The 11th ADA BDE : The Theater Air Defense Control Zone

Throughout the history of Air Defense Artillery (ADA), innovative steps were made for the technological advance in weaponry to defend our skies and ground forces. The diverse history and continuous research and development of air defense systems played a vital role in the safety of ground troops and foreign civilians during the Persian Gulf crisis. Though not always in the forefront of battle, ADA had its own vital roles that it played from the time of its birth, and it was no different during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield when necessity helped to bring about the evolution of the PAC-II Patriot missile.

Air Defense had a prominent involvement in The Persian Gulf War. The Patriot missile system demonstrated its effectiveness in combat in 1990 and United States (U.S.) forces as well as Iraqi forces utilized the Homing All the Way Killer (HAWK) missile system. Air Defense’s considerable involvement in the Persian Gulf War accredited to the developments and capabilities of the Patriot missile system along with the HAWK missile system’s Iraqi dilemma.

The first SHORAD Air Defense unit to deploy to this conflict was 5th Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery. 5/62 ADA was a Vulcan Stinger unit that originally deployed on 12 August 1990 to protect Patriot units due to their vulnerability from low flying, air breathing threats. 5/62 ADA was later split up and each battery given assignments to protect other types of units. Examples of these assignments are; Alpha Battery joined the 75th Field Artillery Brigade and Bravo Battery joined 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. (Henry)

“Air defense artillery units have a proud heritage dating back to the dawn of this country 's history when the colonists erected fortifications and emplaced artillery pieces to defend against attack from the sea. Seacoast defense continued to be the primary mission of "foot" artillery units (as opposed to mounted field artillery units) until World War I, when a new dimension in warfare emerged-attack from the air. Through World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam, air defense artillery units served as an indispensable part of the armed forces of the United States.”

Air Defense Artillery (ADA) got its origins in the Coastal Artillery Corps. During World War I (WWI), planners saw a need for antiaircraft artillery to protect ground forces from the newly emerging aerial threat (Reference

The missile system reduced Scud annoyance and effectiveness. Patriot’s mission to counteract air born threats was an overall success. This war was a major demonstration of U.S. air defense capability. Although every fire did not successfully destroy its target, it exemplified extraordinary accuracy. The Patriot world is continuously evolving. Modifications to the software has been made, and today’s system has multiple intercept mechanisms. PAC 2 in no longer the only source of air defense capability. The PAC 3, a more sophisticated missile defense system, has a more accurate interception rate. A growing technology, and it will continue to expand in the future, air defense is here to

It influenced future generations of soldiers and equipment to advance both tactically and technically, greatly increasing the multi-role diversity and capabilities of the Air Defense Artillery systems of today’s United States Army. Compared to the Patriot Launcher Missile system, it showed that Air Defense units could be multifaceted. Like the M42 Duster (SPAAG), the Patriot system demonstrated excellent destruction ratio for aircraft but the system also worked well in defense of TBM’s (Tactical Ballistic

U.S. air forces were under the command of the Combined Force Air Component Commander (CFACC) and its Combined Air Operations

In early January 2002, American intelligence received evidence of a large volume of enemy forces assembling in the Shahi Kot Valley in Eastern Afghanistan. Central Command (CENTCOM), led by General Tommy R. Franks, was directing combat operations in Afghanistan through the Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC) and Coalition Forces Air Component Command (CFACC). As the interest in assaulting the Shahi Kot Valley amplified, General Franks reached a conclusion that a U.S. tactical commander was a need in Afghanistan. The decision was to assign the 10th Mountain Division Commander, Major General (MG) Franklin Hagenbeck, as the tactical commander. In an effort to strengthen MG Hagenbeck’s command authority, CENTCOM named his headquarters Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Mountain and gave it command and control authority over Operation Anaconda. By having command and control authority, MG Hagenbeck would encounter challenges with the command structure. The challenges of command structure were due to CJTF Mountain not having tactical control (TACON) of multiple Special Operation Forces, the Joint Special Operations Air Component (JSOAC), and friendly Afghanistan forces. These misunderstandings were resolved during the execution phase, but rectifying the command relationships prior would have avoided lost time and resources needed on enemy forces and positions. In this paper, I will identify the challenges of command structure during Operation Anaconda.

This event was a Multi-Agency response that involved the every aircraft platform from 2-151st SSABN along augmentation from the 59th AVN TRP CMD, 351st ASB, US Forest Service, SC Forestry Commission, EMAC from GA, along with external Aviation resources. Over 21 days over 200 hrs. were dedicated to the response. During this rating period 2-151st forward was recovered back to home station, I provided rear coordination for the reception and recovery of all personnel and equipment the SWB mission (Task Force Liberty). I led the planning and coordination for all facets of the battalion’s participation in Patriot South Exercise a National Guard Bureau Joint Service Multi–Agency response to a DOMOPS exercise, a first of its kind conducted at Gulfport, MS. I spent count hours in the logistical planning, planning meet, and development of event scenarios for a Battalion sized Aviation Task Force. I worked with planners from other services from a year out in the development and coordination for the safe and successful employment of our Aviation resources from SC. As a result over 150 hours were flown in transit and execution of Patriot South Exercise missions. I worked with B/2-238th GSAB in the implementation of the Pre-Mobilization training horse blanket for that unit allowing for a success mobilization

In today’s digital age, development of new technology and weapons are at an alarming rate, hence arises the need to stay ahead of advancements in order to properly defend the nation, as well as coalition forces and allies. In this period of warfare, the number one threat comes in the form of air breathing and ballistic missiles. During World War II, this threat was present, but was not thought to be prevalent.

1948). It is essential to ground forces success that they receive anti-aircraft support. Before, during and after World War 2 we are able to perceive more clearly the significance of Air Defense Artillery (ADA) in the twenty first century. Air Defense Artillery’s roots travel as far back as to the revolutionary war. Understanding that during those times there was no such thing as airplanes but keep an open mind as to where we are heading here. Air Defense Artillery originated from the Coast Artillery Corps who were the guardians of the coast from incoming aggressive ships and boats. It was during World War 1 (WW1) that the army realized the need for

In 1968, the Soviet Union came up with a new development- the building of antiballistic missiles defence systems. These were to be used for nuclear, chemical, biological or even conventional warheads in the homeland defence of such a strike because they were designed to counter ICBM’s. As a method to counter this development, United States came up with multiple independently targeted re-entry vehicles (MIRV’s) which improved the chances of avoiding detection by ABM systems. In addition to this, United States also developed its own IBM in order to match that of Soviet Union.

Many Air Defense units today have a long history that runs deep with accolades and awards. One of these units is 3-4-ADAR. Third Battalion (Bn.) Fourth Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-4 ADAR) is the most decorated Air Defense unit in the world. The Air Defense Branch is a relatively young branch by comparison. The ADA Branch originates from the Field Artillery Branch. AD did not become a branch of its own until technology advances made it necessary for a change. As plains started becoming a part of combat, the more need there was for AD. Our branch became its own, as air superiority became the deciding factor in winning wars.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most tragic events in the history of the United States. The Japanese used the element of surprise to win a decisive victory in the battle. Using critical reasoning and battle analysis, we can identify the shortcomings that led to this loss. One such shortcoming was the misuse of the SCR-270 Radar. This paper will fashion an alternate future through this system’s proper employment accounting for its battlefield effect. This paper will also analyze the second and third order effects this alternate future would have on history. By conducting critical reasoning and battle analysis, we may be able to see future weaknesses and better manage our intelligence processes.