Commander, 3-4 ADA, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Richard A. Harrison (front), and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Paris A. Williams, 3-4 ADA’s Battalion CSM, exit the plane at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, that returned them home from an 11-month deployment on 29 April 2012.
(U.S. Army photo by Captain Jonathon M. Lewis, 108th Air Defense Brigade.)

3-4 ADA RETURNS AFTER ELEVEN-MONTH DEPLOYMENT
Article by Army Staff Sergeant Vianne R. Davis, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Public Affairs

FORT BRAGG, North Carolina – The 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery (3-4 ADA) Regiment, 108th ADA Brigade completed an eleven month deployment to Southwest Asia. The unit’s advanced echelon (ADVON) personnel returned on 5 April 2012, while the main body of 3-4 ADA’s Soldiers followed on 29 April 2012.

The battalion’s overall mission was to provide air and missile defense of critical defense assets in support of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The unit’s objectives were to enhance strategic relationships and reassure coalition partners in specified areas of responsibility. Protection of critical assets from tactical ballistic missiles and air breathing threats fell to the Soldiers of 3-4 ADA to enhance regional stability and allow freedom of maneuver for U.S. and coalition forces.

The battalion had had only four months preparation time prior to their deployment departure in May 2011. Within seventy-two hours of taking command of 3-4 ADA, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Harrison boarded a plane to deploy with his battalion.

“For the first time in twenty years the battalion commander deployed with the battalion’s colors,” said Paris Williams, 3-4 ADA’s Command Sergeant Major (CSM).

One Soldier in particular who had to overcome very tough personal complications was Specialist (SPC) Brittany Durant, the 3-4 ADA, Headquarters Battery medic. Her mother, Mrs. Terri Manthei is a major supporter of her Brittany’s military career, as well as her daughter deploying with her unit.

“When she deployed, I was at her house, trying to salvage the remainder of her belongings that was devastated by tornados; yet she still left, entrusting everything to her husband and me to try to piece together,” said Mrs. Manthei.

At left, Specialist (SPC) Brittany Durant assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB), 3^rd Battalion, 4^th Air Defense Artillery (3-4 ADA) Regiment as a medic and her Mother, Mrs. Terri Manthei, are all smiles as they were reunited at Green Ramp 3-4 ADA’s after the Battalion’s redeployment ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 5 April 2012.  At right, Soldiers from 3-4 ADA reunite with family members at Green Ramp after the unit’s redeployment ceremony on 5 April 2012.
(U.S. Army photos both by Captain Ebony J. Malloy, 108th Air Defense Brigade Public Affairs Officer.)
Below, Children from the families of 3-4 ADA’s Soldiers await the return of their previously deployed parent on 29 April 2012.
(U.S. Army photo by Captain Jonathon M. Lewis, 108th Air Defense Brigade.)


Although Durant endured personal hardships in the midst of her preparation for deployment; her commitment to her unit and the United States Army enabled her to carry out her part of 3-4 ADA’s mission while downrange.

“I have a great family and because of that my concerns were lessened because I knew my family would take care of it,” said SPC Durant.

Soldiers in the unit were encouraged to use their time oversees to accomplish as many individual goals as possible.

“We had Soldiers accomplishing significant personal goals, such as working towards their degrees, financial management, and improving physical fitness. One Soldier was able to lose seventy-one pounds while deployed,” said LTC Harrison.

About twenty-five Soldiers were also motivated to change their financial lifestyles after attending financial management classes that were available for them. The battalion had to rely on discipline, training and mentorship from CSM Williams in order to effectively accomplish their roles and positions under the constraints they had to operate in while deployed.

“We put our senior noncommissioned officers (NCOs) in key leader positions and took our young specialists and put them in critical positions and they all performed very well,” said LTC Harrison.

The unit returned to Fort Bragg after completing their mission, ready to reintegrate with loved ones and conducted future reset training preparing for the next mission.

“We set the bar throughout our area of operation through numerous crew evaluations, displaying professionalism and execution of our mission. We partnered seamlessly with the host nation, and worked jointly with the Air Force during the deployment,” said LTC Harrison.

At left, LTC Richard A. Harrison, 3-4 ADA Commander, addresses family members at Green Ramp (Pope Army Airfield) during 3-4 ADA's redeployment ceremony on 29 April 2012. At right, The Soldiers of 3-4 ADA march off Pope Army Airfield with their Commander and Command Sergeant Major (CSM), Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. Harrison, CSM Paris A. Williams, leading the formation with the battalion colors after exiting the plane at Green Ramp on 29 April 2012.
(U.S. Army photos by Captain Jonathon M. Lewis, 108th Air Defense Brigade.)

THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ARMY AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE COMMAND IN EUROPE
Article by Sergeant Megan Boyer, 10th U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense Command Public Affairs

Kaiserslautern, Germany — The 10th U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), located at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany, serves as the U.S. Army Europe’s executive agent for all theater air and missile defense (AMD) operations and force management. Formally known as 357th Air and Missile Defense Detachment (AAMDC-D), the 10th AAMDC was activated on 17 October 2011, but wasn’t fully recognized as such until the redesignation ceremony on 5 January 2012.

The 10th AAMDC vigorously participates in events such as cross-combatant command and global ballistic missile defense (BMD) seminars, table top exercises, integrated AMD information sharing and alliance building as it deploys Patriot units quarterly to Poland to conduct multinational training events.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Benjamin Ogden, 10th AAMDC Chief of Staff explained, “We have become a doctrinally sound organization that is comparable to the other combatant commands. Each combatant command doctrinally needs a AAMDC to help facilitate the AMD operations and to provide the needed and necessary capabilities within the European command that the 357th AAMD-D could not provide.”

Currently, the 10th AAMDC is manned, trained and equipped to communicate, shoot and move across any theater of operation. Their competence and proficiency rests on four pillars: Soldier and Family readiness, equipment readiness, training readiness and combat readiness.

Sergeant (SGT) Milo Estrello, administrative assistant noncommissioned officer-in-charge (NCOIC) for the 10th AAMDC stated, “I am absolutely confident with this unit’s capabilities, motivation and dedication that our troops display daily. I can sleep at night knowing my son will be ok because of the work that is done by 10th AAMDC.”

“Knowing that in a minute’s time we can be called upon to protect our assets makes it a very rewarding experience to be a European defender,” said SGT Andrew Boyer, a squad leader assigned to Delta Battery, 5^th Battalion, 7^th Air Defense Artillery (D/5-7 ADA).

In addition to their missions, 10th AAMDC conducts training readiness authority over 5-7 ADA and the 11th Missile Defense Detachment (an SMDC unit). This generates a well-trained air defense Patriot Battalion where individual, as well as, collective readiness training is completed.

With the importance of BMD increasing around the world, the 10th AAMDC is a critical asset to the United States European Command and the symbol of Air Defense Artillery across Europe.

European Defender – Strength and Excellence!

SOLDIERS AND SPOUSES FROM 2-1 ADA OBSERVE THE SEXUAL ASSUALT/HARASSMENT AWARENESS MONTH AND MONTH OF MILITARY CHILDREN
Article and photo by Sergeant First Class Jason L. Kennedy,
2d Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Brigade Public Affairs

Female Soldiers assigned to and military Spouses affiliated with the 2d Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery (2-1 ADA) Regiment, Camp Carroll, South Korea, run during the Female Mentorship Fun Run/Walk on 27 April 2012. Participants  pictured are (from right to left) Private First Class (PFC) Nicole C. Ogelvie, Staff Sergeant (SSG) Kimerbly T. Cook, Specialist (SPC) Lisa A. McClelland, Sergeant (SGT) Tiffney R. Johnson, PFC Rachel M. Dobbs, Private Second Class (PV2) Sandra C. Patno, SGT Siddoni L. Logan, and PFC Sofia D. Aguayo.

CAMP CARROLL, South Korea – On 27 April 2012, female Soldiers and military wives, some with their children, representing the 2d Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery (2-1 ADA) Regiment “Guardians” participated in the camp’s Female Mentorship Fun Run/Walk.

The event was hosted by the 2-1 ADA Family Readiness Group (FRG) and designed to be a relaxed environment for the participants. It allowed the women and their children to join together to acknowledge Sexual Assault/Harassment Awareness Month, while also honoring Military Children’s Month.

“The purpose of the run was to observe sexual assault/harassment awareness month, and in commemoration of April being the month of the military child,” said Staff Sergeant Kimberly Cook, event coordinator and noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “In addition to foster mentoring relationships, participating Soldiers and mentors have the opportunity to focus on their careers, personal development, and team building skills.”

Cook also commented that the goal is to make sure that female Soldiers at any rank know that they can have role models to emulate, not imitate.

The 55 participants began the event at 6 A.M. with preparation drills led by Sergeant Nina Richards. Afterward, two groups broke off—runners and walkers. The walkers completed two-miles with strollers and toddlers atop their mother’s shoulders while the runners ran 3.10 miles with random pit-stops for some additional strength exercises. Accompanying the runners were 2-1 ADA’s Commander Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) J.M Rose Jr., and Command Sergeant Major John W. Foley.

The final activity was an open forum where the women shared individual experiences and words of inspiration and wisdom related to sexual assault/ harassment among the group.

When asked about his thoughts about the event, LTC Rose stated, “It proved to be a spirited, morale-boosting event for over 40 female Soldiers and spouses; they clearly enjoyed the time together and a chance to step out of the normal daily routine.”

Incorporating other 2-1 ADA team building activities, such as relays and the integration of male Soldiers and spouses is in the planning stages and is expected to be implemented by this summer.

CUTLINES – Female Soldiers assigned to and military Spouses affiliated with the 2d Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery (2-1 ADA) Regiment, Camp Carroll, South Korea, run during the Female Mentorship Fun Run/Walk on 27 April 2012.

10th ARMY AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE COMMAND’S PATRIOT DEPART FOR POLISH ROTATION
Article by Second Lieutenant Jean P. Tomte, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Public Affairs

RHINE ORDNANCE BARRACKS, Germany – In August of 2008, the United States and the Republic of Poland signed a declaration of strategic cooperation to strengthen missile defense in eastern Europe and solidify a strategic partnership. The two nations concurred that a bilateral relationship would be beneficial; thus, they agreed to the expansion of a joint air and missile defense cooperation. The success of these rotations has been attributed to the commitment of U.S. Army Patriot Air and Missile Defense Soldiers stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and has played an essential role in enhancing U.S.-Polish cooperation, as well as strengthening the strategic partnership of both nations.

A rotational deployment was established exclusively for training and training exercise. The rotational deployments to Torun, Utka and Morag, have provided both American and Polish Soldiers the opportunity to gain and share valuable tactics, techniques, strategy and knowledge.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery (5-7 ADA) Regiment home-based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, is teaching Polish Soldiers generator operations. (U.S. Army photo.)

Captain Michael Unbehauen, the action Officer for P2P said, “It is important for our Soldiers to work with Soldiers from other countries especially NATO partners.” He continued by saying, “I was amazed to see how well the Polish military tried everything to accommodate us and how well we were received in Poland.”

The initial planning conference was held in Warsaw, and so far nine rotations are completed. U.S. Army Europe (USAEUR) is the lead component and rotates one Patriot battery to Poland for no less than 30 days every quarter.

Soldiers from the 10th AAMDC and the Polish Air Force have demonstrated a strong commitment and the willingness to share their experiences during these rotations. Soldiers from both nations expand their relationship through training such as partnership ranges, soccer games and social events. The partnership range gives both the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the some of the other’s respective weapons (the U.S. M16A2, M249 and M9; and Polish UZI, PKR, and AK 47).

Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery (5-7 ADA) Regiment are interacting with Polish Soldier in Torun Poland (U.S. Army photo.)

“I have grown as a Soldier by experiencing cooperative training with the Polish Military,” said Private First Class (PFC) Francisco Flores from Dallas Texas.

PFC Flores works as a Tactical Control Assistant, assigned to Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery (A/5-7 ADA) Regiment. When asked what was surprising about the assignment Flores replied, “The eagerness of the Polish to learn our Patriot equipment.”

The 10th AAMDC is training select Polish Air Force personnel on Patriot equipment and familiarizing them with U.S. training and operation methods to improve operational familiarity furthering U.S.-Polish air and missile defense cooperation.

Cutline: 21032012-A-B6969-5157- Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery (5-7 ADA) Regiment are interacting with Polish Soldier in Torun Poland (U.S. Army photo.)

21032012-A-B6969-5154- A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery (5-7 ADA) Regiment home-based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, is teaching Polish Soldiers generator operations. (U.S. Army photo.)

2-1 ADA WINS THE 8th ARMY INDOOR SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP
Article and photo by Staff Sergeant Jason L. Kennedy,
2d Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Public Affairs

CAMP CARROLL, South Korea – Teams from across the South Korean peninsula met at the Camp Carroll Gymnasium to compete in the 8th Army Indoor Soccer Championship on 22 April 2012.

Six teams and their supporters traveled from across the peninsula to participate in the final showdown: Bravo Company, 2d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (B/2-9 INF); Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC)/2-9 INF; a combination of units calling themselves “Bulldogs-A” and “Bulldogs-B”; 168th Medical Battalion collectively; and 2d Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery (2-1 ADA) Regiment.

2-1 ADA’s Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army (KATUSA) Soldiers represented their unit throughout the Indoor Soccer season; altogether they won the Camp Carroll pre-season and season championships, Area IV Championship, KATUSA Friendship Week Championship and now the 8th Army Championship.

In the second round, the 2-1 ADA “Guardians” and Bulldogs-A faced-off in an even match with a tied score of 3-to-3 in the closing minutes of the game.  As the game was about to end, a penalty shootout was called and 2-1 ADA closed out the round with a 4-to-3 win.

After winning in the losers’ bracket, Bulldogs-A graduated to the winners’ bracket as the underdogs. Once more the Bulldogs would have the opportunity to challenge the undefeated Guardian team for the trophy and bragging rights; an opportunity to come from behind and finish victorious. Living up to its name, the Guardians defended their position. The 2-1 ADA Guardians ended the game with a final score of 5-to-3 and concluded the season maintaining an undefeated record and securing the 8th Army Championship trophy.

When asked about the factors that helped lead their team to victory, the players’ answers were unanimous. Trophy winner and youngest member of the team, Private First Class (PFC) Haneol Park, said that he felt their success came from star players.

“Corporal Young Park and PFC Jung Hwan Choi were our best players that led our team in goals,” said Park. “But I also think we won because of our team work [and] our organizational support [and] we were very proud!”

Team Captain, PFC Jung Hwan Choi wanted to give a “special thanks to all the guests, the unit chain of command, family members, and fellow Soldiers for their support. As next year’s Captain, I would like to come back to defend our trophies with a joint team, American and KATUSA.”

The 2d Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Commander, Lieutenant Colonel J. Michael Rose, Jr. (center left),
and Command Sergeant Major John W. Foley (center right), pose with their KATUSA indoor soccer team
with trophies from the 8th Army Indoor Soccer Championship Tournament, held at Camp Carroll, South Korea, on 22 April 2012.

Air Defense Regimental CSM Visit Suwon
Article by Specialist Issac Castleberry,
6th Battalion, 52d Air Defense Artillery Public Affairs
The Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Regimental Command Sergeant Major (CSM) James T. Carr Sr.(center), poses for a photo with the senior noncommissioned officers of the 6th Battalion, 52d ADA Regiment ("Iron Horse" Battalion) at Suwon Air Base, South Korea, in April 2012.

The Army is about people; once we lose sight of people then we fail as leaders.  These are a few, out of the many, words of wisdom  the Soldiers of the 6th Battalion 52d Air Defense Artillery (6-52 ADA) received from Command Sergeant Major (CSM) James T. Carr Sr. as he visited the air defenders of Suwon Air Base to address concerns over the future of Air Defense Artillery (ADA).

The day started with a brisk three mile “Enlisted” only run.  Although weather conditions weren’t exactly ideal, the “Iron Horse” Battalion showed resilience and determination as they demonstrated that it takes more than an act of nature to stop the “Iron Horse” Battalion from training.

After the run, seniors noncommissioned officers (NCOs) had an empowering breakfast as they listened to CSM Carr share his 31 years of wisdom and experience while they ate.  CSM Carr expressed his deep love for the Air Defense community and his love for the Soldiers.  Carr also provided some insight on the future of Air Defense Artillery, stating that as some military occupational specialties (MOSs) will split, dividing the current shared force structure; other MOSs will grow, requiring more Soldiers to fill the added positions in the near future.  This news ensured the senior NCOs that they could rest easy knowing that Air Defense is not only here to stay, but also to continue growing.

But the highlight of CSM Carr’s conversation with the senior NCOs of the “Iron Horse” Battalion was the information he presented to them that outlined the requirements necessary to obtain a competitive edge when competing for promotion.  The CSM emphasized the need to show versatility in today’s Army.

“Being able to be a warfighter and then come back and train Soldiers shows that you are able to do everything required of you as both a leader and a Soldier,” said Carr.

After the breakfast conclude CSM Carr, along with senior leaders and a representative from each staff shop, convened in the battalion conference room.  Here CSM Timothy D. Hockenberry laid out the accomplishments of the battalion, both past and present. CSM Hockenberry then presented the battalion’s war strength and mission readiness capabilities report. The report verified that the battalion’s Soldiers were properly train and that the battalion is always in a ready to fire stance.  CSM Hockenberry also gave CSM Carr a comprehensive look at some programs that were instituted to ensure Soldier safety.  Such programs were, but are not limited to, the Boss I Am Strong Program, Female Mentorship Program, and the "iron Horse" Indoctrination Course (IHIC) Safety Integration for new Soldiers, just to name a few.

CSM Hockenberry concluded the meeting with a blueprint for the “Iron Horse” Battalion including key leaders from both battalion and batteries expected to transition out this coming quarter.  The 6-52 ADA, CSM Hockenberry, ensured CSM Carr that the battalion will remain vigilant and proficient during this transition period.

During lunch CSM Carr was greeted with a packed dining facility (DFAC) full of “Iron Horse” Soldiers, both air defenders and support personnel, eagerly waiting to be addressed by a person of CSM Carr’s experience and stature.   Carr didn’t fail to electrify the audience as he addressed the masses with a brief about the future of ADA. The Regimental CSM [Carr] gave Soldiers the benefit of lessons he’s learned over a lifetime and accumulated during his 31 years of service.

                   
(Click on the thumbnail photos above and below to see the photos in actual size.)

“There’s nothing – as perfect soldier!” Carr said.  “And through my career, I wasn’t the smartest nor, did I do the best at everything, but I was a great people person and I was always professional.”

These words struck home with a lot of the Soldiers as they realized that even being far from perfect or failing to excel at everything doesn’t make them less of a Soldier.  Trying hard and never giving up is what matters.

Private First Class (PFC) Jade Blanche, 19, of Monroe, Georgia, said, “I know there are a lot of areas I need to work at to improve myself enough to stand out for promotion. But this is the motivation I need to progress in my career.  I don’t have to be the fastest or the smartest.  I just have to try and be the best Soldier I can be.”

During the brief CSM Carr also made it clear that he wasn’t only there for ADA Soldiers, but for Soldiers in general.  Carr wanted every Soldier to understand that no matter what your MOS is, it’s a senior leaders job (including himself) to ensure Soldiers’ needs are taken care of for their own professional development. Even if it takes branching out to other Regiments’ CSMs and establishing a line of communication to ensure Soldiers can get the best possible help for advancement in their career.

CSM Carr’s optimism and down-to-earth attitude put the Soldiers at ease. His sense of humor was infectious and Soldiers laughed and enjoyed CSM Carr’s presence.

Specialist (SPC) Ryan S. Kerrigan, 22, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, said, “Carr was both motivational and down to earth which causes Soldiers to have that same mentality.  A senior leader who shows these attributes makes it easier for Soldiers to open up and ask questions that are important to them.”

CSM Carr concluded his visit with a briefing held in the Suwon Air Base Theater.  Here Carr reiterated to the Soldiers that Air Defense Artillery is here to stay and if you plan on staying in, what can better your chances of beating the draw down.  One point Carr shared, was that in your progression always maintain three points of contact when climbing up the ladder. Two feet and one hand holding on and one hand reaching back to help your battle buddy up the ladder.
        
CSM Carr will attend 6-52 ADA’s Spring Formal at the Osan Air Base Officer Club on 27 April 2012 prior to his departure.