse of the South Vietnamese government left a large number of F-5s built for which there was no customer. This came at a time when the USAF was about to expand its dissimilar air combat training programme, with the need for suitable aircraft to perform the aggressor role. The F-5s were stationed at Nellis AFB, Nevada while others joined USAFE and PACAF to provide this unique brand of training . Flamboyant camouflage schemes were devised to make these 'bad guys' look as authentic as possible. These entered service during the mid/later '70s and performed their trade for a decade until it was determined that the aircraft had suffered excessively during their career performing dog fights. Their place was taken by the F-16, enabling the F-5s to be reworked and find new homes with export customers..</hi>
