April - June 2020 https://sill-www.army.mil/ADASchool/index.

htm

AIR DEFENDER
The United States Army Air Defense Artillery Branch’s Newsletter

Keen Edge 2020 tests 38th ADA Brigade’s ability to

‘Fight Tonight’
94th AAMDC Changes Command

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

 Issue Apr-Jun
Purpose: Today’s Air Defender
Newsletter provides past and pres-
ent Air Defense Artillery leaders
with a quarterly update of informa-
tional highlights to assist in their
individual, collective and profes-
sional training efforts, as well
as report on activities occurring
throughout the Air Defense Artil- Inside This Edition
lery community. {Click on pg # to jump to corresponding page inside}

Official Distribution: Today’s Air

Page 3: From the ADA Commandant’s desk
Defender is distributed by the
Commandant of the U.S. Army Air
Defense Artillery to key members Page 6: From the CSM’s Foxhole
of the Air Defense Artillery chain
of command across the U.S. Army.
Page 8: From the CWOB’s Corner

Page 10: The OCADA Update

David E. Shank
Colonel, U.S. Army
Page 13: 2-43 ADA BN Colors Casing Ceremony
Acting Commandant,
United States Army Air Defense
Artillery School Page 14: Air Defenders display selfless service

Page 15: Keen Edge 2020 tests 38th ADA Brigade’s

David E. Shank ability to ‘Fight Tonight’

Page 17: 94th AAMDC Changes Command

RFIs, Notes, and Notices: To

Page 19: Paving the way and beating the odds
submit a Request for Information
(RFI), please email the POC listed Page 22: Field and Air Defense Artilleries Are Not
below. the Same

Page 23: Air Defense Female Command Team In-

spires Future Leaders
Points of Contact:
We appreciate those who have Editor’s Note:
provided announcements, notices, At the end of each article,
articles and lessons learned. click on this icon
Click here to jump
Additionally, if you have a story of to Table of Contents
interest or wish to initiate a to get back to the Table of Contents
discussion on any topic or issue
facing the Air Defense Artillery
community, contact Mr. Donald
Herrick, Air Defense Artillery Pub-
lic Affairs Officer, at
(580) 442-1820 or donald.a.herrick. On the Cover:
[email protected] Courtesy Photo.
An Avenger Air Defense System from 1st Battalion, 204th
Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Mississippi Army National
Guard fires a Stinger surface-to-air missile during a Live Fire
Hot Link Legend:
Exercise at Oro Grande Range Complex on March 24, 2020.
Green = Open Source on WWW
Red = CAC Card enabled
on AKO/FKN

-2-
 Issue Apr-Jun

From the ADA Commandant’s Desk

COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges,
yet only slightly impacted operations here at the
U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School. First and
foremost, I hope this quarterly update finds all
Soldiers, Civilians, and Family Members safe and
healthy; the health and safety of all remains the
#1 priority. To develop COVID-19 training safety
measures, the FIRES Commanding General directed
a three-week health and safety stand-down for all
Advanced Individual Training classes with training
resuming on April 22; fortunate was the continuation
of Officer Education System due to smaller
class size. Principles of hygiene quickly became
Training continues at the U.S. Army Air Defense
paramount to preventing COVID-19 spread, washing
Artillery School as students from the ADA Basic
hands, directing face coverings and practicing Officer Leaders Course receive hands-on training for
“tactical dispersion” of a minimum of 6 feet the Stinger (FIM-92) missile system. The Stinger is a
between individuals. Movement of AIT graduates lightweight, man-portable, fire-and-forget missile system
to first unit of assignment has since commenced. that incorporates an infrared seeker to destroy enemy
With COVID-19 principles of hygiene in place, aircraft and Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) at close
USAADAS remains open for business. range. (Pictures from ADA BOLC Facebook)

Prior to and during these challenging times, we have has been submitted to the Combined Arms Doctrine
seen a change in culture here at Fort Sill. Across Directorate and currently with the Combined Arms
every echelon of leadership, there is a greater focus Center Commanding General. Demand for Air and
on maintaining Army values, fitness and resiliency Missile Defense formations around the globe remains
of our Soldiers and Families. A newfound culture of unmatched and serves as a reminder that the timely
flattening the organization has enabled and reinforced development of doctrine in support of growth and
leaders to make decisions at the lowest level. Over modernization is vital to the operational force.
the past several weeks, I have observed leaders
stepping up to meet the challenges presented by Current ADA growth and modernization efforts
COVID-19. A culture of doing fundamentals well, include M-Stinger, M-SHORAD, Directed Energy,
leader’s leading, and Soldiers executing tasks to Indirect Fires Protection Capability and the Integrated
standard is evident. Battle Command System. The work being conducted
must ensure systems and processes are integrated
2nd Quarter, FY20 focus and priorities remain to achieve the greatest success during large scale
unchanged. The team incorporated comments combat operations. With this in mind, the Office
from the operational force into the rapid revision of the Chief of Air Defense Artillery (OCADA)
of TC 3-01.86 (Patriot Gunnery Program). The collaborated with the Fort Sill Fires Battle Lab and
training circular was signed and sent to all Army conducted a Corps and Division SHORAD Kill
Air and Missile Defense Commands (AAMDC) Chain Simulation Exercise. This exercise allowed the
and Command Chief Warrant Officers; official team of scientists and Army leaders to examine fire
document production ongoing and will be available control concepts of the beyond-visual-identification-
soon. The new FM 3-01.44 (SHORAD Operations) range for SHORAD capabilities. During the
remains on glide path for completion by the end of experiment, test administrators studied positive and
the 3rd Quarter, FY20. The final draft of FM 3-01 procedural control methodology to enable responsive
(U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense Operations) division fires. In June, a comprehensive analysis and
-3-
 Issue Apr-Jun

maneuver formations based on growing enemy threat

capabilities. ADA professional military education
associated with this initiative will require growth to
increase our capability and capacity. Twelve-course
adjustments which implement M-SHORAD initial
military training, professional military education
and functional training have been submitted to the
Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth. As
the demand grows and modernization continues,
Soldier training and development will remain the
cornerstone at USAADAS.
Students attending the Air Defense Artillery Captains
Career Course continue training while practicing social In preparation for the new M-SHORAD (Stryker),
distancing. (Pictures from the ADA CCC Facebook page) leaders from 30th ADA Brigade engaged with the
Army Corps of Engineers to discuss and plan the
final report of the exercise will help determine the initial phases in support of construction/design of the
need for any further experimentation. pending M-SHORAD (Stryker) General Instruction
Facility (GIF). Additionally, the Brigade dispatched
The U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School three leaders to the Maneuver Center of Excellence,
continues to support the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Fort Benning, Georgia, to engage representatives
(CSA) M-Stinger program. During the past quarter, from the Stryker Leader Course and Stryker Master
30th ADA Brigade conducted four additional five- Gunner Course to discuss the way forward for these
week M-Stinger courses and over 100 Soldiers two courses. Wargaming continues on the future
graduated the class. All graduates received an A5 of the Avenger Master Gunner Course and how a
M-Stinger additional skill identifier. Data from transition to the Army National Guard may or may
this program is being analyzed to determine the not facilitate greater efficiencies.
way forward for this program, including annual
costs, combined training center results, and rules of Recently the ADA School hosted the Military
engagement. Attaché from the Embassy of Sweden and members
of the Swedish 61st Air Defense Regiment. These
In addition to the M-Stinger program, the CSA senior leader dialogues and similar engagements help
directed the Army to increase SHORAD assets in strengthen professional and personal relationships

30th ADA BDE & 428 FA BDE sent off Soldiers to Fort 30th ADA BDE & 428 FA BDE sent off Soldiers to Fort
Carson, Fort Campbell, and Fort Riley. (Photos from Carson, Fort Campbell, and Fort Riley. (Photos from
30th ADA Brigade Facebook page) 30th ADA Brigade Facebook page)

-4-
 Issue Apr-Jun
available in the Air Defense Artillery, personnel
from OCADA conducted five branch briefings at
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Norwich
University, Virginia Military Institute and Oklahoma
State University. I was able to engage second and
third-year United States Military Academy Cadets
during the Space and Missile Defense Command’s
demonstration of the High Energy Laser Mobile Test
Truck (HELMTT) at West Point. Due to COVID-19,
the OCADA team is working on developing virtual
branch briefings to maintain their ADA marketing
On April 16, Soldiers arrived to Fort Sill and reported to strategy in an effort to recruit the very best.
either 30th ADA BDE, 428TH FA BDE, 75TH FA BDE and
73rd Ordance. (Pictures from 30th ADA Brigade Facebook Although COVID-19 and engineering setbacks
page) have delayed construction of the ADA Training
with our allies and partner nations. 30th ADA Brigade Support Facility, a grand opening is being planned
also conducted key leader engagements with the during the 2021 FIRES Conference. In addition, on
Swedish Delegation, providing tours and training your next visit to Fort Sill, you will find a Hawk
demonstrations of Patriot and SHORAD facilities. The and a Patriot launcher proudly displayed at Key
Military Attaché visit culminated with a graduation and Bentley gates. I would like to thank our ADA
ceremony for Swedish NCOs attending the Fort Sill Historian and all those involved in helping make
NCO Academy. this happen. These proudly displayed ADA weapon
systems help support our branding campaign that
The ADA School continues to support the Army’s Fort Sill is the U.S. Army’s home of FIRES.
credentialing program. 140L Air and Missile Defense
(AMD) Systems Technician students conducted a A heartfelt thanks to all who have
two-week basic electronics credentialing course served and continue to serve…..First to Fire!
taught locally at the Red River Technology Center
in Duncan, Oklahoma. The course emphasizes a CAC Card Required
ground-up, step by step approach in the discovery of
electronic technologies, teaching the basics of AC/DC
circuits, solid-state/digital circuits and microprocessor
technologies. This course assists Warrant Officers in
improving functional skills, helping to better prepare
each to contribute to the readiness of the force.

OCADA continues to lead and develop the branch

through all cohort proponents. In February, OCADA
leadership attended the second annual Army Talent
Management Task Force (ATMTF) Conference in
Alexandria, Virginia. Over 400 participants from
125 organizations participated in breakout sessions
to discuss and collaborate on talent management
initiatives. One key takeaway from this conference
was the ATMTF initiatives to expand and place a
dedicated emphasis on the Warrant Officer and NCO
Corps.

To inform Cadets of the expanding opportunities

-5-
 Issue Apr-Jun

From the CSM’s Foxhole

I would like to open up by letting everyone know
that although COVID-19 has presented unexpected
challenges, we are committed to ensuring the safety
of our Soldiers, civilians and family members. As
we all adjust to this new environment, our ability
to remain disciplined in practicing and enforcing
the principles of social distancing to protect and
preserve our force is imperative. The measures put
in place by our military and community leaders will
help to prevent the spread of this contagious virus.
We acknowledge that many have been affected by
the STOP MOVE order, not just for Permanent
Change of Station (PCS) moves, but for Temporary
Duty at Professional Military Education (PME)
or a functional course. As the situation continues
to evolve, there are Exceptions to Policies (ETP)
and waivers available for travel deemed necessary
because of personal hardship, humanitarian,
mission-related reasons, and those who are pending
retirement or separation. Additionally, current
assignment extensions or waivers for PCS moves
can be granted under a number of conditions. If you
feel you qualify, please contact your unit leadership
or S1 for more information. We will make it through the Chief of Air Defense Artillery (OCADA) will
this together. assist our enlisted population in understanding what
they should be doing to remain competitive for
Next, I would like to highlight a couple of things promotion and assignment opportunities. We are
we are working in the ADA branch related to planning to culminate these efforts with an update
Soldier and leader development. Two closely to the Noncommissioned Officer Professional
related initiatives spearheaded by the Office of Development Guide NLT Oct. 1, 2020.

The first initiative is associating Knowledge,

Skills and Behaviors (KSBs) with each Military
Occupational Specialty (MOS) and Skill Grade
(10/20/30/40). This will assist leaders in the
professional growth and developmental counseling
of their Soldiers by providing a reference of KSBs
required to be mastered at each echelon. The
individual Soldier can also use it as a handrail of
what to focus on when deciding on opportunities
for self-development. The OCADA team did an
On May 1, Jason Blanco, was commissioned at Fort analysis utilizing the Noncommissioned Officer
Sill, Oklahoma. SFC Blanco was a 30th ADA Brigade
Common Core Competencies (NCOC3) as the base,
Instructor before being selected for the green to gold
program. CSM Burnley was on-hand to be 2LT Blanco’s
incorporated in the MOS Critical Tasks List and then
first salute. (Photo from Facebook) applied some desired ADA specific priorities. The
result will be a list that our Soldiers need to develop
-6-
 Issue Apr-Jun

A Patriot Launcher is staged during 3rd Battalion, is that a Solider or NCO should serve to develop
2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment’s culminating field
the experience and competencies necessary to
training exercise on Fort Sill, Okla., Oct. 25, 2019.
proceed on to a broadening opportunity or to the
Subordinate units of 3-2 are scheduled to remain in the
field for over one week. (Photo by Sgt. Amanda Hunt) next rank. This will assist unit leadership in the
placement (slotting) of Soldiers/NCOs within their
and master at a specific rank to be considered ready formations. Additionally, it will provide our ADA
to move on to the next. It is currently out for staffing Talent Managers at the Human Resources Command
with the Army Air and Missile Defense Command (HRC) a reference to use when identifying Soldiers
(AAMDC) Command Sergeants Major. I expect it to for a projected assignment. The first consideration
be released to the force in the next 90 days. would be for those needing to satisfy their KD
requirement and the next would be for broadening.
The second initiative is defining Key Developmental Lastly, our goal is to give units the ability to stabilize
(KD) positions for our enlisted force. Just like the Soldiers serving in their KD position for a period
KSBs discussed in the previous paragraph, these ranging from 18-24 months. It should provide both
will be specified at MOS and grade. The specificity the unit and Soldier predictability.
will help us achieve a couple of things. The most
important is identifying what the primary position I am proud to be your Command Sergeant Major and
would like to hear what you want to know about. If
you send us a message on Facebook, I will integrate
it into our next update. Thanks and be safe.

CSM B

On March 5, CSM Stephen Burnley, ADA School CSM,

speaks to a large group of Noncommissioned Officers
attending the Advanced and Seniors Leaders Course from
the Fort Sill NCO Academy. (Photo from Facebook)

-7-
 Issue Apr-Jun

From the CWOB’s Corner

Hello everyone. Welcome to the COVID-19 edition
of Today’s Air Defender.

I would like to start by welcoming a couple of

outstanding Warrant Officers to their new positions.
First, CW3 Dave Hemingway has assumed the
position as the Proponent Warrant Officer. He
officially took over the position on April 1 and has
been running nonstop. He is building off all the
great work done by CW4 Boone over the last three
years. Dave has a lot of ideas to take the accessions
mission to the next level and ensure the branch and
the cohort are set up for success in the future.

The second Warrant Officer I want to welcome is

CW3 Pat Rowe. Pat has assumed the position as
Branch Manager for all of us 140 series. Pat is
absolutely the right Warrant for the job. He will
work tirelessly to ensure the needs of the Army are
met while getting as many of us to our preferred
locations as possible. I will say that he has big
shoes to fill. I want to say a special thank you to
CPT Klusman for taking the reins on trying to herd accomplishments as the fifth CWOB are astounding
all the cats and dealing with the 430 warrants out to have been done in just 19 months. Eric headed
here in the force. We could not have asked for a back to El Paso to start the next chapter of his life.
better or more professional Branch Manager to Congratulations to him and Silvia for 31 great years
bridge the gap. of service to our country and to their well-deserved
retirement. I also want to mention two other CW5s
With hails, there always comes farewells. CW5 retiring this quarter. CW5 Adam Shereyk is retiring
Eric Maule has retired after 31 years of service. His after 28 years of service, and CW5 Don Hendricks
after 37 years of service. Congratulations and God
speed to both of them and their families in their
future endeavors.

On March 9, CW5 Eric Maule, the fifth CWOB, retires Retentions and Accessions – MILPER Message 20-
after 31 years of outstanding service to our country. 101 was published at the beginning of April. It raised
(Photo from Facebook) retention bonuses for 140K & 140L to $20k for W2,

-8-
 Issue Apr-Jun

140A WOAC graduation for class# 001-20 held on May 1, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. (Photo by Facebook)

$40k for W3, and $60k for W4. We are looking to become Warrant Officers, they will be better NCOs.
retain the best and brightest to ensure the branch is Every senior Warrant (W3 and above) needs to be
postured for the future. actively developing and feeding our population at
least one candidate every one to two years. Our
For the first time in five years, we are on the cohort cannot get healthy without 76 packets a
verge of meeting our accessions goals for all year. If you are not developing and feeding our
three of our Warrant Officer MOSs, even with population, you are not stewarding our profession!
increased accessions requirements this year. We
will be increasing our goal again next year. CW3 Once the Army returns to “normal,” and people
Hemingway has designed an accessions plan to begin moving around again, expect to see CW3
slowly increase our requirement over the next six Hemingway and me coming out to your formations.
years. This will feed the pyramid incrementally and We want to talk about this culture shift and how
get our numbers healthy over the long term instead we see the future of our cohort changing for the
of trying to fix a 20%-35% shortage overnight. better. In the meantime, we will be sending more
After that, we will be able to lower our accessions information out through the CCWOs and senior
requirements to a more maintainable level. warrants.

ADA Warrant Officer Culture/Assessment

Campaign Plan – CW3 Hemingway is working
with the CCWOs and me on a campaign plan to
help change how we look at and go about accessing
our replacements. For many years we have had
a recruitment culture of “find your replacement”
and “every letter you write is your reputation
indefinitely.” This culture causes us to repeatedly
ask NCOs when they are going to submit a packet,
or we tell them to bring us a completed packet
before we write them a letter.

This strategy needs to change to a culture of

development. We need to work on developing the
lower enlisted Soldiers, not just the NCOs. This
will strengthen the knowledge level of the whole
enlisted cohort. By doing this, we grow the pool of
potential candidates. For those that do not decide to
-9-
 Issue Apr-Jun

The OCADA Update

SHORAD Fire Control Procedures Experiment
– On 23 March, in conjunction with the Fort Sill
Battle Lab, Air Defense kicked off an experiment
to examine beyond-visual-identification-range
fire control concepts for SHORAD. Intended to
examine control methodology for future systems
in large scale combat operations and impacts
on Air Defense structure or organizations, the
experiment was forced to culminate early due to the
Coronavirus outbreak. Partial experiment results
will be analyzed with initial observations published
this summer.

Talent Management

The Army will continue to pursue aggressive

timelines and rapid change in the way we acquire,
distribute and employ talent. At the Army Talent
with Army requirements and simultaneously
Management Conference in February, several efforts
increase retention. Additionally, the Army Talent
were unveiled that expand previous programs and
Management Task Force (ATMTF) has begun
talent management initiatives.
developing a program of cognitive and non-
In the near term, the Officer Talent Maximization
cognitive testing at USASMA as well as an
Structure (OTMS) will provide a series of objective
objective assessment program for first sergeants. The
assessments for officer development and promotion.
USASMA pilot is scheduled to be implemented with
These assessments will take place during PME
Class 72.
and other key career milestones. Implementation
is scheduled for July 2021 (BOLC), October 2021
The ATMTF aims to achieve better Warrant Officer
(CCC); and August 2021 (CGSC).
retention through an expansion of competitive
categories and better management of SELCON.
Data gathered with these objective assessments will
Air Defense Artillery’s Warrant Officer Direct
be used to track officers for successful Army careers
Commission pilot is a model for potential future
around the fifth year of service. The intent of this
efforts.
program is for Career coaches in the Captain’s
Career Course to help an officer understand their
As a stakeholder, OCADA personnel continue to
talents and the career paths for which they best
work through TRADOC to shape these efforts.
fit (i.e., remain in the basic branch, transition to
Key to these efforts is the identification of unique
a functional area or SOCOM, or other special
knowledge, skills and behaviors (KSBs) critical
program). The pilot for this program is expected to
for the branch. OCADA is developing KSBs by
start at the Maneuver Center of Excellence in July,
grade for all cohorts that will eventually be used by
with full implementation in the summer of 2021.
accessions and selection boards and will facilitate
the modernization of the traditional 20-year career
Midterm initiatives revolve around Warrant Officer
model by focusing promotion on the achievement of
and Enlisted talent management.
individual qualifications rather than future potential.
The Enlisted cohort will adopt an assignment
Cadet Accessions
marketplace to better align individual talents
-10-
 Issue Apr-Jun
OCADA’s traditional outreach activities to shape developed a Military Occupational Classification
Cadet preference and attract the most talented young and Structure (MOCS) proposal for the inclusion
officers to the Air Defense Artillery were in high gear. of CMF14 into the Stryker Leader Course. Until
In February and March, Branch orientation briefings the MOCS is approved, the Chief of Infantry Office
were conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of is allowing ADA one officer and one NCO to
Technology, Virginia Tech, Norwich University, attend the course per class. The proponent office is
Virginia Military Institute and Oklahoma State working with HRC to identify potential attendees.
University. Additionally, OCADA leveraged Space
and Missile Defense Command’s demonstration The OCADA team also developed a 14P MOCS
of the High Energy Laser Mobile Test Truck to add M-SHORAD duties and functions to the
(HELMTT) at West Point to engage Cadets and 14P MOS. Additionally, the M-SHORAD MOCS
generate excitement about the branch. for the Master Gunner Course has been submitted
to TRADOC. Once approved, this will provide
With the recent halt in DoD travel and the closure M-SHORAD Leaders to better plan and conduct
of colleges and universities, the OCADA shifted gunnery training for the Stryker’s vehicle-mounted
gears to digital outreach. We are supporting digital weapons systems.
branch fairs at Texas A&M and UCLA in April.
Additionally, our Operations specialist, Mr. Ethan Recruiting and Retention
Augustine, has developed a “push-package” of digital
material for ROTC programs to use in educating their OCADA expanded credentialing opportunities
Cadets about the Air Defense Artillery branch. Mr. for Soldiers to more than 400 civilian programs
Augustine has also developed an eight-week direct offering Air Defenders as a way to align skills
marketing campaign to allow us to reach Cadets training to benefit their military profession and
directly. Finally, the OCADA is developing job future goals after service. This effort assists both our
videos and junior officer testimonials to better engage recruiting and retention missions. The Credentialing
interested Cadets. Opportunities On-Line (COOL) website (www.
cool.osd.mil) offers civilian technical certifications
Traditional opportunities to engage Cadets available to be funded through the Army.
throughout the summer remain uncertain due to
the impact of the Coronavirus. Decisions on Cadet Over the last year, OCADA has partnered with
Summer Training and USMA Cadet Field Training, Oklahoma recruiting offices and facilitated
two of our biggest outreach activities, are pending. opportunities for prospective recruits to experience
The USMA Combined Arms Live-Fire exercise, in ADA live-fire exercises, field training and static
which the branch showcases an Avenger, has been displays. This year, OCADA is working with
canceled. Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) at USAREC and Army marketing to redesign how
OCONUS locations is canceled. each CMF14 MOS is presented and better promote
the ADA branch. We’ve seen tangible results in
Mitigating the potential loss of outreach opportunities terms of increased interest for the branch among
through the summer, the OCADA is working to local prospects as well as increased contracts for
secure a display of the new M-SHORAD Stryker 14-series MOSs as the result of your efforts. The
vehicle at USMA Branch Week, which will serve partnerships that ADA units have built with local
as powerful influence on Cadets. We will also have Army recruiters directly contributes to continued
the opportunity to conduct virtual interviews with outstanding stewardship of our profession. Thank
interested Cadets in the fall. you!

MOS 14P Modification of Current Structure

To support M-SHORAD fielding, the OCADA team

-11-
 Issue Apr-Jun

-12-
 Issue Apr-Jun

2-43 ADA BN Colors Casing Ceremony

Story and photos by Capt. Albert Jernegan again that they are truly ‘Second to None’, and can
Friday, January 24, 2020 handle anything thrown at them.”

Families, friends and fellow Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 2-43 ADA BN has been training rigorously for
43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense the better part of 2019 in preparation for their
Artillery Brigade, attended the Battalion’s colors deployment. The Warrior Battalion has conducted
casing ceremony, Jan. 24, 2020 at Stout Gym, Fort countless field training exercises over the past 12
Bliss, Texas. Every command, brigade or regiment months, completing Air Defense Gunnery Table
in the U.S. Army has a distinctive flag assigned that VIII certifications and conducting battery level field
represents the unit in some specific way. training exercises to incorporate Warrior Tasks and
Battle Drills, Chemical, Biological, Radiological,
As the unit history was read during the ceremony, the and Nuclear, and site security training.
Soldiers of the mighty Warrior Battalion fell in behind
the colors to follow them as they prepare to deploy The Battalion Headquarters deployed personnel
to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan and equipment to Orzysz, Poland in support of U.S.
Shield. The colors represent not only the Soldiers of Army Europe to participate in “Tobruq Legacy,”
the present, but those who have come before them to a joint and combined exercise with more than
represent this fine unit throughout its storied history. 17 NATO and partner nation air defense units.
But it is not just the Soldiers that represent the colors “Looking back, participating in this exercise proved
and the unit, it is also the Families, friends and fellow invaluable to the Warrior Battalion as we learned
Soldiers of the Imperial Brigade who came to see tactics, techniques and procedures as well as
them as they depart Fort Bliss to answer the call to doctrine with the integration of various air defense
action to defend freedom. platforms,” said Kelley.

The Battalion command team of Lt. Col. Carina The Warrior Battalion then completed “Imperial
Kelley and Command Sgt. Maj. Erik Bernal have Crucible,” the unit’s Mission Rehearsal Exercise,
been instrumental in preparing their Soldiers for conducting expeditionary air defense operations
their upcoming mission. “CSM Bernal and I have while they completed table XII certifications for all
the utmost confidence that the Warrior Battalion is assigned crews. The exercise encompassed full-
prepared to execute any mission we are asked to do,” scale, unified land operations providing integrated
said Kelley. “Our Warriors have proven time and time air defense to a combatant command, utilizing

-13-
 Issue Apr-Jun
multiple locations and a variety of complex real- an Executive Assistant to Command Sgt. Maj. Eric
world threats to evaluate Soldier and unit tactical McCray, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command
proficiency and technical competency. at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
As Soldiers are the Army’s most valued
commodity, maintaining the health of the force has Finding balance between the military and finding the
remained an enduring line of effort for the leaders time to serve the community can be challenging, but it
of the Battalion. Programs such as ‘Make the Call, can also be twice as rewarding.
Stay Ready’ workshops and ‘Strong Bonds’ retreats
have been health of force enablers for commanders Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Brougher, the Asset
and first sergeants throughout the battalion. Management Noncommissioned Officer in Charge,
The Warrior Battalion is a resilient, battle assigned to the 94th AAMDC has also dedicated
ready team with committed leaders. Kelley stated time away from his career and family to serve the
that “being battle ready Warriors starts and ends community.
with the service and sacrifice of our great Soldiers.”
It is this dedication, selflessness and sacrifice “Volunteering for me as a Noncommissioned Officer
displayed each and every day by these amazing is very important because I do take to heart the fact
Soldiers that the battalion will achieve its goal of that we should extend our influence beyond our chain
providing uninterrupted Integrated Air and Missile of command,” said Brougher. “I also believe that you
Defense of critical assets in theater and then should always give back to the community you live in;
bring everyone home. for me, what better way to give back to that community
than to help guide and shape the lives of our youth.”
Air Defenders Display Selfless
Brougher, a native of Beavercreek, Ohio, has served in
Service the U.S. Army for 12 years. He has been volunteering
Story and photos by Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley
his time prior to his service in the U.S. Army and
Tuesday, January 28, 2020 has continued to serve since he enlisted. Some of
his service included being a Den leader, Cubmaster,
a Committee Chair and an Assistant District
Commissioner for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of
America.

Although he has a lengthy resume in regards to

community service, one of his greatest achievements
was volunteering for the Special Olympics at Kadena
Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

When Staff Sgt. Paul Navarrete was growing up “One of the most amazing events I’ve ever volunteered
in Naples, Florida, service to his community was at, because these kids, they’re all heart,” said Brougher.
already apart of his daily routine. Being brought up “They love you because you’re there just cheering them
in single parent household, he understood early on on, it was an amazing experience.”
how important it was to reach out and help those
in need. His upbringing can be cited as his primary Navarrete has been in the U.S. Army for 10 years and
influence to provide service to his local community; has since made an impact on various communities he
this influence would continue to grow and flourish has served in thus far.
to and through his military career.
Here in Hawaii, he has participated in beach clean ups
“Coming up in a household that didn’t really in conjunction with 808 clean up on the island of Oahu,
have much financial means, we had to find a lot gathering donations and supplies for River of Life
of things to get involved with,” stated Navarrete, Church and supporting 94th AAMDC with their needs
-14-
 Issue Apr-Jun

Keen Edge 2020 Tests 38th ADA

Brigade’s Ability To ‘Fight Tonight’
Story and photos by Sgt. Raquel Birk
Thursday, January 30, 2020
SAGAMIHARA, Japan – Since the 38th Air Defense
Artillery Brigade’s reactivation Oct. 16, 2018 at
Sagami General Depot, the unit worked diligently to
establish a fully-functional brigade ready and able to
execute their wartime mission at any time.

in regards to community service.

In 2018 he was inducted into the Sgt. Audie Murphy

Club and has since doubled his efforts in community
service with the SAMC.

One of the many important Army values is selfless

service and by volunteering to serve the community
you demonstrate this quality. Because of his selfless
service, Navarrete received one of his greatest
accomplishments to date. Keen Edge 2020, a joint command post exercise
conducted to increase combat readiness and
Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital recognized him for synchronization between U.S. Indo-Pacific
financially sponsoring a child’s medical bills. Command, U.S. Forces Japan and the Japan Joint
Staff to effectively defend Japan or respond to a
“He sponsored a child’s medical bills; to me that is the regional crisis, served as the ultimate test to validate
epitome of selfless service,” Brougher remarked. the brigade’s successful reestablishment.

Serving the nation comes with its challenges, but “Keen Edge tested our Integrated Air and Missile
serving the community like Navarrete and Brougher Defense interoperability with our Japanese
can aid those you are serving in overcoming their counterparts and other U.S. forces,” said Maj.
challenges. Michael G. Lowefarmer, 38th ADE Brigade
operations officer. “Our job as the 38th ADA
“You volunteering a little bit of your time could Brigade was to conduct command and control of air
change one person, and that could change that persons defense assets in the Indo-Pacific Command area of
whole outlook on something,” Navarrete stated.

-15-
 Issue Apr-Jun

responsibility and provide both force operations and “I feel like we are getting better and better at what
engagement operations.” we do the more we practice our craft with real-world
scenarios,” said Pvt. Anikka D. Marshall, brigade
Representatives with 94th Army Air and human resources specialist. “As a HR specialist,
Missile Defense Command, the brigade’s higher I learned to expedite casualty notifications more
headquarters, served as external evaluators to assess efficiently and give valid update briefs for participants.”
how well the command works with their U.S.
and Japan allies refining tactics, techniques and As a result of the brigade working through dynamic
procedures in the event of a crisis or contingency and diverse battle drills, and responding to a series
during the week-long exercise at Sagami General of complex computer-based scenarios, Lowefarmer
Depot Jan. 24-31. observed the “growth of the staff as a whole, growing
closer as a team while developing shared knowledge of
“The 38th ADA Brigade did exceptionally well the mission set” as the exercise drew to a close.
considering how recently they reactivated,” said
Maj. James B. Compton, 94th AAMDC G5 plans The forward-stationed missile defense units in Japan
officer and exercise evaluator. “There were a lot of and Guam continue to participate in regional and
lessons learned for 38th ADA Brigade and what we theater-level exercises building partnership capacity
[94th AAMDC] can do to better support subordinate with allies in order to protect against an ever-increasing
units. The 38th ADA Brigade is executing a piece ballistic missile threat in the region. Today, they
of a large-scale exercise where 94th AAMDC proved ready to ‘Fight Tonight.’
serves as the theater air defense coordinator. The
bilateral exercise allowed us to rehearse all our roles
simultaneously.”

U.S. Soldiers of all ranks and staff sections refined

their military occupational specialties and fulfilled
their part in the larger picture.

-16-
 Issue Apr-Jun

94th AAMDC Changes Command

unit’s commander.
Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class David Chapman
Thursday, February 13, 2020
During the ceremony, Gen. Paul J. LaCamera,
commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific, gave his
Service members, friends and family traveled from thanks to the outgoing commander for his hard
across the Indo-Pacific Command region to bid work, and steadfast leadership.
farewell to one commander, and welcome another
during a ceremony at the historic Palm Circle, on “The 94th commander reports to both the U.S.
Fort Shafter Hawaii, Feb. 11, 2020. Army Pacific as a senior Army commander and the
commander of the Pacific Air Force as the deputy
Brig. Gen. Michael T. Morrissey relinquished air defense coordinator, advising him on all matters
command of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense pertaining to integrated air and missile defense,”
Command to Col. Mark A. Holler. said LaCamera. “There are many challenges serving
as dual hatted commander, but Brig. Gen. Morrissey
A change of command is a military tradition has handled this responsibility exceptionally well.”
that represents a formal transfer of authority and LaCamera, who presided over the ceremony, also
responsibility for a unit from one commanding, or warmly welcomed Holler to the island, and his new
flag officer to another. The passing of the colors challenging command position.
from an outgoing commander to an incoming one
ensures that the unit, and its soldiers are never “While we aren’t excited to see the Morrissey’s
without official leadership, a continuation of trust, go, we are pleased to welcome Col. Mark Holler
and also signifies an allegiance of Soldiers to their to the team,” said LaCamera. “An accomplished
air defender, Col. Holler comes to us from the U.S.
Army Air Defense Artillery School. I have no doubt
he will continue to push the organization forward in
its vital mission in support of the theater.”

In his remarks, Morrissey thanked all those he

worked with during his tenure as commander of
the 94th AAMDC, and said goodbye to those who
impacted his time leading units across the region.
“I am humbled to stand here, as I was humbled to be
part of this incredible team of Soldiers, civilians and
-17-
 Issue Apr-Jun
families collectively known as the Sea Dragons,”
said Morrissey. “The 94th AAMDC was never mine.
I was simply entrusted with its care. I will miss the
mission, I will miss the partners, and I will miss the
people.”

Morrissey and his family will move on to his next

assignment as the Director of Testing, at the Missile
Defense Agency, Red Stone Arsenal, Ala.

Holler then took the opportunity to speak about what

it means for him to take control of a unit with such
a wide reaching, and valuable mission in the Indo-
Pacific region.

the world, Air and Missile Defense has become a

necessity and sensor managers will be thrust to the
forefront of the defense of this nation.

“The immediate tangible effect of what the operators

do on the systems, they can see it happening,”
said Capt. Erick Heaney, the sensor manager
cell officer in charge, 94th Army Air and Missile
Defense Command, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-
Hickam, Hawaii. “It’s the immediate tangible result
that maybe you don’t always see in other military
“It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity occupational specialties and jobs.”
to command once again, and I will embrace the
opportunity to achieve wins with lasting impact to It is arguable that sensor managers are becoming one
shape the strategic environment, deter aggression of the most important occupations in the U.S. Army;
and prevail in combat if required,” said Holler. they defend this nation as well the Indo-Pacific
“The leaders and Soldiers of the Sea Dragon Region.
command, I am grateful to join your ranks, to serve
you as your commanding officer.” The MOS 14H is an Air Defense Enhanced Early
Warning System Operator; becoming a sensor
Sensor Managers Lead The Way manager is a broadening assignment in this field.
They conduct surveillance and review data via
Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class David Chapman their specific systems in regards to Air and Missile
Thursday, February 13, 2020 Defense and effectively communicate their findings
While there are many career paths in the United to higher headquarters. They are also responsible
States Army that are often found in the spot light, for the transportation and use of their equipment in
there are also many career paths that remain in a myriad of environments while working alongside
the shadows, but are of equal importance. Some allied and joint forces.
paths require 24-hour operations, sacrifice in lieu
of holidays and extreme attention to detail. These Sensor Managers also have the ability to operate
are just a few of the demands that the life of a their respective systems thousands of miles away
sensor manager entails. With the current climate of from their home unit and duty station, which

-18-
 Issue Apr-Jun
“At no time do you ever feel like you’re training just
to train, you are training to actually do your job,”
said Baerwald. “It’s really rewarding in that sense.”

Sensor managers conduct real time daily analysis

through various systems and units through out the
world. While they may not receive the accolades
they deserve, the immediate effect of the safe
keeping of this nation will continue to suffice. They
continue to detect and protect this nation from
enemies both foreign and domestic.

“The earlier something can be detected, the more

posturing time friendly defense systems have to
engage it,” Heaney stated. “We’re giving you
introduces a new level of responsibility as well as additional time that those systems alone would not
requiring a greater level of maturity. have, through the use of integrated missile defense
sensors and systems.”
“There are a lot of hands off eye sight from
the command team, we have to trust in these Paving The Way And Beating The
individuals,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Baerwald,
the sensor manager cell operations sergeant, 10th
Odds
Missile Defense Battery, 94th AAMDC, JBPHH, Story and photos by Sgt. LaShawna Custom
Monday, March 30, 2020
Hawaii. “There are times when you have to be here
and do this and your leader can’t be there at all
times, you have to be able to make decisions on your
own.”

An occupation such as this also requires a great level

of intellect. In regards to this occupation, the term
“first line of defense”, is an under statement. This
field requires 24/7 operations and does not rest when
the majority of the nation does. While the average
person sleeps, sensor managers around the globe
have been awake for hours monitoring the skies
above. In addition to this, they gather information
and alert higher authority in regards to aerial attacks
as well as missile attacks in real time.

With the ever-changing battlefield, the importance

for this MOS continues to grow. Missile Defense
capabilities have become a priority through out the
world and sensor managers are needed to conduct
surveillance and early warning for attacks through
various systems. In many occupations, Soldiers often
train for years before putting that training to use; for
sensor managers, their training provides a guide as
they conduct real world missions on the daily basis.

-19-
 IIssue Apr-Jun

doesn’t kill you, won’t hurt you. I’m not afraid of Although Jackson had both of her parents growing
hard work.” up, her mother was more influential throughout her
life.
Originally committing to three years, she would be
the first to express that she did not get where she “She has always been a strong figure in my life,”
is today by herself. Throughout her career, she had said Jackson. “She has always called me her little
influencers who led the way. black Barbie and always told me there was nothing
in life that I couldn’t do.”
Jackson worked as a medical technician before the
Army and joined as an enlisted personnel specialist Other strong women that demonstrated success
(75B) at the age of 25 in 1997. She later enrolled in their careers and inspired her throughout her
in the Army’s Officer Candidate School in January professional military journey are retired Col. Karen
of 2000 because her brigade CSM, Command Sgt. Rosser, Col. Warline Richardson, retired Lt. Col.
Maj. Wilson, acknowledged her potential and told Robin Woody and retired Col. Deborah Hollis-
her to take a different path in the Army. Hubbard who was the first African American female
to command a patriot battalion.
The majority of her family and friends were
shocked in her change of profession especially as “Women leaders’ success shows a sense of pride and
they knew her to display more characteristics of a aspiration,” Jackson stated. “I see them and think,
stereotypical girl. ‘That’s a goal I can reach too.’ People doubt you
and yet you’re seeing others that are performing and
“On the other side, they could see the structure of being successful in areas that you’re in.”
the military suited my personality,” Jackson added.
“I like plans, structure and guidelines.” Another special individual that keeps her grounded
when she has little motivation is her husband,
Jackson expressed the value of meeting suspenses Lt. Col. Samuel Alex Jackson III, the deputy
if obstacles or hurdles occur and said her favorite commanding officer forward, 108th Air Defense
motto is, “If you can’t meet it, beat it.” Artillery Brigade.

“I don’t like late things,” she firmly expressed. “I “My husband being in my ear keeps me going when
value everyone’s time. Time is something you can’t I have little motivation or want to give up,” Jackson
get back. It is a precious commodity. Once it’s said as she began to get teary-eyed. “He doesn’t
gone, it’s gone.” necessarily have to be in my ear, but I can hear him
saying you got this, you can do this and I am here.
-20-
 Issue Apr-Jun
My husband is my rock. I lean on him a lot. He is these things and realize how fortunate you truly
my biggest cheerleader. I love him so much for it.” are.”

The Jacksons were friends for seven years before Jackson said her journey has been a “magical
they started dating. She stated that by being ride” and she has served in a broad range of
dual military, they understand the stressors and assignments at various levels that consisted of:
responsibilities placed upon each other, which Platoon Leader and Battery Executive Officer, Echo
results in a stronger covenant. Battery, 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery;
Assistant Operations Officer, 11th Air Defense
“He’s my sounding board,” she continued. “We Artillery Brigade; Commander, Headquarters
reciprocate back and forth. We’re in this together.” and Headquarters Battery, 5th Battalion, 52nd
Air Defense Artillery; Assistant Professor of
Jackson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Military Science, South Carolina State University;
Sorority, Incorporated and she learned that their Evaluations Officer, Army Test and Evaluation
qualities morph into military leadership traits. Her Center; Battalion Operations Officer, ARFOR, JTF-
sorority promotes high education, ethical standards, Bravo, Honduras; J6 Executive Officer and Project
health wellness and unity, which allows her to give Manager, United States Africa Command; Battalion
back to the community in both organizations. Their Executive Officer, 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense
nurturing ability to care shapes her into a powerful Artillery; and J35 Civil Support Branch Chief,
leader that takes interest in others. United States Northern Command.

“As a leader, I can’t give up knowing that there are “We all need help sometimes,” said Jackson.
people that depend on me,” said the compassionate “Nobody knows how to do everything. I’m all for
officer. “It’s a lot of pressure when I have someone seeking knowledge and guidance on how to do
depending on what I do or fail to do. It’s something something better. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
I welcome.”
The driven leader also taught at Reserve Officer
Although Jackson is an air defender, she spent a Training Corps at South Carolina State and to this
majority of her career outside of air defense artillery day, she keeps in contact with some of her students.
assignments while being challenged mentally,
physically and took advantage of opportunities to “To see my old students get promoted to major, that
broaden her scope of knowledge. just warms my heart because I knew them when
they were cadets” she said. “I told my students that
“I bring diversity,” she said with a smile. “My it would be hard and challenging, but you’ll be
experiences have allowed me to bring a point of prepared throughout the program. After that, people
view that people can’t ever know. I think being able will continue to prepare you for what you’ll have to
to do these other things out in the joint world, have deal with from thereon.”
really opened up my eyes to the military.”
Now, as Jackson prepares to relocate to 11th ADA
Jackson has planned missions for humanitarian BDE, she continues to be hard but fair.
assistance and disaster reliefs while assigned in
Honduras. She executed defense support of civil “I’ve shown my competitiveness, my capabilities
authorities in U.S. Northern Command. At U.S. and I have that potential that’s required,” the
Africa Command, she was an executive officer and empowered leader said. “But I expect the job to be
project manager for the African Union Command, challenging. This is a very challenging time and air
Control Communication and Information System. defense is high in demand. We’re doing so much as
a branch. Everything is going so fast and you have
“Being able to help people in a disaster situation to keep up. We have to make sure we’re trained and
is very fulfilling,” she said passionately. “You see ready to do what we do.”

-21-
 Issue Apr-Jun

As Jackson provides a purpose, direction and Field And Air Defense Artilleries
motivation to accomplish the mission and improve Are Not the Same
the organization while influencing her Soldiers, she
outlined her expectations. Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Timothy Gray
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
“From my personnel, I expect nothing less than what
I expect from myself,” said Jackson. “You could
never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t
do. Always show up with a positive attitude. Be
willing to work hard and go that extra mile when
needed.”

Jackson continues to be trustworthy and dependable

as she builds cohesive teams.

“I will always be straight forward, clear and concise FORT BLISS, TEXAS – For some units, preparing
on what needs to be done and what’s expected,” said for deployment can be a daunting task, especially
Jackson. “As long as you have clear guidance and when differences in Soldiers’ backgrounds and
intent, we can make things happen.” experiences are common.

Equally important, the Army’s greatest asset is our 1st Battalion, 204th Air Defense Artillery
people and Jackson said she values families because Regiment, Mississippi National Guard used their
they are her foundation and her source of structure. culminating training exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas as
an opportunity to stand on a common ground and
“Everyone in the unit needs to have a balance approach its upcoming deployment with a refined
between work, personal and family life,” she mission focus.
said compassionately. “I will always go back to
structure.” Like all National Guard units, 1-204 ADA gathers
one weekend a month for battle assembly and two
Jackson said she has seen people grow as a result of weeks a year for annual training. It makes sense that
the military in different organizations. units use that condensed time to focus on the core
tasks to complete the assigned mission.
“To the women wanting to join the military, just do
it,” Jackson concluded. “If it’s something that you Capt. Michael Maberry, commander of Bravo
aspire to do, give it a try. It’s definitely achievable. It Battery, 1-204 ADA, Mississippi National Guard
has opened my eyes to a lot of things.” says that his unit saw an opportunity to adopt a
frame of mind that would help his Soldiers get the
The leader with an impactful voice plans to serve in job done.
the Army as long as they will allow her to, as long
as her body can take it and as long as she can make a “We got to get out of that more garrison mindset
difference. and into a more field mindset; a real ADA mission
mindset,” Maberry said. “It’s bringing us back to
So, for those who are inspired and have a dream, what ADA should be.”
go for it and “just do it” because women can do
everything! To help refine that mindset, 2nd Battalion, 362 Field
Artillery Regiment, 5th Armored Brigade, First
Army Division West used the post-mobilization
training and validation process to simultaneously

-22-
 Issue Apr-Jun
bolster skills specific to air defense and emphasize Air Defense Female Command
the importance of other tasks.
Team Inspires Future Leaders
Sgt. 1st Class Bernard Carr, a field artillery fire Story and photos by Sgt. Raquel Birk
support NCO and observer, coach/ trainer assigned Tuesday, December 17, 2019
to Task Force Kodiak, 2-362 FA, says that field OKINAWA, Japan – In an air defense first, the 1st
artillery and air defense artillery are not the same. Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment’s female
command team leads their battalion to the forefront of a
“You’d think they’d be the same because their growing trade.
artillery, but there’s a lot of differences between the
two,” Carr said. With more than 40 years of combined service, Lt. Col.
Rosanna M. Clemente, air and missile defense officer,
Because of those differences, Task Force Kodiak and Command Sgt. Maj. Melissa Calvo, air defense
partnered with a sister brigade from First Army artillery senior enlisted advisor, guide and train more
Division East that specializes in air defense tactics than 570 troops on rapid modernization air and missile
and training to ensure 1-204 ADA rehearsed the defense capabilities to counter existing and future aerial
most up-to-date tactics and procedures. Carr threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
said guest trainers were as helpful for Task Force
Kodiak as for 1-204 ADA. “It’s a unique situation to work with our bilateral Japan
Self-Defense Force partners as well as joint maritime,
“It’s also a benefit to us,” Carr said. “We get to fires, and aviation elements to accomplish a real-world
pick their brains about what [air defenders] do, the mission,” said Clemente, Wood-Ridge, New Jersey
types of systems they use and the types of training native. “We are the first line of defense as the only Patriot
that they conduct.” Missile Battalion in the Pacific and continue to protect
the force from air and missile threats against the U.S.,
To this point in his command, Maberry said his our deployed forces, and our allies. It’s a tremendous
battery has participated in several smaller scale responsibility and honor that both Command Sgt. Maj.
events during monthly battle assemblies and annual Calvo and I share as a command team.”
training.
The 1-1 ADA command team seeks to improve
“This is definitely the biggest scale [exercise] warfighting capabilities through a myriad of annual
we’ve done so far,” Maberry said. exercises, increasing the battalion’s ability to maintain
its four firing batteries. This environment also requires a
The end result of the collaboration of Task Force certain equilibrium, which Calvo strives to achieve for
Kodiak, guest OC/Ts, and 1-204 ADA Soldiers is Soldiers under her care.
that the Mississippi National Guard unit is ready
to execute its mission as part of this nation’s total “The operational tempo of our unit is very fast-paced
force concept. with many multi-domain and bilateral training exercises.
Maintaining ready-Soldiers who have a healthy life-
“We want to make sure they leave here being work balance is important,” said Calvo, Tuscon, Arizona
successful where ever they deploy to,” Carr said. native. “This is a three-year tour and I’m fortunate to
“Our job is to coach, teach and mentor these guys have my husband, Juan, daughter, Ashley, and Soldiers to
and give them not just one person’s expertise; keep me going every day.”
everyone brings something positive to the table.”
Clemente said women who have defied gender roles have
created opportunities for others to pursue their passions
and demonstrate their capabilities to the world.

“Our battalion has an approximately seven to 10 percent

-23-
 Issue Apr-Jun
female demographic, but amongst those, many are Hollis was for me.”
in leadership positions such as battery commander,
first sergeant, platoon leaders, and squad leaders,” Calvo advises professionals to lean on competence,
said Clemente. “All of the Soldiers are doing not complacency to overcome any biases.
exceptionally well, but the women are definitely
taking charge.” “You need to take the tough jobs to gain experience
and put yourself out there so that people can see what
Clemente, commander of 1-1 ADA since June 2019, you can do,” said Calvo. “If you don’t put yourself in
describes being a battalion commander as one of the positions to showcase your commitment as a leader
most rewarding experiences. and how you take care of Soldiers, no one is going
to notice you or your dedication to the Army and its
“Being part of the 1-1 ADA team has been the Soldiers.”
greatest time of my career,” Clemente said. “I
absolutely love coming to work every day and take Clemente points to a cornerstone of dignity and
every chance I can to speak with the Soldiers – they respect when it comes to leadership – regardless of
are talented, smart, and incredibly resilient. I learn gender, ethnic, or socio-economic background.
something from them every day and I would not trade
a minute of this awesome opportunity.” “I think sometimes people are caught off guard when
they meet Command Sgt. Maj. Calvo and me. They
Clemente attributes her family as one of her driving didn’t expect to meet two women to make up the
forces to serve. command team – and I’ve always tried to steer people
away from that observation because as long as we
“My god mother, Lt. Col. (retired) Minda Casapao, treat each other with dignity and respect for what we
served as an Army nurse during the Gulf War and have to offer as leaders and contribute to the unit and
provided guidance throughout my career,” said the Army as Soldiers – our gender should not matter,”
Clemente. “I come from a family of immigrants that Clemente asserts. “At the end of the day, shaping
migrated from the Philippines to the United States, and motivating our Soldiers to think creatively,
so I serve to give back to a country that has given my demonstrating genuine care for our Soldiers and each
family so much and to emulate my god mother.” other, and building efficiency into the systems of our
craft as air defenders will enable our success. It’s
Calvo attributes female forerunners before her as the an art and skill that constantly requires honing and
fact that she is here. sharpening. Very simply, I hope that the leadership
style and approach that Command Sgt. Maj. Calvo
“I knew coming into air defense as a Private Second and I have adopted as a command team speaks to our
Class in 1996 that the profession had recently Soldiers and encourages them to develop the tools
opened up to females,” Calvo recalls. “Initially, my and skills they need in order for them to achieve their
mindset was just to survive and never imagined that dreams…and along the way, become the best air and
I would be where I am today. I had always looked missile defenders for our country.”
up to, Sgt. Maj. (retired) Evelyn Hollis, educator
for the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence, for The 1-1 ADA command team continues to spearhead
becoming the first female Command Sergeant Major the defense of Japan in the Pacific Theater of
in the Air Defense branch and leading the way for operation while inspiring their Soldiers to succeed
others like myself to follow. I had aspirations of and reach for more. For this air defense command
becoming the first female Command Sergeant Major team, the skies are the limits.
in the branch before Sergeant Major Hollis took
the title. Obviously that didn’t happen, but it gave
me the courage to strive for even higher positions
of responsibility within my career and I hope to be
that inspiration for my Soldiers as Sgt. Maj. (retired)
-24-
 Issue Apr-Jun

Air Denfense Artillery

Change of Command Ceremonies
94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command:
On Feb. 11, Col. Mark Holler assumed command from Brig. Gen. Michael Morrissey.

(U.S. Army photo curtsy of 94th AAMDC Facebook page)

Air Denfense Artillery

Change of Responsibility Ceremonies
35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade:
On March 9, Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond J. Belk assumed responsibility from Command
Sgt. Maj. Wilfredo Suarez.

(U.S. Army photo curtsy of 35th ADA Brigade Facebook page)

-25-
 Issue Apr-Jun

Air Denfense Artillery

Senior Leader Retirements

Rank Name
CW4 Garza, Troy
CW4 Granicki, Marc
CW4 Wesolowski, Peter
CSM Caldwell, John
CSM Harding, Gene
CSM Gonzalez, Robert
CSM Pinkham, Scott

Thank you for your service.

First to Fire!
-26-