Pacific Defender Spring 2014

94th Army Air Missile Defense Command

PACIFIC DEFENDER FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

Integrated Air Missile Defense:

Rebalance to Asia Pacific

Historic RIP/TOA THAAD in Guam

94th Army Air Missile Defense Command

PACIFIC DEFENDER

P U B L I SH E R Brig. Gen. Daniel Karbler Commanding General

C ON T R I BU T I NG W R I T E R S 2LT Nathaniel Eliasen 1-1 ADA Lt. Col. George Corbari 94th AAMDC, G3 Force Modernization

B OA R D OF DI R E C TOR S Col. William Stacey Deputy Commanding Officer

Lt. Col. Thomas Genter 94th AAMDC, G3 Force Modernization

Col. Robert Lyons Chief of Staff

Lt. Col. James Reese 94th AAMDC, G3 Future Plans

Command Sgt. Maj. Finis A. Dodson Command Sergeant Major

Staff Sgt. Jaquetta Gooden 94th AAMDC, Public Affairs

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Sgt. 1st Class Karry James 94th AAMDC, Public Affairs Office

E DI TOR S Maj. Gabriella Mckinney Public Affairs Officer, 94th AAMDC

Spec. Kendrix Lima 6-52 ADA

Sgt. 1st Class Karry James Public Affairs NCOIC, 94th AAMDC

Capt. Ed Ellingson 35th ADA, Public Affairs Office Capt. Justin Billot 13th Wing Air Force

L AYOU T & DE SI G N T E A M Element Media, Inc. Jamie Giambrone Keith Usher

Maj. Joel Seppala 1-1 ADA

PUBLISHER: 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Public Affairs Office, Building 334, Ft. Shafter, HI 96858. The Pacific Defender is a bi-annual authorized publication of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. The views expressed herein are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army. Unless others wise stated, material in this magazine may be reprinted without person; please credit the magazine and the author. The Pacific Defender can also be found online at www. usarpac.army.mil/94AAMDC.

Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Sabin 5th BCD, Plans Section NCOIC Chaplain (COL) Ken Revell 94th AAMDC, Command Chaplain Sgt. Maj. Patrick Murray 5th BCD, Operations Sergeant Major Master Sgt. Q.P. Bean 94th AAMDC, G6 Section NCOIC 1Lt. Bjorkman 1-1 ADA, Fire Control Platoon Leader

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The Official Magazine of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command

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FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE TABLE OF CONTENTS SPRING EDITION 2014

Integrating Air Missile Defense in the Pacific

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Cover Story

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Demonstrating the critical interoperability of Air and Missile defense assets while protecting the Pacific

Historic RIP/TOA Ceremony: A4 conducts a transfer of authority to A2

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Forging Partnerships

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“Bridging the Basics”

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Community Works

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Behind the Scenes

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Retirees Honored

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Building relationships with our partner nations in the Pacific

Senior Enlisted Soldiers speak out about what it means to get “Back to the Basics” PG 6

Soldiers at work giving back to the community

Capturing Soldiers outside the uniform

The command pays tribute to the Soldiers that have selflessly served this nation.

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Sea Dragon 6 Aloha Missile Defense Community, Family and Friends, It’s hard to believe that these 21 months in command have flown by so quickly. What’s more amazing is how much this incredible Command has accomplished, and how far we’ve come, in that period of time. We are truly experiencing a more dynamic, exciting time to be in the missile defense business than ever before!

The focus of this 2014 Pacific Defender Spring Edition is the Rebalance to Asia Pacific. With DoD focus on the Pacific region and the eyes of the world turned to potential threats, the role of an Air Defender is indeed a relevant topic.

The Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) force is at the forefront of the Army’s Rebalance to the Pacific. The Army has committed to increases in Air Defense Artillery force structure for 8 THAAD batteries, Soldier-manning for five AN/ TPY-2 Strategic Global Missile Defense Radars, and the addition of 13 positions to the 94th AAMC HQ. The Pacific has already benefited with the deployment of the THAAD battery to Guam this past year, the second AN/TPY2 Radar site to be operational later this year, and the strong potential for an additional THAAD Battery to be stationed in PACOM . Continuing improvements to our PATRIOT force also highlights the importance and emphasis placed on the Air and Missile Defense mission, as upgrades to our systems, Mission Command hardware and software, training devices, and missile enhancements keep our units modernized and ready. Each of these improvements are tangible actions directly attributable to the “Rebalance to the Pacific” that will serve to better posture this region.

I am proud to say we have an excellent team of Soldiers, Civilians, and Contractors who provide absolutely vital support for the 94th Army Air Missile Defense mission across the Pacific. Extremely proud to have served with each of you, and look forward to serving with you again, anytime and anywhere. Always remember that our Families are the Strength of our Soldiers; Our Soldiers are the Strength of our Army; and our Army is the Strength of our Nation.

First Line of Defense - One Team!

BG Daniel L. Karbler Sea Dragon 6 2

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Sea Dragon 7 Aloha, Konichiwa, Ahn Neyong Ha Seyo, and Hello! It has been an amazing past few months and my wife, Amanda, and I continue to be in awe and extremely appreciative of everything you do daily. During my dialogue with numerous key leaders ranging from Korea to Japan to the U.S., I continue to hear comments of excellence about your commitment to standards, discipline, and ensuring Mission Readiness. This reflects that each of you embody TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) in all your actions and dedication to success.

94th AAMDC hit the ground running as the year began with a high op-tempo for not only the command headquarters here in Hawaii, but also our subordinate units in Korea, Japan, and Guam.

Exercises such as Keen Edge and Key Resolve helped us keep our skills sharp and to build relationships with our allied countries partnered with us in training. Other training opportunities underlying the readiness of all our troops remained a priority that perhaps was not as apparent but was and is as equally important to allow us to “Bridge the Basics” as the military rebalances its focus here to the Pacific.

As we look ahead to what the rest of the year holds for us, we know that some changes are planned that will have a positive effect on the command’s operational effectiveness. One such change is the 94th Headquarters move to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, slated to occur sometime late summer. Another is the permanent stationing of a THAAD unit on Guam.

As we conduct our mission to serve as the first line of defense in the Pacific, we are also determined to be good neighbors by reaching out to our local communities and offering help and supplying material donations to the schools in need. A part of being good neighbors is also keeping watch on our Soldiers and their family members on the left and right of us. If someone seems like they are having trouble or about to get into trouble, intervene by talking to them, getting them to someone they trust or away from a situation. Even one 94th Soldier or family member hurting themselves or others or being a victim or a perpetrator of sexual assault is too many.

I know that each of you will keep up the great teamwork that ensures the continued excellence and high level of Readiness for the 94th AAMDC and the Pacific. Safely enjoy the summer with your loved ones and know that I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

First Line of Defense!

CSM Finis A. Dodson Sea Dragon 7 ★

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IAMD IN THE PACIFIC

Pacific AMD Rebalance Strategy Over the past several years, the tone of national diplomatic, informational, military and economic focus has decidedly shifted to the Asia-Pacific area of responsibility (AOR). During that time, United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) has pressed for additional military capabilities to compliment the aforementioned elements of national power. The US Air Force and US Navy have already taken significant action by shifting critical capabilities and capacity. The change of the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) command position from a three to a four-star command is just one indicator of growing emphasis by the US Army in the region.

The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command strategists and planners are developing an approach that examines the USAF/USN centric Air Sea Battle (ASB) concept and offers a complementary tactic involving the critical land component (US Army forces). This revised concept is designed to counter the PRC’s AntiAccess, Aerial Denial (A2/AD) policy while intending to maintain stability within the USPACOM AOR. This strategy is proposed from the perspective of Army Air and Missile Defense (AMD), which is 4

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expected to be a critical capability during deterrence operations and security of force projection assets.

“The Pacific Ocean does not separate the United States from Asia; it connects us.

We are connected by our economies, by our cultures, by our shared interests, and our security challenges. We have been accepting additional risk in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region for some time. Our rebalance strategy is in place, and we are making progress.

Implementing and sustaining the strategic rebalance will require long-term, sustained commitment and resources.”

-Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, Commander USPACOM Testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Mar. 5, 2013 This “Pacific AMD Rebalance Strategy” is vital to enhance, develop and protect P ACIFI C

resources that preserve US ability to project power (critical capability) into the region and maintain freedom of action throughout the Asia-Pacific and global commons. The Army’s AMD force provides required persistent land-based air defense capability to the geographic combatant commander.

AMD capabilities enable operational access enabling concurrent or follow-on joint operations while assuring allies of our nation’s resolve through persistent persence.

Regardless of where operations take place in the Asia-Pacific, AMD forces will play key roles in defending US interests.

Limited resources require implementation of innovative ideas to make effective and efficient use of AMD in the complex USPACOM AOR. The overarching goal for AMD is to deter and if necessary, defeat air and missile attacks against critical vulnerabilities. To achieve this goal, AMD forces must be in the right place at the right time, with the right capabilities, affording joint forces the ability to compete in all domains – air, space, maritime, land, and cyberspace.

As defined in the “2012 Army Strategic Planning Guidance,” the Army’s strategic priorities – Prevent, Shape, Win - establish a sound framework for emphasizing the

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IAMD IN THE PACIFIC domains most important to maintaining the Army’s relevancy in an ever increasing complex and competitive security environment. In the Pacific, Army AMD forces operate within and across these interdependent domains simultaneously under a Shape, Posture, Ready construct.

The 94th AAMDC and its subordinate units provide unique strategic capabilities that compliment those of our naval and air forces . AMD Soldiers resident in the Pacific AOR are highly trained and equipped with technologically advanced equipment that provides the theater commander and US policy makers persistent and mobile land based air and missile defense coverage.

AMD forces serve as credible deterrence; preventing miscalculations by adversaries and reassuring regional allies.

In order to meet emerging requirements in the USPACOM AOR, it is necessary to develop innovative approaches to maximizing the employment capabilities and presence of AMD forces operating here. Simply increasing capacity (by increasing force structure or fire units) and capability (introducing newer technologies or materiel solutions) is not enough: air and missile defenders must create efficiencies and change longstanding approaches to AMD mission analysis. By reorganizing the AAMDC headquarters to streamline mission command functions and develop new capabilities the staff supporting the Area Air Defense Commander will increase its overall effectiveness. The co-location of the 94th AAMDC with PACAF to better facilitate their Direct Support (DS) relationship is a prime example increased integration and interaction.

By redefining AMD requirements to be more flexible, better adept at meeting unique missions, and mission tailorable units, the AAMDC will increase adversarial costs of maintaining the status quo.

Expanding friendly capabilities through continued participation in Joint/ Combined IAMD training and exercises to enhance AMD capabilities, build partnerships, will demonstrate our national resolve to potential adversaries. In concert with PACOM, USARPAC, and PACAF, the 94th AAMDC is currently actively involved in engagement with four nations within the region and building towards relations with two others. The overarching theme and objective is to build partner capacity and export our professionalism in ★

order to foster better interoperability, assure our partners, and influence foreign military sales in order to address gaps and shortfalls.

To support this end, the 94th AAMDC has established forward mission command nodes in three locations to facilitate our regional engagement to further broaden our capabilities in the AOR. To disrupt potential adversary calculus and decrease strategic transport requirements, the 94th AAMDC is recommending a mixture of forward stationed AMD assets echeloned to increases strategic flexibility and response.

While rotational forces place a great burden on the AMD force, requiring a minimum of three units to accomplish one mission (deployed, trained/ready, reset), forward stationed elements can provide a more cost effective way of demonstrating national commitment and resolve. This is particularly true when assets are forward stationed on US territories or homeland to maximize flexibility. Forward stationed

AMD assets in the USPACOM AOR will provide additional strategic flexibility options and de-escalation options to the USPACOM and USARPAC Commanders by providing adequate force structure at appropriate levels for partnership building and force capability packages.

In the coming weeks, 94th AAMDC in coordination with and support of both Pacific Air Force Command and USARPAC, will publish the details of this strategy meeting the Chief of Staff of the Army’s challenge to the AMD community of interest to develop and employ innovative and cost effective solutions to complex environments.

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Article by: By Lt. Col. George Corbari, Lt. Col. Thomas Genter, and Lt. Col. James Reese, 94th AAMDC

Air and Missile Threats to the Asia-Pacific Region TBM

Large numbers of short, medium, intermediate and inter continental range ballistic missiles capable of overwhelming defenses and equipped with improved features such as reduced signature re-entry vehicles, penetration aids, multiple, maneuvering, and early separating re-entry vehicles and warheads.

CM

Large numbers of long range, low-observable, sophisticated seeker and warhead ground, naval surface and subsurface, and air-launched land-attack cruise missiles, potentially including not only conventional unitary and submunitions warhead but also high powered microwave warheads.

UAS

Large numbers of surveillance and attack Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including lethal UAS such as harpy attack drones.

A/C

Various types of advanced, fixed and rotary wing attack aircraft capable of challenging US aircraft in air-to-air combat and capable of launching cruise missiles and guided bombs, including J-11 fighter aricraft, J-8 attack aircraft, H-6 bombers, and J-20 prototype aircraft.

EW

Potent electronic warfare (EW) systems, including large numbers of capable Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) jammers, GPS signal jammers, and satellite-downlink jammers.

ATS

Robust Anti-Satellite systems, both kinetic and non-kinetic, capable of greatly diminishing US space-based surveillance, early warning, and cueing capabilities.

ARM

Advanced, Medium and Long-range Anti-Radiation Missiles.

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IAMD IN THE PACIFIC

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam – Task Force Talon marks another historical milestone as its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery completes its mission and transfers authority to one of its sister THAAD units already on the ground in Guam, Apr. 1.

The outgoing battery, Alpha, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, has been providing tactical ballistic missile defense of the island of Guam against any potential threats for the last year. They will be heading back home to family and friends at Fort Bliss, TX after the transfer.

“A-4 has set the conditions for not only the continued success of this mission, but also for future successful deployments of THAAD to other areas of the world,” said Lt. Col. Clyde Cochrane, commander, Task Force Talon. “The lessons learned here will enable future Air Defenders to deploy, emplace and accomplish their mission faster and better.”

The “Transfer of Authority” ceremony is a military tradition that the two units conduct as a symbol that signifies the end of A-4’s mission by the casing of its guidon and the start of A-2’s assumption of responsibility for the defense of Guam by the unfurling of its guidon.

Distinguished guests in attendance at the ceremony included the U.S. territory of Guam Governor, Gov. Eddie Calvo, Guam National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Benny Paulino, and 36th Wing 6

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Photos by SrA Cierra Presentado, 36th Wing Public Affairs Office

Historical THAAD Battery in Guam Transfers Authority to its Sister Unit

Cpt. Juan Remy, commander (left), and 1st Sgt. Quorey Joseph, senior enlisted leader (right), both of Alpha Battery, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A-4), face each other in front of a troop formation as Remy holds the fly of the unit’s guidon while Josephqwww slowly rolls the guidon and cases it in a Transfer of Authority ceremony, Apr.1, 2014 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The ceremony signaled the end of A-4’s year-long deployment to Guam while A-2 assumed responsibility for the defense of Guam by uncasing its guidon.

Commander, Air Force Brig. Gen. Steven Garland.

Before the transfer of authority ceremony took place, however, the two units went through a process known as “Relief in Place”. Since their arrival over two weeks ago, A-2 Soldiers have been closely shadowing their counterparts from A-4 to absorb lessons learned and ensure continuity.

Continuity plays a very important role in this mission as the military rebalances P ACIFI C

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toward the Pacific, especially regarding the established relationships within the community and joint forces as well as with coalition forces.

“I am very pleased that I was selected to remain on-station for a total of two years,” said Cochrane. “This allows me to see the task force as a whole from the beginning to a stage where permanence begins to set in.”

Task Force Talon is the combining of THAAD, military police, and ★

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communications in a joint working environment with the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base and the Joint Region Marianas Headquarters on Guam.

The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command provides mission command of Task Force Talon.

“We arrived here with nothing in place, and with the hard work of all involved, we have built the task force up into a robust Integrated Air Missile Defense capability,” Cochrane said. “I am very appreciative of all the support that we have received from the Air Force and Navy, without which the mission would have been exponentially harder to accomplish.”

From the Army cooks working in the base dining facility to Task Force Talon’s acceptance by the Air Force and Navy as an unofficial tenant unit at Andersen, Cochrane says that all are willing to continue to strive to be good team players and good neighbors.

(Top) Lt. Col. Clyde Cochrane, commander, Task Force Talon, provides his thoughts on the mission to the Soldiers of Alpha Battery, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A-4) and Alpha Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A-2) during a Transfer of Authority ceremony between the two Alpha units Apr. 1, 2014 at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

(Middle) Alpha Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A-2) “Gunslingers” stand ready to start their mission to defend the island of Guam as part of Task Force Talon. The formation was part of a traditional Transfer of Authority ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam Apr. 1, 2014 where A-2 uncased its guidon and assumed the mission.

(Bottom) Lt. Col. Clyde Cochrane, commander, Task Force Talon, (right) and Cpt. Peter Lewall, commander, Alpha Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A-2), (left) exchange salutes signaling Lewall and his troops assume responsibility for the Defense of the Guam mission. The gesture was part of the traditional Transfer of Authority ceremony conducted Apr. 1, 2014 at Andersen Air Force Base passing power from A-4 to A-2.

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Article by: By Sgt. 1st Class Karry James, 94th AAMDC, Public Affairs NCOIC ★

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IAMD IN THE PACIFIC

Bilateral U.S. and Japan Wargame JOINT BASE PEARL HARBORHICKAM — The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) joined Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Japanese forces, recently, at the 613th Air and Space Operations Center for a week long war game exercise that is considered a test bed for advancing bilateral air and missile defense.

The Integrated Air Missile Defense (IAMD) war game series is a Navy War College exercise that is conducted by invitation only.

The exercise was set up to be led by flag and general officers that formed a bilateral operational command, here, and at Yokota Air Force Base Air Operations Center (AOC).

Japan Air Self Defense Force Maj. Gen. Yutaka Masuko, director of the Defense Plans and Operations directorate at the Air Defense Command headquarters, and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Rear Adm. Ryo Sakai, commanding officer of Escort Flotilla One, led the team of Japanese air and missile defense planners during the exercise. The 613th AOC of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) hosted the event.

“The goal of this exercise is to continue bilateral integration between our two nations to promote the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region,” said Maj. Gen. Kevin Pottinger, mobilization assistant to the PACAF commander.

“Integration and ally engagements are keys to the success of mutual defense of 8

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Japan and continued free access to the Global Commons.”

The event is a continuation of previous exercises that provide opportunities for members from each nation to work together as well as enabling important joint U.S. training. Bilateral engagements are central to U.S. and Japanese shared goals of security and regional stability, according to Pottinger.

“We have made great progress working with our Japanese allies to enhance the integration of our air and missile defense operations,” Pottinger said. “This exercise strengthened our highly synchronized, bilateral control of integrated air and missile defense.”

PACAF took the lead in using the exercise to further develop staff capabilities here in the Pacific region and invited several of the region’s top IAMD community personnel, including the 94th AAMDC to participate.

“This exercise allows us to address our joint and combined partners in a focused environment on matters regarding integrated air and missile defense issues,” said Lt. Col. James Reese, plans and exercises chief, 94th AAMDC. “The fact that the Navy War College is working aggressively to truly get at the joint and combined approach to this fight is important.”

IAMD exercises have been occurring during the past seven years. Every year, another level of complexity has been added to the exercise, with additional cooperation P ACIFI C

Planners from the U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces engage in missile defense planning during the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Wargame V in the 613th Air Operations Center, here, Feb. 13.

The exercise centered around building relationships between the joint U.S. team and Japan’s military forces to overcome regional security challenges. Photo by Capt. Justin Billot.

and participation by coalition partners.

“By operating so closely together, we are not only furthering relations at the individual level, but we are building partner capacity at the operational level,” said Reese. “We all understand the application of doctrine in exercises like this. The importance to me is the nuance of applying the doctrine while operating with a partner military with its own cultural aspects.

“Their decision cycles are different than ours, and it is educational in understanding this and incorporating it into our own processes,” Reese added.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Paul McGuillicuddy, chief of staff, PACAF, said in a letter that the exercise advances counter-air operations, as well as strengthens the U.S.’s bilateral partnership with Japan.

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Article by: By Sgt. 1st Class Karry James, 94th AAMDC, Public Affairs NCOIC

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Historic Change of Command at the Battery Level Now a Part of 94th AAMDC Legacy Outgiong commander, Cpt. Cesar Torres relenquishes command to Cpt. Juan Remy with Lt. Col. Clyde Cochrane Task Force Talon Commander on January 14, 2014

Andersen Air Force Base, Guam –Alpha Battery, 4th Air Defense Artillery (A-4 ADA), a Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) unit out of Fort Bliss, Texas that is deployed to Guam working with Task Force Talon under the command and control of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command at Fort Shafter in Hawaii, conducted an extraordinary change of command ceremony, Jan. 14, 2014.

“This marks a significant milestone in Army Air Defense history because it’s the first THAAD change of command conducted in a deployed environment,” said Lt. Col. Clyde Cochrane, commander, Task Force Talon, 94th AAMDC. Cpt. Cesar Torres relinquished command to Cpt. Juan Remy.

Torres commanded the THAAD battery for more than a year and says that being a part of an historic deployment will be

a cornerstone of his Army Career.

“I am truly honored and lucky to have been the commander of A-4 THAAD,” Torres said. “During our deployment, we faced so many challenges since this is the first time THAAD has been operationally deployed, but thanks to the perseverance, hard work, and dedication of all the officers, noncommissioned officers, and Soldiers in the unit, our mission accomplishment to this date has been flawless.”

Torres will be moving on to the Brigade Modernization Command located at Fort Bliss, Texas.

“I will never forget this experience, and I’m truly grateful for the trust and confidence of my commanding officers,” Torres said. “I hope in their eyes my unit met and exceeded their expectations.”

“As the THAAD force continues to expand in the future, there will be many commanders who may have the same op-

portunity to deploy their battery in response to aggression, but Cpt. Torres will always be remembered as the first one,” Cochrane said. “Cpt. Torres has set the standard for all future THAAD commanders.”

Cochrane added that Remy will be taking charge of a highly trained, motivated professional unit.

“It is a privilege and honor to command such reputable soldiers,” said Remy. “I’ve been told that these Soldiers are the most proficient, efficient, and lethal warriors on the THAAD system in the world.”

Remy arrived to Guam after completing an assignment with 1-7 ADA Battalion, 108th ADA Brigade out of North Carolina. He was nominated and selected to take command of the A-4 THAAD unit by Brig. Gen. James Dickinson, commander, 32nd AAMDC. The ceremony included the Army’s time-honored tradition of handing over the unit’s guidon from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. Taking the guidon from Torres is a gesture from Remy that he will honor the traditions, values, and Soldiers that the guidon represents.

“Remember that change is an inherent part of the military, whether it be an individual, a unit or a mission,” Cochrane told the crowd attending the event. “Soldiers continue to Soldier on.”

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Article by: By Sgt. 1st Class Karry James, 94th AAMDC, Public Affairs NCOIC ★

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FORGING PARTNERSHIPS

Working “Shoulder to Shoulder” with our Allies

The 94th AAMDC works closely with our allies in order to build strong bonds and foster relationships with them. These photos represent a small glimpse of previous visits, training exercises and meetings that were conducted over this year with our foreign counterparts.

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Photos: Spc. Raymong Holland, Charlie Battery, 1-1 ADA

1-1 ADA Participates in 7th Fleet’s FST-J

OKINAWA, JAPAN — Soldiers from 1-1 Air Defense Artillery (ADA) participated in the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet 2014 Fleet Synthetic Training - Joint Exercise (FST-J) at Kadena Air Base from 24 February - 28 February. FST-J is the pinnacle Navy-led simulated training event that currently incorporates the Army, Air Force and Marines.

The Missile Defense Agency sent a team of contractors to Okinawa to provide support for integration into the exercise by connecting 1-1 ADA to the central hub of the simulation in San Diego, California. The event provided an opportunity for the Army and Navy to improve communications networks through the scenario presented in the simulation. The simulation was fed into the four Patriot Fire Units’ Engagement Control Stations (ECS) and the battalion’s Information Coordination Central (ICC) from a Tactical Data Analysis and Connectivity System (TDACS). The TDACS facilitated integration into the overarching exercise.

The intent for 1-1 ADA during FST-J was to exercise missile defense planning, joint air and missile defense operations, and validate the joint kill chain control. 1Lt. Samuel Korom, 1-1 ADA’s Fire Direction Center Officer in Charge, said, “Primarily we participate to support the annual 7th Fleet exercise; however, we also use the opportunity to conduct engagement operations within a joint, integrated, operational environment.” In order to exercise the joint kill chain, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) provided three Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officers (ADAFCOs) to be on location in Okinawa during the exercise. ADAFCOs, who are responsible for higher level airspace and engagement coordination with the other services, communicated with the Marine Air Control Squadron ★

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4 (MACS-4) and the 623rd Air Control Flight (ACF) who are both stationed on Okinawa. The ADAFCOs, working side-byside with the MACS-4 and the 623rd ACF, greatly improved the efficiency of the joint kill chain on Okinawa.

The unit’s aggressive approach to the exercise facilitated immense returns as 1-1 ADA also worked to improve the bilateral defense of Okinawa. Building on ties formed with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces during last year’s exercise, the two units took key steps toward further integration. CW2 William Adamek, a tactical director, said, “This is the best connectivity we have achieved with joint and bi-lateral partners in my three years of participation in FST-J.” Internally, the battalion utilized the time to increase the tactical proficiency of battery-level crews. As operating with all four fire units simultaneously is rare, due to each battery’s individual training and certification timelines, ECS crews were able to access aspects of the system that are not normally available.

1Lt. Patrick Cooney, a tactical control officer, said, “FST-J always provides a unique opportunity to train our ECS crews. As such, it proves to be a valuable tool for the individual batteries, as well as the battalion.”

The importance of communication in joint and bilateral missile defense operations cannot be overstated. The success of 1-1 ADA during the 2014 FST-J is a major step forward in the joint and bilateral integration crucial for success in the Pacific region. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

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FORGING PARTNERSHIPS

Soldiers with the 94th AAMDC were on duty 24 hours a day, working 12-hour shifts, along with their Air Force counterparts on Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, during exercise Keen Edge 2014, conducted Jan. 25-31, 2014, to react to scenario-based simulated missile attacks.

“Keen Edge” 2014 Tests the Interoperability of the 94th, Japanese, and Joint Forces FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command focused on testing its interoperability with its Japanese counterparts and other U.S. forces by participating in the exercise “Keen Edge 2014”, which began January 25th and ran through January 31st, 2014.

Keen Edge is a biennial joint command post exercise conducted to increase combat readiness and synchronization between United States Forces Japan (USFJ) and the Japan Joint Staff (JJS).

The 94th deployed several of its Soldiers as a forward element to participate in the exercise in theater on Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Maj. Jason Albright, operations and forward element liaison officer for the exercise, 94th AAMDC, said that since relationships are critical in building partner capacity, the forward element was on the ground in Japan to maintain and increase the level of trust that is a result of these working relationships in past exercises.

Col. Robert Lyons, chief of staff, 94th AAMDC agrees that deploying an element to Japan has an effect on the relationship between the two countries.

“The fact that we sent a forward team to Japan for this exercise not only reinforces the concept of operations of how the 94th 12

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would execute real-world contingency operations,” Lyons said, “but also, affirms to our Japanese counterparts that we are committed to our partnership and treaty obligations.”

Lyons added, “We were able to establish very effective procedures with our Japanese teammates, and we as the forward element, were able to gain an appreciation for the Japanese Air Defense Command’s operating procedures, thereby enabling us to better shape decisions on a timeline required in a complex and fluid integrated air missile defense (IAMD) operation.”

“This exercise is very important by helping to provide actionable information that is very important in refining plans and offering solutions to complex strategic problems,” Albright said. “It aids in building partner capacity from the action officer through the general officer level.”

Even though this exercise is conducted biennially with the Japanese, new challenges come to light each time due to changes in each country’s tactics, techniques, and procedures.

“The challenges that we faced in training are integrating the outstanding situational awareness capabilities of our counterparts into our Pacific Army Command theater-wide understanding,” said Albright, “and carefully apportioning assets that not only provide for the defense P ACIFI C

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of Japan but also provide capabilities that contribute to theater wide and defense.”

But, Albright says those challenges are easily overcome by good, consistent communication.

“Building partner capacity through bilateral understanding of the tactics, techniques, and procedures each country employs in defending their critical and vital assets can be achieved by participating in frequent joint and bilateral planning, working groups, and boards,” he added.

Heavy emphasis was placed on the integration efforts of the 94th’s forward element with various Japanese counterparts as well as the 94th ’s command element in Hawaii with Pacific Air Forces at the 613th Air and Space Operations Center with the objective of obtaining “lessons learned” that can be used to enhance and improve battle plans development between the two countries and joint forces.

The success of the exercise was strongly geared toward building a trusting relationship.

“As Brig. Gen. Karbler (commanding general for 94th AAMDC) has stated, ‘you can’t just RFF (request for forces) trust; you can’t surge relationships’,” Lyons said. “It takes time and experience working together in a combined exercise/ operation to build up that trust to be able to effectively conduct IAMD operations together.”

Success was also determined by how the refinement and adjustments of the operations enabled the U.S and Japanese commanders to make decisions.

“This exercise was successful, “Albright said. “We were able to develop and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures with our Japanese counterparts that will allow commanders to exercise full capabilities to achieve mission success in real world situations.” ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: By Sgt. 1st Class Karry James, 94th AAMDC, Public Affairs NCOIC ★

U.S. Army photos by Capt. Ed Ellingson, 35th ADA PAO

35th ADA AMMO RETRIEVAL: An Exercise in Teamwork and Preparation (RIGHT) Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army Pfc. Rhee (right), Zion listens while Spc. Benjamin Fork (left), briefs the ammunition retrieval crew on the upcoming mission here, Feb. 27. Both serve with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. (ABOVE) Sgt. Raymond Calhoun, a supply sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 35th ADA Brigade, ensures his vehicle’s communications equipment is functioning prior to rolling out on an ammunition retrieval exercise here, Feb. 27.

OSAN AIR BASE – “Driving to the ammunition depot, loading, securing and returning with the cargo is merely the tip of the iceberg, the easy part,” said Sgt. 1st Class Royce Wilcox, Headquarters Platoon Sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade.

The Soldiers of Headquarters Platoon suited up in helmets, protective vests and had their chemical protective gear on hand as they moved out in their tactical vehicles to successfully accomplish an ammunition retrieval exercise, Feb. 27.

The devil is the details, according to Spc. Benjamin Fork, a Patriot missile launching station enhanced maintainer/ operator with Headquarters Platoon, who ★

spent many long hours preparing for the event.

“Allotments [of ammunition] change each year,” said Fork. “And since accountability is critical, keeping paperwork up to date and correct, including ammunition recently turned in, takes a lot of attention to detail.”

Teamwork is vital in such a complicated task.

“We train on this regularly to bring new Soldiers up to speed,” said Fork. “The personnel at the ammunition depot are also one of our greatest assets, especially the [Republic of Korea] nationals who have worked there for several years.”

Han, Kyu-Ung, a vehicle and ammunitions operations inspector is one such Korean citizen working on the PACIFI C

depot.

“Specialist Fork and his team have always done a good job when coming to the depot,” Han said.

Han’s U.S. counterpart, Sgt. Robert Polmateer, a customer service noncommissioned officer with the 52nd Ordnance Company out of Camp Humphreys, agreed with Han’s assessment. “[35th ADA] has always been on it,” Polmateer said. “Our teams work well together.” ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: Capt. Ed Ellingson, 35th ADA, Public Affairs

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1-1 ADA Conducts Battalion CPX KADENA AIR BASE, JAPAN — Starting 27 January 2014, 1-1 Air Defense Artillery Snake Eyes Battalion conducted a week long Command Post Exercise (CPX) in order to increase the Battalion’s proficiency related to the Mission Command process. 1-1 ADA is tasked to defend various critical assets on the island of Okinawa and is stationed on Kadena Air Base.

The Snake Eyes Battalion is privileged in that it is collocated with the Air Force’s largest fighter wing, the 18th Wing, enabling Joint training. This CPX was designed to be executed in conjunction with a Mission Focused Exercise (MFE) led by the fighter wing. This gave Soldiers the ability to see how their actions integrate into a larger operational framework. The CPX objectives were based on the Battalion’s Mission Essential Task List, and focused on Mission Command. All units exercised the Battalion’s communications network, reporting procedures, and interoperability with the 18th Wing.

At the Battery level, this event exercised the Command Post Operations tenant of Mission Command specifically by supporting tactical operations and developing systems to maintain continuity of command. This CPX was particularly robust with different response and support elements being incorporated into the training; security teams, Reconnaissance, Selection, and Occupation of Position (RSOP) teams, and Engagement Control Station (ECS) crews were integrated. This provided the Battery Command Post (BCP) crews the ability to react to exercise events in a realistic manner. The BCP was responsible for coordinating the various teams on site and preparing the appropriate reports to send to the Battalion’s Tactical Operations Center (TOC).

The proper utilization of the communication network was instrumental in training Mission Command by enabling Battery authority and direction while maintaining Battalion level control through the TOC. The TOC had a dual role during this CPX. First, it was responsible for overseeing the flow of information to and from the Batteries that is crucial for Mission Command. Second, it acted as the only Patriot liaison to Kadena Air Base. The TOC was tasked with deconflicting all activities with those of the 18th Wing 14

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TOP: Staff Sgt. Eichorst briefs Bravo Batteries RSOP team on new site to be surveyed.

RIGHT: Soldiers were often directed to various MOPP levels as part of the CPX. Photos

by Sergeant Justin Engle.

and ensuring that information reached the Batteries in a timely manner. The TOC’s ability to coordinate and synchronize reports and information was a vital point of the multi-echelon CPX. This training event increased the Battalion’s capability to perform its mission by refining communication and reporting procedures. MAJ Joseph Westerman, the BN Operations Officer stated that it is important to conduct collective training regularly due to the unit’s high personnel turnover rate. Collective training events provide the opportunity to properly instruct incoming personnel and continually evaluate the unit’s state of readiness.

1LT Samuel Korom, the Fire Direction Center Officer in Charge stated that the biggest improvement during this CPX was in the timeliness and correctness of reports sent from the subordinate units to Battalion. There was also marked improvement in the flow of information within the subordinate units.

This CPX reached its climax on the fourth day of training with an enemy attack and successful defense of Okinawa.

This capstone training event demonstrated the ability to react to threats and communicate effectively. The Snake Eyes Battalion now gazes squarely on the upcoming Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint Exercise. This event is the Pacific’s premiere Joint kill chain exercise and will incorporate forces from Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Japanese Defense Force. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: 2LT Nathaniel Eliasen 1-1 ADA D EFEN D ER

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ALWAYS PREPARED ABOVE: Spec. Brandon Lindholm applies his belt as a makeshift tourniquet to a simulated casualty, Spc. Porsha Grady, both launcher crew members with Battery A, 6-52 ADA, during the Iron Resolve field training exercise at Seosan AB, Feb. 24.

BELOW: Pfc. Joel Joseph, a combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 6-52 ADA, provides medical treatment to a casualty injured by a simulated improvised explosives blast during the Iron Resolve field training exercise at Suwon AB, Feb. 24. Photos by Pfc. Shin, Young-Jae, 6-52 ADA Public Affairs.

SUWON AIR BASE, Republic of Korea—Soldiers from 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery participated in the “Iron Resolve” Field Training Exercise, Feb. 18 -27 across the ROK. Part of a larger 35th ADA Brigade exercise, Iron Resolve marked the first time that the battalion’s command and control operations deployed along with the Patriot missile batteries.

Deploying command and control elements brought on new challenges for the Iron Horse Battalion, including communications difficulties that the Soldiers worked around the clock to overcome.

“It was the first time 6-52 [ADA] had moved their [command and control] operations [to an area] without any pre-existing infrastructure or communications setup,” said Sgt. Rafael Roca, an engagement controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery. “It was a real challenge getting everything up and running.”

With the early technical issues solved, the Air Defenders carried out their air and missile defense mission, successfully completing crew evaluations and demonstrating their combat readiness by defending their sites from simulated enemy attacks.

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said Roca.

“In a war-time situation not everything is going to go according to plan,” Roca said. “You have to work through it.”

The second week of Iron Resolve overlapped with Key Resolve, a combined and joint annual command post exercise that allows allied forces across the ROK to hone their war fighting skills. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★

Article by: Spec. Kendrix Lima 6-52 ADA D EFEN D ER

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BRIDGING THE BASICS

Bridging the Gap FORT SHAFTER, HAWAII—“Back to the Basics” are those standards and skills that the Army as a whole has placed on the back burner due to a decade of conflict. As the Army’s operational tempo slows and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq end or come to an end, the “back to the basics” philosophy is the first step in breathing life back into the Profession of Arms. The basics of Soldiering at the junior level have become a lost art and for us to be successful as an Army we must bridge this gap.

To start this process, Soldiers must adhere to the standards, not just one or two, but all standards. What this entails is customs and courtesies, NCOPDs, in ranks inspections, espritde-corps, NCO support channel, chain-of-command, pride in the unit, pride in the footprint, empowering NCOs, eight step training model, hip-pocket training the list goes on and on. For 94th AAMDC to bridge the gap we, “NCOs” must not be afraid to correct Soldiers if they walk past trash without picking it up, if their uniforms are not to standard, fresh haircuts every Monday etc..

How the 94th has started bridging the gap to get “Back to the Basics” is implementing Battery NCOPDs every month by the 16

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1SG. These classes include but not limited to Counseling’s, developing junior leaders, SHARP, how to conduct height and weight in conjunction with taping. Having Platoon Sergeants conduct ASU in ranks inspections is a task that we take pride in. The 94th AAMDC prides themselves in esprit-de-corps by conducting Battery runs with the commander and 1SG every month.

In closing “Back to Basics” is enforced in the creed of the Non-Commissioned officer “No one is more professional than I”, “Competence is my watch word”, and “I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own”. The basics have always been there, it’s just up to the NCOs to enforce them.

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Article by: Master Sgt. Q.P. Bean 94th AAMDC , G6 Section NCOIC D EFEN D ER

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train or emphasize the importance of the eight-step training model. This subject continues to resurface periodically in senior level training meetings and planning conferences. The continued re-emergence of this basic theory leads most to believe that senior leaders have predicted this gap in the basics and are “prepping the battlefield” for an inevitable draw down in force strength and operations tempo.

This return to a proven training method will be imperative in bridging the gap from combat-based experience training to a more structured training cycle based on garrison activities.

Today, our junior NCOs have proven their ability to train any given audience as long as they possess basic combat experience. The challenge is training Soldiers that have seen little to no action.

Our ability to provide a structured well-organized training program that addresses the needs of the unit is the key to mission success. The BCD has dusted off the eight step-training model in order to provide that structure.

The BCD uses this proven method of training development for every training event. This has proven that with proper utilization, any NCO, experienced or not, can provide the necessary training to an audience with varying experience levels.

We use the process to develop comprehensive rehearsals, and Concept of the Operations (CONOPS). Our unit archives all tools, training aids, and other elements developed during the 8-Step Training Model. The strict execution of this process allows a unit to account for every facet of the training event.

For our leaders to persevere we use these proven steps to develop our individual and collective training events. We avoid basing our training plans on the thousands of TTPs that are often specific in nature. As members of the BCD we enforce the use of doctrine during all training events, and capture the critical lessons learned during AARs to assist in TACSOP refinement. This training development method accounts for all phases of training while preparing for combat.

This is the foundation for bridging the basics. Our ability to train to standard based on doctrinal guidelines while accounting for all steps of the 8-Step training model allows our unit to prepare for all future operations in the Pacific.

Keeping the Warfighter Prepared Using the 8-step Training Model FORT SHAFTER, HAWAII—Over the past twelve years, the Army has become a more tactically sound organization, but at what cost? In order to remain the most dominant Army in the world it was essential to achieve tactical growth. The involvement in two complex combat environments fostered growth through the adjustment of doctrine, the development of new tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), and trial and error. A wartime environment of back-to-back combat deployments ensured that Soldiers were experts in theatre. However, entering the post-war era once again, we will find that we are now weakened, overall, having specialized to a particular environment and threat. Today’s Army must grow from the experience gained in combat, while also returning to our roots, essentially bridging the gap back to the basics.

The pre-9-11 Army trained their forces to be able to fight anywhere, at any time. Today, training is specific to one operational environment. Our junior non-commissioned officers (NCO’s) bring an abundance of their own real world experience into the planning and execution of this training.

This experience equates to junior leaders prepared for combat in a known environment. Junior leaders lack the understanding and skill to transfer that knowledge into developing a training plan for inexperienced individuals.

In the past, there was a major push from TRADOC to re★

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Article by: Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Sabin 5th BCD, Plans Section NCOIC D EFEN D ER

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BRIDGING THE BASICS

Bridging the Basics through Online Military and Civilian Education FORT SHAFTER, HAWAII—The Army as a whole faces a challenge that requires complete “buy in” by our leaders at all levels. This challenge requires our leaders to put aside all biases that may influence their ability to implement training, education and professional development programs within their organizations. 5th Battlefield Coordination Detachment’s (5th BCD) willingness to embrace evolving technology while “bridging the basics” will prove to be the most important factor contributing to the success of the unit.

Soldiers are the foundation of the profession; the BCD is no different. We must maximize training by accounting for how Soldiers learn. The Soldiers and young leaders throughout the ranks of the Army are a product of this evolution in technology.

However, we as senior leaders often rely on our foundations of training. This training did not involve computers, interactive videos, databases, and other application based venues. The BCD implements systems such as Combined Arms Profession of Excellence (CAPE), Training Management System (TMS) and the Army Training Network (ATN) in order to capitalize on our Soldiers and leaders full potential. The evolution of training incorporates the tools in advancement of technology as it pertains to planning, preparing, executing, and managing training programs throughout each branch of the Army.

The profession requires expertise and certification regardless of rank or position. Soldiers enter the military with more education than ever before. This requires our key enlisted leaders to further their civilian education in order to remain relevant. The BCD takes a proactive approach by monitoring and enforcing the Professional Military Education (PME) and Solider Self Development (SSD) programs. The unit embraces technology through distance learning and other applications that allow 18

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our service members to continue their development regardless of geographical location. The BCD assists the Army in closing the gap in education by utilizing the technology to advance our Soldiers in their education and professional development.

The most difficult gap to account for resides in experience.

History tells us that post war of this magnitude often times results in drastic change. Experience does not only apply to tactics used in combat it also includes customs and courtesies, traditions, counseling, training, and numerous other variables too complex to cover in a short article of this nature. The importance of capturing the experience of leaders transitioning out of the military will determine the success of bridging the gap.

The BCD continues its efforts to capture this experience through Leadership Professional Development programs, along with emphasis on mentorship and effective counseling. The BCD also looks to CAPE and other web-based applications to assist in the development of our young Soldiers and leaders. The BCD will continue to utilize this technology by capture the experience and expertise of our veteran force service members order to maximize the potential of force.

In order to maximize the effectiveness of the men and women of the 5th BCD, we embrace technology in order to capitalize on the personal and professional growth of our war-fighters.

Our unit joins the fight as the Army continues to “bridge the basics” by accounting for gaps in training, education and experience through effective use of technology. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: Sgt. Maj. Patrick Murray 5th BCD , Operations Sergeant Major D EFEN D ER

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10th Missile Defense Detachment Determines Its “Best Crew” for 2014 HICKAM AFB, Hawaii—Soldiers from the 10th Missile Defense Detachment, 100th Missile Defense Brigade, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Sensor Management Cell (SMC), participated in a unit annual sensor manager “best crew” competition at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, Jan. 27 through Jan. 31. ★

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The contest tested five three-person crews to get the top overall score in a multi-event challenge. The events in the competition included “table-eights”, oral boards, written tests, briefs to leadership, and a physical challenge 10th MDD calls “PT Olympics”.

“We are using the total Soldier concept to determine who is the best crew,” said Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Sharp, SMC noncommissioned officer in charge, 10th MDD. “The technical aspects carry the heaviest weight in scoring with the tactical carrying a lighter weight, but they still matter because the smaller points are usually what ends up deciding it because they are all very good at their jobs.”

The officers and senior noncommissioned officer of the unit observed, discussed, and scored each category to determine the winner.

“Our unit is a small, tight knit group,” said Sgt. John Foxworth, sensor manager and crew 5 member. “Everyone in the unit had something to do for the competition, whether it was competing, scoring, or just giving encouragement.”

The competition is held each year, not only for performance recognition, but also to improve camaraderie and unit cohesion.

“It’s just a great morale booster for the entire team,” said Sharp.

“This competition is very competitive and serious,” said Foxworth. “But, at the end of the day, we’re all good friends and still love each other and able to let go of any leftover competitive animosity and hang out with each other.”

Crew 5, comprised of Foxworth, Sgt. 1st Class Robin Parker, and Sgt. Joe Chacon, all sensor managers of 10th MDD, took home the title “Sensor Manager Best Crew for 2014”.

The three winning Soldiers will each receive an Army Achievement Medal, recognition throughout the unit’s parent commands, including U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and 94th AAMDC, and bragging rights until next year’s competition.

“There’s not a regional or national competition for them to move on to, but we’ve been working to make it world-wide and would like to see this contest bloom into something like that,” said Sharp. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: By Sgt. 1st Class Karry James, 94th AAMDC, Public Affairs NCOIC

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Soldiers and Family Members Enjoy Themselves at the Annual St. Barbara’s Day Ball KO‘OLINA, HAWAII — More than 700 Soldiers and guest assembled into the Lanai Ballroom at the JW Marriott Hotel and Resort to celebrate the annual St. Barbara’s Day Ball, hosted by the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command on December 6, 2013.

The ball kicked off with an incredible social hour, where service members and guest had the chance to mix and mingle with each other from several different Air Defense and Field Artillery units from Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

Once the social hour concluded the ceremony formalities begun with the posting of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem, sung beautifully by Master Sgt. Q.P. Bean, 94th AAMDC, G-6 Operations NCOIC. The formal events proceeded into one of the most time honored traditions known as the “Grog Ceremony”. The grog ceremony consist of Artillery punch which has a long and glorious history, a history that was told by the appointed “Grog Meister”, Col. Carlos Betancourt, Grog Meister and Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations of the 94th AAMDC. “It was an honor for me to be selected to share such an important part of our Army’s history, the task of keeping such a large group focused and interested is, in itself, a challenge; doing 20

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so and having people enjoy and respond with smiles and laughter makes it even more special and memorable” said Betancourt.

The grog mixing ceremony symbolizes the heritage of the fires community and the cohesiveness of our war fighting commands.

The ceremony was initiated by the Command Sergeant Major, 94th AAMDC, Command Sgt. Maj. Finis Dodson, and included senior leaders from other Artillery and Fire units, who each shared a part of the Artillerymen history, reflecting as far back as 1772, when the first Artillery Regiment was activated.

The celebration continued with inducting Soldiers and family members from the 94th AAMDC, the 3-7 Field Artillery Battalion, and the 2-11 Field Artillery Battalion into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara and the Honorable Order of Molly Pitcher.

As a result, the presented awards not only honored the service members and their individual spouses, but also recognized the sacrifices and contributions of the loved ones of all the services.

Applause filled the ballroom as the last awardees were presented their awards.

“It’s an amazing honor to be inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara. Receiving this award means that I will forever be connected with fine Artillery men and women both D EFEN D ER

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past and present, it is a very significant career milestone,” said Capt. Peter Bier, Commander, 94th AAMDC Headquarters and Headquarters Battery.

Dinner was served as chandelier lights casted a comforting glow over tables and chairs that were swathed in luxurious ivory cloth. Visual and mouth-watering treats adorned each table; a lovely holiday wreath was a centerpiece on each table. A plate with a generous slice of multi-layered chocolate mousse cake lies in front of each seat, no detail was overlooked. The room was filled with laughter and enjoyable conversations amongst the

guests as soft jazz music played in the background.

As the formal portion came to a close, Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, 94th AAMDC Commander, congratulated the Soldiers and Civilians for their hard work while serving within the command, while also thanking everybody for a wonderful evening.

“I am extremely proud and thankful to be a part of this team of winners and warriors tonight as we celebrated our artillery heritage together,” said Karbler Karbler also explained the meaning of the ball, “St. Barbara’s Day is an annual event held to honor Soldiers, past and present, who embody the spirit of what it means to an air defender. It reminds us of our honored traditions that help to grow the Army spirit de corps and the spirit of camaraderie.”

The ball was a success as music filled the room and bodies filled the dance floor, and guests danced the night away, without a care in the world, even if it was just for the evening. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: Staff Sgt. Jaquetta Gooden, 94th AAMDC, Public Affairs (Left): The Colorguard from the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, prepares to post the colors during the opening ceremony at the Annual St. Barbara’s Day Ball.

(Above) Capt. Peter Bier poses for a photo after being inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara, by 94th AAMDC Commander, Brig. Gen. Daniel Karbler and Command Sgt. Maj. Finis Dodson, 94th AAMDC Command Sergeant Major (Bottom) Brig. Gen. Daniel Karbler, Commander of the 94th AAMDC, and Command Sgt. Maj. Finis Dodson, 94th AAMDC Command Sergeant Major talk about the fine ingredients added to the grog bowl during the Annual Saint Barbara’s Day Ball hosted by the 94th AAMDC.

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COMMUNITY/FAMILY

English as a Second Language

SHARIKI COMMUNICATIONS SITE, Japan– The Soldiers of 10th MD Detachment located at Shariki Communication Site (SCS), Japan teach a Children’s English class every Thursday, 22 weeks out of the year during fall and spring terms.

The children are all residents of the Shariki area and vary in age from the first to fourth grades. Kaori Nishizaki, the unit Community Relations Specialist organizes the classes and is assisted by the Soldiers of the 10th MD Detachment.

In addition to the English lessons, the 10th MD Detachment hosts special events for American Holidays such as Halloween, Christmas and an end of the year barbeque for the children and parents.

Sgt Eric Black, Soldier from SCS stated, “The children’s English class is one of the most rewarding aspects of my tour in Shariki.” During holidays such as Halloween, the Soldiers of 10th MD Detachment attempt to make the class special by having children dress in Halloween costumes and play Halloween themed games. The Christmas season is always special because each child receives a gift from Santa Claus.

The children’s class this past year was especially important because it was observed by several visitors from the Kyogo Misaki area. The visitors had only positive comments to say about the relationship of Shariki Communication Site and the local community.

“Maintaining good community relations is one of the most important things we do in Shariki,” said 1st Sgt. Gregory Tidwell, the Site First Sergeant.

Last fall, it was announced that Japan agreed to host an additional AN/TPY-2 radar site and it is believed that 10th MD Detachment’s COMREL program made a positive contribution to this decision. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: Maj. Thomas Stockton, 10th Missile Detachment Commander.

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Task Force Talon Makes a Difference in the Guam Community

Andersen Air Force Base, Guam- Task Force Talon continues to make a difference within the Guam community by volunteering their time, hands, and energy at the Machanonoa Elementary School from June 2014 to April 2014.

Col. Clyde Cochrane, the Task Force Commander stated, “It is our goal continue to strive to be good team players and good neighbors to our hosts while deployed here.”

The unit’s specific accomplishments include organizing a six sports-day event for the entire school, focusing on getting the students engaged in outdoor team-building activities, 10 days of school renovations which consisted of painting, power washing, classroom cleanups, and fixing the school’s entrance signs, assisting as teachers aids by reading and helping in other subjects in which the students need help with, and finally assisting with two parent/teachers support events ensuring all the children were taken care of while the parents conducted workshops with the teachers.

Command Sgt. Maj. Finis Dodson, the 94th AAMDC Command Sergeant Major joined the Command Team of Task Force Talon during a recent visit in January as they gave him a tour of the elementary school and an overview of how the unit spent 947 hours of community service this past year.

Dodson had the opportunity to recognize the Soldiers for their efforts in making a difference in the community.

Dodson expressed that Leaders and Soldiers alike must continue to maintain vigilance during their deployment and always display the Army values that they live by, in particular selfless service. It is very important for Soldiers to pause reflect, and remember the difference they have made while serving on deployment. ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: Maj. Gabriella McKinney 94th AAMDC Public Affairs Office

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Honoring Martin Luther King and his Legacy 94th AAMDC Chaplain Hosts Unit Event to Honor MLK “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” These words were quoted by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr during one of his many speeches about equal rights.

On, Jan 15, 2014, the 94th AAMDC held a prayer breakfast at the Hale Ikena located on Fort Shafter commemorating Dr. King’s legacy and his contributions to society.

The audience of about 50 Soldiers was treated to a wide selection of breakfast foods as several activities took place during the event themed “Take-a-ways from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”.

Chaplain (Col.) Ken Revell, chaplain

and guest speaker for the prayer breakfast, 94th AAMDC, captured the attention of the audience once they were seated with their meals by playing a full video version of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Revell said that the theme fit perfectly with the Army’s campaign for building strong resilient families and soldiers.

“I believe that King had a huge impact upon this century,” said Revell.

“I would say that probably King was one of the greatest leaders in a very complex and controversial movement during the 1960’s that lifted people’s hopes in terms of dignity that God has for all of us.”

Col. William Stacey, deputy commanding officer, 94th AAMDC, told the audience later, “’Don’t give up.’ That is really the message I think that is conveyed here, and I think it’s really good to think about how we can use Dr. King’s message that’s all about perseverance as we start off the new year.”

Prayer breakfasts are a part of the unit’s Command Master Religious Program.

94th AAMDC conducts the event quarterly with the next one tentatively scheduled for April.

“Prayer breakfasts are probably as old as the U.S. Army is,” said Revell. “It’s really designed to lift the spirits and to build resiliency.”

Master Sgt. Q.P. Bean, communications section, 94th AAMDC, who was in attendance of the event said “I think the Soldiers really deserve

an event like this, they seem to really like it, and I can tell it makes a difference in morale.”

The prayer breakfast also featured readings from the old and new testament of the Bible and the singing of a few uplifting songs that included a special solo by Lynette Harris, friend of Revell and media director at the AMR chapel.

“I am glad I was asked to be involved in the program,” said Harris. “It was an honor to be able to get involved, especially since Dr. King is one of the people that I most admire and his life has been an inspiration to me and many others to live a better life.”

Staff Sgt. Lehua Johnson, supply noncommissioned officer, 94th AAMDC, who has attended several prayer breakfasts in her Army career, said that Harris’ solo of the song by the famous gospel singer, Donna Lawrence, “Encourage Yourself ” gave her chills.

“I felt like this setting was more intimate and more enjoyable.” Johnson said. “You get to engage in more fellowship, singing, and learning and you’re still able to hear a good speech.” ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: By Sgt. 1st Class Karry James 94th AAMDC, Public Affairs

(top left) 94th AAMDC Soldiers enjoy bacon and eggs at the unit’s quarterly prayer breakfast at the Hale Ikena Hotel on Fort Shafter, Jan. 15, as they listen to CH Ken Revell talk about the impact Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had on the civil rights movement in the 60’s and how applying King’s message could impact our lives today. (Bottom Left) Lynette Harris, friend of 94th AAMDC’s chaplain, CH Ken Revell, and media director at the AMR chapel sings “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the 94th’s quarterly prayer breakfast at the Hale Ikena Hotel on Fort Shafter, Jan. 15. The prayer breakfast focused on the impact Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had on the civil rights movement in the 1960’s.

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The Battle For Resiliency Resiliency is the ability to adapt, overcome, survive, and thrive. And in some cases, resiliency means becoming bigger than what has happened to us. Resiliency is more than mental toughness, grit, and tenacity. While it is that, it is more. Resiliency involves the dynamics of elasticity, f lexibility, and agility. It means bending without breaking. It can become what it needs to be and then rise above adversity. Resiliency is the combat unit’s capacity to regroup, retool and refit after a setback.

hallucination. Vision is not magic. Get rid of these. Falsities will keep you stuck in the muddy mire. Vision is the cultivation of a life passion, the discovery of life calling. Lives filled with meaning, purpose, and direction provide us buoyancy in dealing with the roughest seas of our journey.

2. Grow through storms, don’t just go through storms! When it comes to growing through storms, I think Robert Browning says it well: “I walked a mile with Pleasure; she chatted all the way;

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it. My optimism, then, does not rest on the absence of evil, but on a glad belief in the preponderance of good and a willing effort always to cooperate “ —Hellen Keller— The pressing question for all of us is, how we become resilient people? How do we create resiliency in our personal lives, in our families and in our professional lives? How do we have resilience after setbacks and challenges and in the whole of life? If this is your desire, I pray that the following propositions will prove helpful in your extraordinary venture:

1. Have a vision - be demanding! Vision is not illusion. Vision is not

but left me none the wiser for all she had to say. I walked a mile with Sorrow; And not a word said she; But, oh!

The things I learned from her, When Sorrow walked with me.” A mature individual is a good steward of the joys and challenges of life.

3. Jettison toxic emotions and attitudes from your life! Bitterness, rage, vindictiveness, festering, and hurts are like cancers to the soul. They cloud, impair, and often cripple our forward

Resiliency: The ability to adapt, overcome, survive, and thrive.

movement. This is not to say there is no place for catharsis. But there is a difference between therapeutic catharsis and recycling pain. The point of therapy is to off load such toxicity and lighten the burden for healthy forward movement.

4. Hang around resilient people! Finally, if you expect to be resilient, hang around and learn from resilient people. Get inside their minds, learn how they think, and model appropriate aspects of their behavior.

When I think of resilient people, I think of Helen Keller. Keller was an activist, author and educator. She was the first deaf blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Given the fact that she had a healthy dose of realism matched with an incurable sense of optimism, Keller demonstrated the ability to adapt, overcome, and in many ways, became bigger than her circumstances ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: Chaplain (COL) Ken Revell 94th AAMDC, Command Chaplain

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P U K A E P S THERE IS NO “U” IN SILENCE;

BUT THERE IS A “U” IN SPEAK UP!

SEXUAL HARRASSMENT/ASSAULT RESPONSE & PREVENTION

Announcements: April is Sexual Assault Month “Live Our Values; Step Up to Stop Sexual Assault” CW4 Sherrie Campbell-Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (OIC) MSG Wyatt-Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (NCOIC) CW4 Doretha Magee SGM Johnny Woodley SFC Elray Dumas SGT Merrilyn Brissette SSG Richard Curit SSG Gerald Bayless SGM Mario Guerrero (Guam)

ShARP p r a h s m a e t s n o g a r d Sea

“WE ARE THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE” 94th AAMDC SARC Cell: (808) 388-5647 USARHAW 24/7 line: (808) 655-9474 26

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BEHIND THE SCENES

1-1 ADA Iron Men and Women ABOVE: 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Soldiers (from left) Capt. Jared Owen, Capt. Drew Armstrong from US Army Veterinary Command Okinawa, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared McLoughlin, Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Clissold, Capt. Rachel Kinnas at Torii Sprint Triathlon, Nov. 23rd. RIGHT: Capt. Jared Owen, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery competes during the Taiwan Ironman 70.3 kilometer Triathlon Nov. 2nd. Owen dedicated the Taiwan iron-man triathlon to his family who witnessed his grueling feat despite being ill during the event. US Army photo courtesy Capt. Jared Owen, 1-1 ADA, 94th AAMDC

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa Japan – There are a few, perhaps more than a few, words and phrases servicemembers use to describe those that stand apart from the rest of the formation. Such individuals are called “high-speed” or “hard-core.” They are the fastest, the strongest, and the bravest among us.

They are the first to accept a challenge and the last to accept defeat. They are the winners; they are featured on posters inside a recruiter’s office. In short, they are those that go above and beyond.

In Okinawa, one need not look far to find a few of these standouts. Within 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Battalion, there are some warriors that spend their free-time going beyond-★

way, way beyond. They swim, bike, and run. Not over the course of a month, but a matter of hours sometimes doing so at distances that stagger even the heartiest servicemember’s imagination.

During a recent iron-man triathlon in Taiwan, Snake Eyes Soldiers Capt. Jared Owen, Capt. Rachel Kinnas and husband Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Clissold swam 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles), then biked 90.1 kilometers (56 miles), then ran 21.1 kilometers (13.1 miles) all through driving rain. Kinnas described the triathlon as “Slushy.” She said “it rained the entire time and my shoes were soaking wet.”

There is no shortage of inspiration for triathletes. Those that participate in such grueling physical tests often draw motivation from those most dear to them.

Owen dedicated his effort in the Taiwan iron-man triathlon to his family. “I started getting sick just as we were arriving to Taiwan. I pushed through (the sickness) and the reward was seeing my family at the finish line.”

Like many other aspects of military life, training for and competing in a triathlon is a family affair. Owen recalled his Taiwan experience. “All the while [Owen’s family was] standing at the intervals and at the finish line to cheer me on even when my body was at the max capacity. They shout, “GO TEAM OWEN” with cow bells, hand clappers, and cameras in tote.”

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together.

In fact, Kinnas described completing the Taiwan event together as a “truly wonderful life experience.”

Preparing for a triathlon takes time and dedication. Snake Eyes battalion alumnus Capt. Christopher Renoll, has competed in as many as 10 triathlons. He estimates it takes six solid months of training to adequately prepare. For those interested in competing in a triathlon for the first time, Owen recommends completing a “mock-trial of the course one week before the event to give a realistic expectation that they will be able to finish the course.”

Clissold recommends beginners start with a sprint triathlon.

A sprint triathlon challenges participants with shorter distances, 1000 meter swim, 30 kilometer bike and 5 kilometer run. Torii Station hosts two sprint triathlons annually, one in the spring and another in the fall. Information for the triathlons can be found on the Torii Morale Welfare and Recreation site (http://toriimwr.com/toriitriathlon.html).

Dates for the spring event are yet to be announced. Perhaps Kinnas has the best advice for those interested in completing a triathlon for the first time. “Just do it.” ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Article by: Maj. Joel Seppala 1-1 ADA

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BEHIND THE SCENES Master Sgt. Gene Harding, forward mission command element senior sergeant, 94th AAMDC, participated in the 2014 Seoul International Marathon Mar. 16, 2014.

Harding competed against world class runners from several countries in his third full marathon in six months.

Photo courtesy of Master Sgt. Gene Harding)

Runner in RoK sends positive message to locals and Soldiers SEOUL, Korea — Donning his white lucky K-pop music ball cap and feeling energized by his morning meal of peanut butter and banana sandwich on the morning of Mar.16, 2014, a Soldier wearing a yellow sweat resistant T-shirt, black basketball shorts, and a pair of carefully chosen running shoes steps out into the street next to a group of Korean locals in the heart of the city cordoned off by ticker tape and metal railings. This was the big leagues and they all were invited.

For the Soldier, Master Sergeant Gene Harding, forward mission command element senior sergeant, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, after having finished several half marathons, one triathlon, and three Bataan Death Marches, he was ready for the 2014 Seoul International Marathon - his third 26 mile challenge in twice as many months. He had properly prepared himself by alternating between long and short runs, eating healthy and working his entire body for months on end.

“There is so much more to training for a marathon than just running,” Harding said. “I do a lot of leg lifts, sit-ups, stationary bike with increased resistance and thigh and hamstring conditioning.”

“This was my Super Bowl for running,” he added.

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This was Harding’s first full marathon with the International Association of Athletics Federations Gold Label Road Race.

Since he had qualified in a previous full marathon last November and holds an official marathon certification from the same organization, he was invited to start in a group third from the starting line. Nonqualifiers had to start at the end since they had no previous official marathon certifications. All of his other runs had been smaller local marathons, such as the Gangnam and SonKeeChung Peace Marathons, each also in Seoul.

Even with nearly 30 thousand U.S. service members stationed in the Republic of Korea, military stories tend to only make the local news when there is an act of indiscipline or military related events and exercises affecting the local population in some negative way, such as increased traffic or road closures.

According to Harding, events like this provide the public with a non-military or personal face to our Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines in Korea.

“We become more than just another U.S. Soldier in Korea; we become part of the community and enjoy a relationship with our Korean partners beyond the military mission,” Harding said. “I strongly P ACI FI C

believe that by getting out there and talking with the other competitors, sponsors, and fans, you can have a positive impact on their opinion of U.S. Soldiers - for some locals, this may be the only interaction they may have with a service member and you need to make it count.”

Harding’s running past-time has also seemed to have had an impact on some of the Soldiers in his unit.

“I am hoping to have a few with me May 3rd for the Suwon half marathon,” Harding said.

He also said that he hopes younger Soldiers will look at him and learn that no matter your age or what you have or have not accomplished in the past, anything is achievable if your heart is in it, just never stop trying.

“It would be easy for me at 43 to just say I am too old for this or too old for that, but that is not my personality,” he said. “A few other Soldiers have asked me about running in a marathon or half marathon, but I can hear the gears spinning in their head.”

Harding tells them, “it’s just a matter of getting over the mental block of, ‘No, I can’t,’ to, ‘Yes I can’.”

“Embrace life; get out and achieve your dreams,” Harding went on. “We say we are physically fit because a score tells us we are on our APFT. Do not be satisfied with that result; continue to increase your fitness level.”

The motivation behind Harding’s desire to pursue long running competitions is that he loves to overcome mental and physical challenges, especially in the face of those who say it can’t be done.

“I always enjoyed running and wanted to prove to myself that a short Italian guy can not only finish but finish under the 5 hour time limit,” he said. “Finishing is the best part. Knowing you made it under the time limit is an incredible feeling - along with the fact that you can say, ‘I told you so’ to the naysayers.”

Harding, who’s a Boston native, aspires to one day train for, compete, and finish in his hometown marathon, the most wellknown marathon in the U.S., The Boston Marathon.

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The 94th AAMDC Bid

Farewell to Retirees

We honor you and salute your service. May we always remember that serving one’s country is the ultimate expression of love for family, friends and neighbors.

First line of Defense! One Team! Army Strong!

Col. David Astin poses with his lovely wife, Jonj Un during the 2013 Army Birthday Ball. Col Astin served as the Assistant Chief of Staff G2 while assigned to the 94th AAMDC. Col Astin served the military proudly from 25 October 1985- 3 April 2014.

poses Friend e, y h t o if w im nt 3 T ler and his ent m Wa r r a rb Chief ig. Gen. Ka es his retire ar y r iv il B e m c h re of it 4th wit as he ye a r s 9 S h a n a at e a f t e r 2 2 n e d t o t h e t h e s ig c a s ifi s t d a r e e c hile ser v r (JICO) W d . n e ie ic r ser v C, CW3 F trol Of fice ll JICO. e A AMD ter face Con perations C n O I t ir hA Join e 613t and t h

Serg e a poses nt M a j. G l e n with h is bea n Caspari during u Sgt. M the 2013 Arm tiful wife Da r a Serge j. Caspari s y Bir thday B r yln a nt M a e r ve d as the all. the 9 4 jor wh il t G years h A AMDC. e assigned 3 to of s e r v H e ga v ice to o u r A r e ov e r 3 0 my.

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