1-362 ADA Regt., 157th IN BDE, Div East participates in Exercise America’s Shield

                     Soldiers of the 1^st Battalion, 204^th Air Defense Artillery Regiment

                    Conduct Stinger Crew drills during Exercise America’s Shield.

                    (Photo by Capt. David Bogert, 1^st Battalion, 362d ADA Regt, Camp Atterbury. 

1-362 ADA Regt., 157^th IN BDE, DIV East participates in Exercise America’s Shield

By Capt. David Bogert, 1-362 ADA (TSBN):

Gulfport, Mississippi - The 1st Battalion, 362nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 157^th Brigade, Division East takes part in Exercise America’s Shield (EAS).  The 1^st Battalion, 362^nd ADA Regt. Renegade team has been working alongside the 1^st Battalion, 204^th Air Defense Artillery Regt. to prepare them to assume the National Capital Region-Integrated Air Defense System mission.  In cooperation with and under the direction of the 263d Army Air and Missile Defense Command, the Renegade team continues to advise, assist, and provide training expertise to prepare the battalion for the Culminating Training Exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas and establish a partnership during their National Capital Region (NCR) mission.

The Soldiers and Leadership of the 1^st Battalion, 204^th ADA Regt. have been working tirelessly to prepare themselves for this “No Fail” mission.  The battalion has spent countless hours rehearsing crew drills, studying their assigned weapons system, and applying the recommendations given to them by the Renegade team.

The 263d AAMDC Commanding General, Maj Gen. Bramhall, attended the 1^st Battalion, 204^th ADA Regt. Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) drill and spoke to the Soldiers and Leaders of the Mississippi National Guard battalion.  “The best air defenders in the country are responsible for this mission. They must be able to detect, deter, and defeat any threat which threatens our Nation’s Capital.” stated Maj. Gen. Bramhall.

“As an Observer, Coach/Trainer, we are given the responsibility to ensure training for this unit is at the highest level. And this unit is ready to move forward in their mobilization. These Soldiers will take part in a mission that protects our nation’s leaders; what a great honor it is to be able to do this in my career” said Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolboldt from 2^nd Battalion, 174^th ADA Regt., Ohio Army National Guard.

This year’s Exercise America’s Shield was held at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Facility. Over 350 personnel from the 263d AAMDC, 1-362nd ADA Regt., 1-204th ADA Regt, Civil Air Patrol, and civilian contractors assist in conducting simulated aircraft flight trajectory and simulated Avenger/Stinger target prosecution, live aircraft Avenger/Stinger prosecutions, crew drills, and Sentinel Radar deployment packages which replicate the mission conducted in the National Capital Region.

Upon completion of this exercise, the 1^st Battalion, 204^th ADA Regt. will begin preparations to attend their Culminating Training Exercise (CTE) held at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Soldiers will utilize the training guidance they received at EAS and apply those lessons learned during CTE.

Sgt. 1^st Class Steele watches his Soldiers conduct crew drills during Exercise America’s Shield precertification.

(Photo by Capt. David Bogert 1^st Battalion, 362d ADA Regt, Camp Atterbury.)