In the Coast Artillery Journal for March-April, 1942, there appeared an' article entitled, We're Still the Coast Artillery Corps, which touched upon the recent reorganization of the Coast Artillery Corps and activation of the new Antiaircraft Command. The following article gives a picture of the composition and functions of the Antiaircraft Command.

Effective March 9, 1942 the Antiaircraft Command came into being as an agency with command functions, under the Headquarters Army Ground Forces, which had been created at the same time. The primary mission of the ktiaircraft Command is to instruct and train officers and enlisted men for duty with Antiaircraft and Barrage Balloon Units, and to organize, equip, and train such units for combat service.

Soldiers launched the first barrage balloon at the Barrage Balloon Training Center, Camp Tyson, Tennessee.

In the furtherance of this mission, the Commanding General, Antiaircraft Command, exercises command over certain installations and activities, and over all Antiaircraft Artillery and Barrage Balloon Units in the Continental United States, except those assigned to Defense Commands or otherwise specifically exempted from his 'control. The activation of new Antiaircraft Artillery and Barrage Balloon Units is initiated at the direction of the Commanding General, Army Ground Forces. The activated units then undergo a period of intensive training in preparation for active combat service. Through the medium of inspections, the Commanding General, Antiaircraft Command, determines when a unit is trained and equipped for release to Task Forces or Defense Commands.

 In addition to the primary mission set forth above, the Commanding General, Antiaircraft Command, has several other important functions and responsibilities. He is responsible to the Commanding General, Army Ground Forces, for the formulation and submission of tactical and training doctrines pertaining to Antiaircraft Artillery and Barrage Balloons. He makes recommendations to the Commanding General, Army Ground Forces, concerning the development and standardization of material and equipment for both Antiaircraft Artillery and Barrage Balloon activities. He also makes recommendations concerning any changes in Tables of Organization and Tables of Basic Allowances.

In the present state of expansion of antiaircraft and barrage balloon units and activities, it can be seen that the task allotted the Commanding General of the Antiaircraft Command is both large and important. The initial organization of the staff to assist him is shown on Chart No. 1. In connection with this chart, it should be noted that the Equipment Division is assisted in its functions by officers of other arms and services who are assigned to the Antiaircraft Command, and that officers of the Adjutant General's Department are provided for purposes of administration.

It is most fitting that Major General Joseph A. Green, former Chief of Coast Artillery, who had been very active in that capacity in the furtherance of antiaircraft and barrage balloon matters, should be selected to head the Antiaircraft Command. Inspector of Training is Brigadier General Dale D. Hinman, United States Army, well known to most Coast Artillerymen. Colonel H. N. Herrick, former Executive Officer in the Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery under General Green, is Chief of Staff. Chiefs of the various divisions are as follows:

Personnel Division—Colonel William D. Evans, Coast Artillery Corps

Intelligence Division—Lieutenant Colonel Joe D. Moss, Coast Artillery Corps

Training Division—Colonel Charles E. Atkinson, Coast Artillery Corps

Equipment Division—Colonel Samuel L. McCroskey, Coast Artillery Corps

Planning and Operations Division—Lieutenant Colonel Joseph E. Harriman, Coast Artillery Corps

Adjutant General's Section—Colonel J. Watts, Adjutant General

Inspector General—Colonel William R. Henry, Inspector General

Seven Antiaircraft Artillery Training Centers, three Antiaircraft Replacement Training Centers, and the Barrage Balloon Training Center come under the jurisdiction of the Antiaircraft Command. The Barrage Balloon Training Center, which is located at Camp Tyson, Tennessee, includes troops and units in training, the Barrage Balloon School, and the Barrage Balloon Board.

The Antiaircraft Artillery School and the Antiaircraft Artillery Board, recently located at Camp Davis, North Carolina, are included in the Antiaircraft Command. A detailed breakdown of the Command by location and functions is shown on Chart No.2. On April l, the headquarters of the Antiaircraft Command moved from Washington, D. G, to Richmond, Virginia.

Extracted from the Coast Artillery Journal, May-June 1942