What is hard deck meaning?

A hard deck is a designated altitude above ground level that fighter pilots must maintain during training or combat missions. It is a safety measure to prevent collisions or accidents between aircraft. Falling below the hard deck is considered a pilot error and can result in disciplinary action or even grounding. The exact altitude of the hard deck varies depending on the mission and location, but it is typically set between a few hundred to a few thousand feet above the ground. Pilots must be aware of the hard deck during their flight and continuously monitor their altitude to avoid a violation.