Patriot Battalion Conducts Missile Engagement Training in Utah

Story by Pfc. David Nye

108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Public Affairs

FORT BRAGG, NC—The 1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery (1-7 ADA), of the 108th ADA Brigade stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, conducted missile engagement training at Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah, from 8 through 12 February 2009. The exercise allowed 1-7 ADA to practice its role as an Army air defense asset, as well as hone logistical and operational requirements for future deployments.

     “It preps us and gets the staff thinking about the unit’s needs,” said Major Jeff McDonald, 1-7 ADA’s battalion operations officer. “Many of the things you need to deploy across the nation are the same as you need to deploy overseas.”

     Although there were a few logistical problems identified, McDonald expressed optimism.

     It’s better to make these mistakes now with a small group than while deploying overseas, he said.

     The mission, which originally included tracking a cruise missile along a four-hour flight path, was changed because of weather and equipment concerns. However, 1-7 ADA Soldiers did not let that stop them and continued to make good use of their training opportunity.

     “The Soldiers have used this time to do exercises on their equipment, refine the site, establish site routines, things like that,” McDonald said.

     Even though the Soldiers and their equipment traveled a great distance to participate in the exercise, the delay and ultimate cancellation of their participation did not bring them down. The Soldiers kept their spirits high by learning all they could from the preparation and deployment to Dugway.

     Specialist Mike J. Hoggatt, a military occupational specialty (MOS) 14J, Early Warning Operator, with D Battery, 1-7 ADA, provided these thoughts on the training.

     “My job is to relay between the van and the commander. I track time versus altitude on the missile,” he said. “It’s nice to get off Fort Bragg sometimes.”

     The equipment earmarked for use at Dugway was moved to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where 1-7 ADA Soldiers will again be called upon to hone their skills while testing and training on their equipment and weapons.

     “All this equipment goes to Las Vegas,” Major McDonald said.

     There, 1-7 ADA Soldiers will be presented with the possibility of furthering their expertise on their equipment in another training exercise.