Preparation and Deployment of a Forward-Deployed, Heavy Air Defense Battalion to Southwest Asia
Abstract
Preparation for deployment of the 6th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery began with the change of command on 6 July 1990. Several fundamental changes in the leadership, training, maintenance, logistics, and care of soldiers and families helped prepare the battalion for the notification to deploy which occurred on the 9th of November. Retraining of leaders and soldiers was required to overcome non-doctrinal air defense support of the 1st Armored Division. The battalion was organized back to its correct TOE organization to eliminate associated problems in the areas of personnel accountability and assignment, maintenance administration and readiness, and training deficiencies. These changes were instrumental in reestablishing credible relationships within the division and integration of the air defense units into the combined arms teams. The subsequent deployment of the battalion was successfully executed. Leaders and soldiers were well-prepared, well-led, and well-trained to fulfill the air defense missions required during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Air defense doctrine and tactics were validated. Lessons learned will serve as valuable tools, facilitating future deployments and helping shape organization and modernization of equipment for the air defense battalion organic to the armored division.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264562
Entities
People
- James R. Wilson
Organizations
- United States Army War College