Adversary squadrons, often designated as Fighter Composite (VFC) or earlier as Composite (VC) squadrons, used the A-4 to provide realistic opposition for fleet pilots flying larger, faster jets like the F-4 Phantom, F-14 Tomcat, and F/A-18 Hornet. Units such as VC-12 (later VFC-12), VC-13 (later VFC-13), VF-43, VF-45, VF-126, and VF-127 employed various Skyhawk variants—primarily the A-4E, A-4F, and TA-4J—for this purpose. These squadrons were often based at key locations like NAS Miramar, NAS Oceana, NAS Key West, and NAS Fallon, where they supported training for both active-duty and reserve pilots.

Markings presented in this decal:

1. A-4F, 155018/NJ624, VF-126, NAS Miramar, December 1991.
2. A-4E, 151095/55, NFWS, NAS Fallon, during 1986.
3. TA-4J, 154657/13, VF-126, NAS Miramar, July 1991.
4. A-4E, 152080/62, NFWS, NAS Fallon, April 1992.