by Captain Carlos E. Chaparro
 

     As the Air Defense Artillery action officer for displays at this year's Army-Navy game, I welcomed hundreds of visitors, ranging from teenagers to aging veterans, to the ADA exhibit in Baltimore. As I spoke to them, it became obvious that most had no idea what the Air Defense Artillery branch is or what it does in support of our nation’s defense. They had the impression that ADA’s job was just to counter aircraft and helicopters; they were unaware that tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles are now at the top of our target list. Most guests who visited the ADA display assumed we have no role to play in counter-terrorism operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, where ADA units have been carrying out both conventional and nonconventional missions since the start of hostilities. They also were surprised to learn that ADA units are positioned around-the-clock to defend the National Capital Region against terrorist air attacks. I also learned that high school students thinking of joining the military and cadets who will soon be second lieutenants were uninformed or confused about ADA roles, missions and capabilities.

     Naturally, I felt compelled to set the record straight, so that our fellow citizens and future Soldiers and officers understand that we are here to stay . . . relevant, ready, and engaged.

      I told visitors that the improved Patriot Advance Capabilities-3 (PAC-3) batteries had successfully intercepted and destroyed every tactical ballistic missile that threatened U.S. or friendly forces during the invasion of Iraq. I spoke of the heroism displayed by our Avenger and Bradley Linebacker Soldiers during the drive on Baghdad. I also explained that ADA units remain engaged in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with Soldiers currently on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I told our guest about ADA officers and NCOs engaged in training and supporting hundreds of Iraqi Soldiers while assigned to military transition teams (MTTs). I didn't tell them about the vital role that Air Defense Airspace Management (ADAM) cells are playing in deconflicting the crowded airspace over the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan, figuring this would go right over their heads, but I did tell them about our Counter-Rocket Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) batteries that are protecting forward operating bases from indirect fire attacks.  I briefly described how ADA units and detachments support counterterrorism operations by watching the skies and protecting geopolitical and strategic assets in places like Qatar, Korea, and Japan.

At left, Captain Carlos E. Chaparro welcomes a veteran to the ADA exhibit. At right, visitors pick up handouts at an ADA display booth.

     Convincing visitors that Air Defense Artillery has a bright future was relatively easy. No one else can do what we do. Our branch is in the midst of  a transformation that will ensure its endurance and relevance for many decades to come. A Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system served as the centerpiece of the ADA display. This soon-to-be-fielded system will complement Patriot to provide a near leak-proof air and missile defense umbrella for our deployed forces and host population centers. The more easily deployable and more mobile Medium-Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) will gradually replace Patriot. At home, these systems will integrate with newly operational Midcourse Ground-Based Missile Defense system interceptors to protect our homeland from long-range ballistic missile attacks. The new Joint Land-Attack Cruse Missile Elevated Netted Sensor (JLENS) system will work with Avenger and its replacement, the Surface-Launched Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (SLAMRAAM) system, to close the cruise missile protection gap.

      Cadets were eager to learn about ADA assignment opportunities, which is one of our branch's strong points. New assignment opportunities have already opened up for our officers and enlisted Soldiers. As ADA brigades around the world are repositioned in support of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiatives, ADA Soldiers will be able to request assignments in any region of the continental United Sates and many overseas locations as well. With the addition of ADAM cells into every brigade combat team in the US Army, our Soldiers will now be able to serve not only in pure ADA units, but alongside their comrades who wear other combat arm branch insignia.

     The future of ADA is bright. We are at the cutting edge of technological advances that will  dramatically enhance assignment, promotion and professional development for ADA Soldiers. Welcoming visitors to the ADA displays set up on the shores of Baltimore's inner harbor allowed us to serve as goodwill ambassadors for our branch to the people of that great city. I believe it is absolutely essential that our fellow citizens see and experience first-hand what their Army does in support of their way of life. In this day and age, an era in which some of our citizens see the Army in the light of bad news, it was refreshing for them and us to share ideas and experiences. Many of them came to realize that the Soldiers in their service are just as human as they are and as American as apple pie. Air Defense Artillery remains relevant, ready, and engaged.