Fires in Cyber, Electronic Warfare and Space Approved for Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited

A joint publication for U.S. Artillery professionals November - December 2019

Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Headquarters,http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin Department of the Army. PB 644-19-6 • 1 CONTENTS TAKE CHARGE 4 Breaking the historic norm in training 28 The FCoE Commander’s Bookshelf approaches for increased lethality Maj. Gen. Wilson Shoffner 1st Lt. Lindy Clark 30 Moscow’s hypersonic misadventure OF YOUR 7 ‘Roving Sands’ Exercises Missile A crash course in nuclear thermal rockets Defense Expeditionary Operations Capt. Peter Mitchell Capt. Brandon Nalley 32 Riverine artillery in the 21st century 10 Toward understanding future wars Lt. Col. Shawn Talmadge, Maj. Jonathan Fair and Capt. with near-peer competitors in an era Daniel Tarrant FUTURE of Fires Steven Yeadon 38 Getting ahead of the threat A Patriot battalion’s journey to modernization UP TO $60K 14 How to build a battalion Patriot Capt. Peter Williams master gunner program 1st Lt. Zachary Hartzell 42 The 1-7th ADA Battalion’s preparation for Roving Sands 2019 16 Don’t sleep on First Army’s role Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Walker Capt. Jacob Gatewood 45 European-Spartan Shield exercise 19 The best defense is a good offense expands air-ground integration for air Opening windows of superiority with short- defense readiness range air defense in multi-domain operations Capt. Josef Danczuk Maj. Will Viegas

21 Training to fight at the corps and division level Tackling the problem of fighting a near-peer threat in a contested environment from a higher echelon Capt. Mark Chapman

140K/LLorem ipsum AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY Editor: Jamie Southerland By Order of the Secretary of the Army: Active, Reserves and National Guard; dis- Art Director: Rick Paape, Jr. seminates professional knowledge about Assistant Editor: Monica Wood JAMES C. MCCONVILLE progress, development and best use in WARRANT OFFICER The Fires staff can be reached by General, United States Army campaigns; cultivates a common under- email at usarmy.sill.fcoe.mbx.fires-bul- Chief of Staff standing of the power, limitations and [email protected] or by phone at Official: application of joint Fires, both lethal and (580) 442-5121. Disclaimer nonlethal; fosters joint Fires interdepen- Fires, a professional bulletin, is pub- dency among the armed services; and lished bimonthly by Headquarters, De- promotes the understanding of and in- partment of the Army under the auspices KATHLEEN S. MILLER teroperability between the branches, all of of the Fires Center of Excellence, 455 Mc- Administrative Assistant which contribute to the good of the Army, Nair Ave., Fort Sill, OK 73503. The views to the Secretary of the Army joint and combined forces and our nation. expressed within are those of the authors 1931909 Fires is pleased to grant permission to re- and not the Department of Defense or its print; please credit Fires, the author(s) and elements. The content contained within photographers. Fires does not necessarily reflect the U.S. WILSON A. SHOFFNER Cover: A stinger missile team with the with Army’s position or supercede information Major General, United States Army the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, identi- in other official publications. Use of new Commanding General, Fort Sill, Okla. items constitutes neither affirmation of Purpose fy an unmanned aerial vehicle target, during their accuracy nor product endorsements. Originally founded as the Field Artil- RIMPAC at Pacific Missile Range Facility Fires assumes no responsibility for any lery Journal, Fires serves as a forum for Barking Sands, Hawaii. (Capt. Rachael Jeff- AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY PROPONENT WARRANT OFFICER unsolicited material. the discussions of all Fires professionals, coat/U.S. Army) https://www.https://www.facebook.com/adaproponentwo/ 2 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR FUTURE UP TO $60K

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AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY PROPONENT WARRANT OFFICER https://www.https://www.facebook.com/adaproponentwo/ http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 3 Breaking the historic norm in training approaches for increased lethality By 1st Lt. Lindy Clark

egy (NMS), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ( JCS) prior- itizes efforts across the department against Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and violent extrem- ist organizations (VEOs). With uled to deploy again in less than the C-RAM mission historically a year. With the complexity of focused only on VEO IDF attacks, indirect fire (IDF) threats increas- we have to expand our focus to ing, our CALFEX, unlike other include near-peer threats in a C-RAM live-fire ranges before it, multi-domain battle. In Afghani- In November 2018 the 2nd challenged EOC and Land-based stan, 2-44th ADA faced hundreds Battalion, 44th Air Defense Ar- Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) of IDF attacks with short track tillery Regiment returned from crews through increasingly com- times and complex maintenance our eighth deployment since 9/11 plex scenarios commensurate issues in congested airspace, as in support of Operations Inher- with what was seen recently in well as the challenges of initiating ent Resolve (OIR) and Freedom’s OFS. The tempo of the CALFEX kinetic CUAS engagement pro- Sentinel (OFS). While deployed, was based on demonstrated crew cesses. C-RAM mission rehearsal we conducted counter-rocket ar- performance rather than a rigid exercises (MREs) should replicate tillery and mortar (C-RAM) oper- master scenario events list (MSEL) the complexities seen in theater ations and implemented kinetic historically used. The 2-44th ADA and the range of possibilities de- and non-kinetic, and offensive executed high-level training and scribed in the NMS. While it is and defensive counter-unmanned progressively difficult scenarios to impossible to predict and repli- aerial system (CUAS) capabilities. test crews’ system knowledge and cate every possible scenario, the In reflection of the hundreds of adherence to unit tactics, tech- training should evolve as various rocket attacks we received during niques and procedures (TTPs). threats evolve. In combat, there our nine-month deployment, it C-RAM deployment training are routinely maintenance faults, was well observed that there are methodologies should adopt a equipment faults and equipment opportunities to better train En- conditions-based progression ap- limitations where a more exten- gagement Operations Cell (EOC) proach infused with increasing- sive battle drill is involved. At the crews to defeat the complex rock- ly complex scenarios and CUAS 2019 CALFEX, we implemented et attacks we saw in OFS. In March engagement sequence training to these lessons learned from our 2019, 2-44th ADA conducted a evolve our proficiency and best deployment to create a more flu- combined arms live-fire exercise keep pace with current and future id C-RAM approach to inculcate (CALFEX) to maintain deploy- threats. these themes into our EOC and ment readiness with us sched- In the National Military Strat- LPWS crews. C-RAM MREs need

4 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space of friendly UAS flying around the forward operating base. As the operational environment and enemy TTPs continue to evolve, C-RAM units will intercept threat UAS with the C-RAM craft. The biggest challenge we weapon system. Prior to engaging faced with the JES was the amount an air track, the TEA, EOC and of time it took to coordinate with air element must follow critical the ATC and BDOC. The only way steps to ensure the protection of to shorten the process is to prop- manned aircrafts and friendly erly train the BDOC and ATC UAS: positive identification, air- to evolve to properly train battal- crews and create a shared under- space sanitation and confirmation ions on the threats they will face standing of their responsibilities. that the threat is hostile. When downrange and in future conflicts. While performing the JES in the- the C-RAM battalion is training Another challenge we faced ater, it was observed how critical it the BDOC, it is paramount that during our deployment to OFS is to implement JES training into all TEAs are present, understand was the implementation of both MREs for deploying C-RAM bat- their responsibilities and under- non-kinetic and kinetic CUAS ca- talions, as well as units deploying stand the risks involved when pabilities in theater. The battal- as a BDOC or ATC element. engaging an aircraft. At a mini - ion created and implemented a As part of the potential to mum, the EOC, ATC and BDOC comprehensive CUAS Academy improve the training pipeline, should conduct rehearsals with a throughout Afghanistan in 2018 to pre-deployment training for de- simulated UAS engagement, and infuse knowledge and awareness ploying battalions must include if possible, conduct a live fire to of the UAS threat. It was designed JES training. With protection of refine the agreed-upon JES. to educate and train Soldiers friendly aircraft being the top The 2-44th ADA capitalized on across Afghanistan on the vari- priority for all air defenders, these lessons learned during the ous aspects of a CUAS mission, the procedures to engage an air CALFEX by replicating scenari- to include visual aircraft recogni- track are much more complex os seen in theater to provide the tion, capabilities and limitations, than during an IDF engagement. most realistic training possible. the current UAS threats, current While the EOC has full autono- Our S3 operations team created TTPs for reporting CUAS, and my to engage rockets and mor- six levels of increasingly difficult the inclusion of CUAS electron- tars nearly instantly, the Target IDF scenarios that closely rep- ic warfare systems. This training Engagement Authority (TEA) to licate those seen in combat for was extremely successful as the engage a threat UAS is the BDOC both EOC and LPWS crews. This CUAS team instructed over 1,000 commander. Although it is often a type of training motivated crews coalition Soldiers over the course lengthy process, the JES mitigates to develop a mastery of the sys- of the deployment. risk of fratricide by incorporating tems and challenged their ability During the 2018 deployment, redundant safety checks. Only the to work together and solve com- 2-44th ADA received a directive BDOC has the ability and resourc- plex equipment problems under to perform a live-fire test of the es to validate these safety checks. pressure. The levels of difficulty Howler weapon system in a com- When performing CUAS oper- ranged from level one, a single bat environment. The Howler is a ations in theater, C-RAM units are RAM event with no injects best platform that fires a Coyote Block currently required to train incom- described as an easy “granny shot,” 1C (a UAS with a payload) to inter- ing BDOC and ATC crews, some to level six, involving extremely cept and destroy UAS threats. The with a three-month turnaround, difficult scenarios with multiple S-3 operations team developed a on the JES to facilitate a smooth rockets and/or mortars, mainte- joint engagement sequence ( JES) and timely engagement sequence. nance faults and equipment fail- with adjacent and higher echelons It is important for BDOC and ures during the engagement. to enable a safe intercept with the ATC units to participate in the Rather than keeping one crew Howler weapon system. The JES five-module CUAS Academy and in each EOC for a six-to-eight- cannot be conducted with the learn the JES prior to deploying. hour window, EOC crews were C-RAM unit alone, the Air Traffic This training helps instill the im- constantly either conducting a Control (ATC) and base defense portance of quickly sanitizing air- live certification, training against operations center (BDOC) play space and having positive control challenging simulation scenarios a crucial role in engaging an air- or learning about the current UAS

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 5 Once that crew demonstrated improvement on battle drills and adherence to threat in the five-module tactical CUAS Academy taught by the unit TTPs, they were given mobile training team. This constant rotation enhanced training another opportunity to by eliminating downtime when the LPWS was conducting main- enter the EOC to engage tenance or performing a reload. When a crew was performing ex- live rockets and mortars. ceptionally well during the live certification, the lead trainers would present increasingly chal- instrumental in making this event lenging scenarios. Rather than successful. Prior to the CALFEX, following a rigid MSEL and giv- these entities participated in a ing each crew the exact same sce- two-day JES training event where narios, the lead trainers were able we taught them the BDOC and to easily interchange EOC crews ATC roles. They provided feed- in and out of the live and simu- back throughout the training to lation EOCs to provide crews the improve the JES and make it a training that was most beneficial more fluid and user-friendly se- for them. If a crew was struggling quence. They made the training to perform against low-to-in- much more realistic for the EOC termediate scenarios, they were crews by incorporating injects immediately given an after-ac- similar to those that will be seen crews based on how they perform tion review and then placed in a in combat. and progress. Future C-RAM live- simulation EOC to re-train with In Joint Publication 3-0, the fire ranges should move away two experienced observer coach JCS states that the integration from easy RAM shots and start in- trainers. Once that crew demon- and synchronization of joint Fires fusing difficult scenarios that test strated improvement on battle and joint fire support are essen- discipline and adherence to unit drills and adherence to unit TTPs, tial to the success of joint opera- TTPs. The training should also they were given another opportu- tions. When defeating unmanned incorporate kinetic CUAS oper- nity to enter the EOC to engage fixed-wing and rotary-wing aerial ations to teach units how to exe- live rockets and mortars. systems, detailed coordination cute the JES with BDOC and ATC Leading up to the CALFEX, the and training are critical for a safe elements. C-RAM deployment 2-44th ADA designed and refined and effective execution. During training needs to more closely the procedures to engage a UAS, the live fire, we exercised the JES mimic the 2019 CALFEX to pro- developed unit TTPs and taught with DIVARTY and the ADAM cell vide high-level training for EOC 17 EOC crews the battle drills in performing the role as the BDOC and LPWS crews and prepare for a matter of weeks. Further, we in- TEA and the ATC. With their par- the evolving threat in combat. creased the difficulty level in UAS ticipation and knowledge on air- 1st Lt. Lindy Clark is currently engagements at the 2019 CAL- space management operations, the training and exercise officer in FEX by flying both hostile and the 2-44th ADA validated the JES charge for the 2nd Battalion, 44th friendly UAS, and incorporating and made improvements to unit Air Defense Artillery Regiment. realistic injects into the JES. The TTPs for future training. The les- She is an air defense officer who has S-3 operations team used the sons learned will serve to improve served as a Counter-Rocket Artil- same six level difficulty model to and better integrate UAS inter- lery and Mortar battle captain and challenge crews on CUAS engage- cept operations into future MREs. Intercept platoon leader during the ments and create a more complex In order to train a battalion that 2018 deployment in support of Op- training environment. The 101st is prepared to fight the complex eration Freedom’s Sentinel. Clark DIVARTY and the 1/101st Air De- IDF attacks and future threats, holds a bachelor’s degree in En- fense Airspace Management/Bri- MREs should not follow a struc- gineering Management from the gade Aviation Element cell were tured MESL, but rather challenge United States Military Academy.

6 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space Vehicles from 3-4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, were staged in the snake pit, Feb. 11, at the Fort Bliss railyard for the upcoming Roving Sands Exercise. (Sgt. LaShawna Custom/32nd AAMDC) ‘Roving Sands’ Exercises Missile Defense Expeditionary Operations By Capt. Brandon Nalley

Task Force Spartan, headquar- Training Center and Joint Readi- ing Sands serves as a tool to test tered by the 108th Air Defense Ar- ness Training Center do. missile defense forces’ abilities to tillery Brigade, and composed of Utilizing the immense land- shoot, move and communicate missile defense units and support scape, units brought Soldiers and in a contested environment after elements from six different instal- equipment to execute operations 15 years of consistent rotations to lations to include the Kentucky in the 642,000 acres of the Fort static positions around the world. and Texas Army National Guards, Bliss, Texas, training area while Missile defense assets under with a total Soldier package in ex- being presented with challenges the command of the 108th ADA cess of 2,500, ceased tactical oper- in logistics, coordination of units Brigade Headquarters consisted ations in support of Roving Sands and maneuver that can’t be rep- of three Patriot missile battal- 2019 on March 10. licated anywhere else. The wide ions and a Terminal High Alti- Roving Sands is the Army’s skies of southern New Mexico tude Area Defense (THAAD) mis- only brigade-level air defense ar- were also ripe for air threat inter- sile system, together capable of tillery training exercise designed diction. defeating short-, medium- and to test units the way the National Reintroduced in 2018, Rov- intermediate-range ballistic mis-

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 7 Soldiers from 3-4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, cleaned off the tracks after downloading their equipment Feb. 11, 2019, at the Fort Bliss railyard for the upcoming Roving Sands Exercise. (Sgt. LaShawna Custom/32nd AAMDC) siles, with the Patriot missile units sition force in the support area talion headquarters moved as capable of destroying tactical air- to include rotary air threats pro- far as 70 kilometers, with some craft as well. Task Force Spartan, vided by the 3rd Marine Aircraft batteries going as far as 95 kilo- through simulations, identified, Wing, creating a complex prob- meters. The operational require- engaged and destroyed over 80 lem set requiring transitions from ment for these movements were tactical ballistic missiles, six fixed- movement to maneuver as well complicated by sustained winds wing aircraft and four high-speed as self-securing operational sites. over 36 miles per hour, produc- cruise missiles. Task Force Spartan also faced ing blinding sand storms and Brig. Gen. Clement Coward, chemical attacks, where “dirty punishing conditions to establish commander of the 32nd Army Air routes” had to be utilized and the infrastructures including tents and Missile Defense Command, 299th Chemical Company con- and antennas. Task Force Spartan said that “Roving Sands is critical ducted decontamination. Com- was also exposed to temperatures to the air defense community’s manders and senior non-com- below freezing and a rare snow, ability to remain ready to ‘fight missioned officers balanced the early in the operation. Operation- tonight.’ It provides us the ability need to defend themselves while al and environmental conditions to exercise mission command and also defeating air threats through tested all forms of support and lo- integrate our role as air defenders problem solving and critical anal- gistics. The greatest tests coming in multi-domain operations.” ysis of mitigating risks. from enemy forces and the sheer Units were tested by an oppo- Over the 10-day exercise, bat- distances that had to be covered

8 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space their respective assignments from brigade level to individual batteries. Roving Sands 2019 also drew the attention of multiple visitors. Early in operations, Congress- woman Veronica Escobar, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 16th congressional district, toured the 108th ADA Brigade Headquarters, Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery’s Patri- ot site and Bravo Battery, 62nd THAAD’s site. Her visit covered air and missile defense operations of the Army and the important role that Fort Bliss plays in the future modernization and training of ADA forces. Other visitors to the 108th ADA Brigade Headquarters included missile defense professionals from the German Army and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces who discussed mission command, planning operations and training objectives. The meeting between the three organizations created greater understanding of allied operations in protecting our common interests. Like most exercises, units involved in Roving Sands 2019 will take away experiences to drive future operations as well as immense pride in finding success in the face of tough, realistic training. Additionally, and maybe most by physical movements as well as volvement supported cooperative importantly, all of Task Force communications. efforts with active service units Spartan increased its capacity to “With the support of 50th and to enable future training and deter and defeat missile threats in 51st Signal Companies, we suc- forward deployed theater oper- an unfamiliar environment. cessfully provided connectivity ations. Bravo and Alpha Compa- Col. Charles Branson, com- for 185 total users on the Secret nies from the 50th Expeditionary mander of the 108th ADA Bri- and Non-classified Internet Pro- Signal Battalion Enhanced and gade, reflected on this year’s Rov- tocol Router Networks for 96.3 51st Expeditionary Signal Battal- ing Sands saying, “The 108th ADA percent of the operation. While ion respectively, provided and Brigade ‘Spartans’ is a competent, 3.7 percent of time without inter- maintained upper tactical inter- disciplined, lethal force to be net seems minimal, the enemy net, critical to maintaining seam- reckoned with. Due to rigorous, gets a vote in terms of disrupting less mission command through realistic campaigns such as Rov- our lines of communication, thus all phases of the operation. ing Sands, which provide every forcing verification of our Prima- Providing observation, coach- assigned Military Occupational ry, Alternate, Contingency, Emer- ing and training over Roving Specialty an opportunity to hone gency plan,” said Maj. Charles Sands units were air defenders and perfect their craft, the Spar- Hines, the communications offi- from the 11th and 31st ADA Bri- tans remain ready to fight tonight, cer for 108th ADA Brigade. gades. These individuals provided anywhere in the world! Deeds External logistical support was feedback to the units while facili- Above Words, Swift and Sure!” provided by the 372nd Combat tating mission command training Capt. Brandon Nalley is the Pub- Sustainment Support Battalion. through coverage of command lic Affairs Officer for the 108th Air The Army National Guard in- groups, staffs and key leaders in Defense Artillery Brigade.

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 9 Toward understanding future wars with near-peer competitors in an era of Fires By Steven Yeadon

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, conduct live-fire training during the Artil- lery Relocation Training Program 19.3 in Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 16, 2019. The program provides 12th Marine Regi- ment with essential live-fire training in different regions of Japan to increase combat readiness and support the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. (]Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger/U.S. Marine Corps)

Editor’s note: This article is the This analysis will now address the surveillance and reconnaissance second in a series of two articles con- ways in which the battlefields of (C4ISR) assets have become more sidering the serious aspects of near- the future against near-peer pow- important on the modern battle- peer competition. ers are changing in distinct ways field through their ability to find The previous article in this se- due to the threat of near-peer enemy troops and coordinate ries assessed the capabilities of Fires. Fires against them. This increases near-peer Fires units by analyz- the importance of finding and de- ing their technologies and doc- The changing face of wars stroying such assets. trine. This second article’s goal with near-peer adversaries Second, the increased impor- is to better understand the mod- tance for C4ISR assets to detect ern battlefield considering near- First, given the ability of opposing units and coordinate peer technologies and doctrine massed area Fires to destroy even massed Fires against them infor Fires units to propose ways to large, mechanized formations; creases the need for electronic enhance U.S. and multinational command, control, communi- warfare. There is a need to detect forces, considering new threats. cations, computers, intelligence, and locate opposing forces us-

10 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space ing wireless communications to units may have to become reliant be in effect against near-peer swiftly destroy them. Electronic on these defensive capabilities to competitors. warfare will also be essential to survive detection by an enemy. Ninth, the increasing ranges disrupting the sensor-to-shooter Thus, efforts to provide indirect of field artillery may limit a rap- cycle by jamming communica- fire protection capabilities (IFPC) id response to an enemy artil- tions and disabling access to net- to troop formations may become lery attack on U.S. ground forces works. critically important for the pro- to friendly counterbattery Fires, Third, there is a need for C4ISR tection of all ground forces. fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing assets for U.S. troops that can re- Seventh, reconnaissance forc- aircraft and tiltrotors. This is due sist or circumvent electronic or es now present an enormous and to the extremely slow speeds of cyberattacks and achieve infor- immediate threat from the infor- maneuver that ground vehicles mation dominance before an en- mation they gather for Fires units. have in relation to the increasing emy does. Thus, the detection and destruc- ranges of Fires. Simply put, ene- Fourth, U.S. troops and oppos- tion of opposing reconnaissance my Fires originating dozens of ki- ing forces will need to learn how units has become vital to the sur- lometers away must be countered to prosecute wars and win on vival and success of U.S. and mul- with platforms or weapons with battlefields with intermittent or tinational forces alike in an era of enough speed or reach to threat- no access to networks or wireless proliferating area-effect muni- en enemy artillery. A limitation communication. This calls for a tions and precision-guided muni- aircraft can mitigate because of decentralized command structure tions. Reconnaissance assets that their speed. This means that the and both creativity and initiative include unmanned ground ve- suppression or destruction of by U.S. commanders in field. hicles (UGV), both mounted and opposing air defense artillery as- Fifth, opposing aircraft now dismounted scouts, special oper- sets is of high importance, so that present an enormous and imme- ators, intelligence collectors and friendly aircraft have the free - diate threat from both the infor- paramilitary forces. This increas- dom of maneuver to destroy en- mation they gather for Fires units es the need to locate and destroy emy Fires units that have revealed and from their ability to provide enemy ground reconnaissance themselves by firing on friendly close air support or close com- units, especially those hiding the forces. bat attacks. These assets include fact they are opposing military Tenth, current and future ar- rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing forces. mored vehicles and armored aircraft, tiltrotors, unmanned Eighth, the Marine Corps Op- units will need to change in re- aerial systems (UAS), and small erating Concept states that the fu- sponse to these emerging threats. unmanned aerial systems. This ture of warfare will depend on a To remain effective, ground vehi- necessitates a robust air defense “battle of signatures”: cles will likely require Active Pro- capability for modern troop for- Tomorrow’s fights will in- tection Systems to protect them mations that can tackle all aerial volve conditions in which “to from top-attack mines and anti- threats economically, especial- be detected is to be targeted is tank sub-munitions. These sys- ly proliferating drones such as to be killed.” Adversaries will tems include the Israeli Trophy quadcopters. This puts much routinely net together sensors, active protection system or the greater emphasis on the need spies, UAS and space imagery to under development Modular Ac- for Short Range Air Defense and form sophisticated “ISR-strike tive Protection System. Ground High to Medium Air Defense (HI- systems” that are able to locate, vehicles will likely have to rely MAD) for all U.S. military ground track, target and attack an op- far more on low observable tech- units. However, as cruise missiles posing force. In complex terrain, nologies than currently for their and ballistic missiles proliferate, adversaries will collect targeting survival, since detection may lead HIMAD and Terminal High Al- information through eyes and to swift destruction. Armored ve- titude Area Defense will be vital ears and spread it through social hicles will likely need laser-detec- for protecting U.S. and allied mil- media. No matter the means of tion capabilities to protect them itary forces. This is especially true detection, unmanaged signa- against laser-guided munitions of static forces such as those sta- tures will increasingly become a by allowing the employment of tioned in forward military bases critical vulnerability.1 countermeasures, such as smoke or airfields. Thus, a decisive factor for land grenades that obscure the vehicle Sixth, there is further empha- warfare is to stay undetected, be- from laser light.2 Ground vehicles sis on efforts to actively counter cause detected forces face swift may need increased speed of ma- enemy rockets, artillery, mor- destruction by enemy Fires. As neuver to close with enemy forc- tars, cruise missiles and drones Ukraine shows this idea of a “bat- es more quickly and reduce their on near-peer battlefields. Ground tle of signatures” looks to already vulnerability to artillery attacks.

1 MARINE CORPS OPERATING CONCEPT (MOC) How an Expeditionary Force Operates in the 21st Century, (Washington, DC: Headquarters Marine Corps, September 2016), 6, https:// www.mccdc.marines.mil/Portals/172/Docs/MCCDC/young/MCCDC-YH/document/final/Marine%20Corps%20Operating%20Concept%20Sept%202016.pdf?ver=2016-09-28-083439-483. 2 Walter Williams, “Threat Update Krasnopol--A Laser-Guided Projectile for Tube Artillery,” https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/krasnopol.htm

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 11 That is if such mobility does not and Stryker units instead of towed combat situation where small, sacrifice low-observability. This howitzers. These technologies al- powerful, highly mobile tactical is because increased mobility will ready are being demonstrated units employing precision Fires, give an enemy a shorter window with the Hawkeye Mobile Weap- fight almost independently over of opportunity to detect and or- on System, a soft recoil 105 mm incredibly large distances. The chestrate Fires against U.S. forces howitzer able to be transported national mandate to win quick- before an engagement. by vehicles as light as a high mo- ly with minimum casualties re- That said, the U.S. Army is in- bility multipurpose wheeled vehi- mains the driving factor in the terested in equipping its armored cle,4 and the Brutus self-propelled emerging Ascendancy of Fires.6 vehicles with laser detection sys- howitzer, a soft recoil 155 mm This concept of an “Ascendan- tems, technologies to reduce a va- howitzer able to be transported cy of Fires” is originally descend- riety of signatures and active pro- by vehicles as light as a five-ton ed from a statement in Field Artil- tection systems.3 cargo truck.5 The need for mobil- lery Journal attributed to the late Eleventh, against a near-peer ity could place greater emphasis Gen. Glenn K. Otis in 1995. 7 competitor, a greatly reduced on the M142 High Mobility Artil- A serious question can be raised sensor-to-shooter time cycle will lery Rocket System and the M240 in 2019, “Are we approaching an present challenges to a slow or Multiple Launch Rocket System ‘Ascendancy of Fires?’” It is con- immobile force, especially com- self-propelled artillery systems ceivable that this concept first mand posts and C4I infrastruc- until 155 mm and 105 mm artil- explored in the 1990s may al- ture. This demonstrates the need lery become more mobile. ready apply to current battlefields for all military assets to be mobile against a near-peer power. In within a few minutes. An “Ascendancy of Fires?” Ukraine, as explained earlier, Twelfth, against a near-peer The pursuit of increased competitor, a greatly reduced This quote from the Federation artillery range is a trend neces- sensor-to-shooter time cycle and of American Scientists Military sitated by greater dispersion on improvements in enemy coun- Analysis Network pertains to one the battlefield and made possible terbattery Fires will present chal- prediction of how precision-guid- by a combination of unmanned lenges to a slow or immobile field ed weaponry may change the fu- aerial vehicles on the battlefield artillery force, such as towed ar- ture of warfare, an idea termed and the increased capability of tillery. the Ascendancy of Fires: counterbattery radar. Increased Through radar tracking of pro- The Ascendancy of Fires is a emphasis on counterbattery ra- jectiles back to their source; the concept that describes the com- dar and Fires disrupts opposing use of advanced command, con- bined results of the improving fire missions by forcing the ene- trol, communications and intel- ability to "see the battlefield," my to move. ligence (C3I) assets; drones; and while simultaneously attacking Thus, modern near-peer bat- counterbattery Fires an enemy at depth with precision lethali- tlefields have already begun to be could force the need for artillery ty. The Ascendency of Fires de- characterized by both dispersion units to almost constantly maneu- scribes a potential trend where and long-range Fires aided by ver. Thus, Fires units will need to land warfare is becoming more UAS and counterbattery radar. keep mobile by using “shoot and like sea and air warfare, i.e. Are other predictions such as scoot” maneuvers before counter- forces will fight at increasing- the fusion of UGVs, UAS swarms battery Fires destroy them, par- ly greater ranges in "demassed and long-range precision-guided ticularly counterbattery Fires us- formations." In this setting, Fires operating in an environ- ing massed area effect munitions. combat elements conducting su- ment of information dominance This will present enormous perior information operations next? Should U.S. ground units challenges to towed artillery, and employing state-of-the-art be formed around the predicted which may have to rely on active- smart/brilliant munitions, ro- principal of small, lethal, highly ly countering rockets, artillery, botic vehicles and swarms of mobile tactical units employing mortars, guided missiles, and bal- unmanned aerial vehicles, can precision-guided Fires as they listic missiles to survive. Another conceivably shape the battle- fight almost independently over solution would be the procure- field and conduct decisive oper- incredibly long distances? Can ment of 105 mm lightweight and ations, possibly without coming new principals such as a “battle 155 mm medium weight self-pro- in visual contact of each other. of signatures,” discussed earlier, pelled howitzers to assist Infantry This would produce a dispersed advance an understanding of an

3 Jen Judson, “US Army to bring new vehicle protection technologies to fleet as early as 2020,“ Defense News, 29 August, 2018, https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/08/29/army-to-bring- new-vehicle-protection-technologies-to-fleet-as-early-as-2020/. 4 “Hawkeye,” Mandus Group, http://www.mandusgroup.com/hawkeye/. 5 Todd South, “A potential mobile artillery dynamic duo for the Army: ‘Hawkeye’ and ‘Brutus’,” Your Army, Army Times, 6 November 2018, https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/11/06/a-potential-mobile-artillery-dynamic-duo-for-the-army-hawkeye-and-brutus/. 6 John Pike, “Indirect Fire,” FAS Military Analysis Network, published February 6, 2000, accessed October 14, 2018, https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/indirect.htm. 7 Glenn K. Otis, “Ascendancy of Fires the Evolution of the Combined Arms Team,” Field Artillery Journal, (June 1995): 18, accessed October 14, 2018, http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin/ar- chives/1995/JUN_1995/JUN_1995_FULL_EDITION.pdf.

12 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space “Ascendancy of Fires?” A full anal- by Fires working in concert with before a near-peer war, potential- ysis that brings the concept of an C4ISR assets. To do otherwise is to ly, erupts. “Ascendancy of Fires” up to date invite the unfathomable slaugh- There is a need to improve the for 2019 is beyond the scope of ters of the First World War. Thus, survivability of ground vehicles this analysis, but it may be vital to U.S. and allied forces must invest against enemy sensors and shoot- understand an updated version of in the enhancement of protec- ers through reduced signatures, an “Ascendancy of Fires” to out- tion, mobility and lethality for the active protection systems, laser think potential enemies. entire force, so that it can apply detection systems and increased However, discussion of a po- decisive action. speed of maneuver. Ground forc- tential “Ascendancy of Fires” However, Antal was wrong on es will constantly require multiple would not be complete without one of his conclusions. He stated, levels of air defense, especially the arguments critical of an “as- “Victory through precision strike against inexpensive drones. Air cendency of Fires.” Col. (Retired) is too costly and will bankrupt the defenses that include robust in- John F. Antal was concerned that forces ability to train and negate direct fire protection. There is a these ideas of an “Ascendancy of systems required to dominate need to rapidly find and destroy Fires” would lead military com- the maneuver battle.”11 The cost enemy reconnaissance units to manders to conclude that this of advanced ordnance possessed include covert forces. Ground new type of warfare and its long by near-peer competitors has forces will need advanced elec- ranges would obviate maneuver. not been so costly as to avoid its tronic warfare capabilities to lo- His conclusion was that the lesson massed use in Ukraine. That said, cate enemy forces, jam their com- of static artillery in World War II in Ukraine, both sides utilize less munications and disable their France should be a caution to us expensive Soviet-era equipment, networks. There is a need to rap- all.8 The Maginot Line did not ne- compared to the extremely ex- idly find and destroy enemy C3I gate maneuver, but it only made pensive equipment used by West- assets. U.S. commanders and oth- it even more important for Ger- ern powers. However, the utility er troops will need training to op- man forces invading France to go of precision-guided weapons can erate effectively when technology around such defenses. Antal goes be seen in the willingness of West- fails due to enemy action. Ground on to conclude that, “The U.S. ern powers to purchase expensive forces will need to achieve infor- Army must avoid the siren call to ordnance, such as the Javelin mis- mation dominance before an en- become dominated by firepower sile, for an anti-armor role against emy. There is a need to counter — as the [WWII] French did with Soviet-era tanks, which often cost near-peer electronic warfare ca- their doctrine…The most signif- less than the Javelin missile used pabilities. icant problem in warfare today to destroy them.12 U.S. field artillery will need sur- is to produce the correct balance vivability against enemy counter- of firepower, mobility and pro- Conclusion and battery Fires through enhanced tection to create a force that can recommendations mobility and/or IFPC. There is a apply decisive action.”9 Antal also need to effectively suppress and concluded, “Precision strikes that As stated earlier, the goal of destroy enemy air defenses to are not backed up with a contin- this analysis is to better under- enable joint aircraft to find and uous battle of decisive maneuver stand the modern battlefield in destroy enemy Fires units. Last- are merely artillery raids set out terms of Fires and propose ways ly, there is a need to modernize to punish, not defeat, an oppo- to enhance U.S. and multination- the concept of an “Ascendancy of nent.”10 al forces considering new threats. Fires,” given the lessons of the last Antal is correct on all these The combination of coupling 24 years, to gauge its usefulness to counts. It is a temptation to view massed area Fires with a variety modern armed forces. modern and future warfare in- of sensors may make a “battle of Steven Yeadon is an independent creasingly as dominated by long- signatures” a reality in any conflict scholar holding a Bachelor of Arts range precision-guided or area with the Russian Federation and in political science from the Univer- Fires. When, in fact, the necessity perhaps other near-peer powers. sity of Central Florida. He is a pub- of maneuver and protection will To overcome these challenges lished author in the field of military demand equal, if not greater, at- will require a combination of ef- operations. He is currently prepar- tention and monetary investment. forts. Fortunately, many of these ing for work as a military analyst. The U.S. military should not allow recommendations are not, in fact, future battlefields to be dominat- new ideas. However, these are still ed by bloody battles of attrition important concerns to address

8 Lt. Col. John F. Antal, “The Ascendancy of Fires,” Defense Technical Information Center, published April 7, 1998, accessed October 14, 2018, http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a346267.pdf. 9 Antal, The Ascendancy of Fires, http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a346267.pdf. 10 Antal, The Ascendancy of Fires, http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a346267.pdf. 11 Ibid. 12 Sebastien Roblin, “Javelin: The American Military’s Ultimate Tank Killer,” The National Interest, October 1, 2016. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/javelin-the-american-militarys-ultimate-tank-killer-17895.

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 13 How to build a battalion Patriot master gunner program By 1st Lt. Zachary Hartzell

Each Air Defense Patriot battal- serve as experts and advisors at Each student briefs their defense ion is authorized 14 Patriot master the battalion level, filling roles designs to a panel of five Patriot gunners (PMG). However, attain- such as battalion master gunner planning subject matter experts ing this number of PMG certi- and battalion master evaluator. including senior Air Defenders fied personnel is a considerable The purpose of these PMG re- from across the force. challenge for most organizations. quirements is to ensure tactically As of Nov. 8, 2018, 2nd Battalion, proficient non-commissioned of- Identifying the gap: 43rd Air Defense Artillery gradu- ficers (NCO) are paired with pla- Soldier preparation ated its 17th PMG – the most as- toon leaders to assist in planning signed to a single battalion within training, executing training and Two years ago, 2-43rd ADA Air Defense Artillery. This num- completing certifications. was sparsely equipped with PMG ber exceeds the requirement and Army-level Patriot master certified personnel, averaging greatly exceeds the average bat- gunner authorizations are fur- around one per battery. Over- talion across the branch. The key ther bolstered by 32nd Army Air worked PMGs and non-PMG pla- to 2-43rd ADA’s successful devel- and Missile Defense Command - toon sergeants assisted in plan- opment of Patriot master gunners Commander’s Training Guidance ning and executing training, but is the systematic and intention- which states: “Non-commissioned the on-hand number did not al preparation that PMG candi- officers train Soldiers, crews and match authorized personnel. The dates undergo prior to school small teams, no one else, peri- majority of platoon sergeants had attendance. The following article od.” When these NCO positions not received the in-depth training describes the process that battal- are filled with PMG graduates, it provided by PMG. This resulted ion leaders went through to un- serves as a force multiplier within limited knowledge available to derstand the PMG requirement in the unit. The course is strong- train and certify the units, forcing and identify gaps in PMG course ly emphasized because it enables the battalion to spend more time preparation. Successful solutions the second step of the Eight-Step training to the Air Defense Gun- to those gaps are highlighted Training Model: “Train and Cer- nery Table VIII standard. along with further recommenda- tify Leaders” (FM 7-0), ensuring The initial solution was to send tions for future improvement. that NCOs have the enhanced more Soldiers to attend the PMG skills to plan and conduct training course. However, the course’s Requirement: Patriot master effectively. reputation for difficulty resulted gunner certified personnel The PMG course is designed to in some Soldiers avoiding the op- develop expert skills and provide portunity for fear of failure. This Patriot organization modifi- a comprehensive understanding “reputation” was further exacer- cation table of organization and of air defense operations, plan- bated when many who attended equipment (MTOE) allots 14 ning and airspace management. failed to pass. The gap became PMGs per battalion. Master gun- This knowledge is implemented clear when, through personal in- ners serve as weapon system ex- in a training strategy to certify terview with the course candi- perts in battery-level roles such units through Air Defense Gun- dates and former attendees, we as fire control platoon sergeant, nery Training and developing a recognized confidence as a key launcher platoon sergeant and defense design plan given threat driving factor in PMG success. battery master gunner. They also data and operational constraints. Confidence, in this way is repre-

14 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space sented in two facets. The first facet battalion-level fire control• Utilize the course as a vetting was the confidence to commit to programming (engagement process to determine person- being a candidate, thus overcom- control station and informa- nel that should not attend the ing the fear of failure. The second tion coordination central tab- course. facet was confidence in them- ular entries), tactics and oper- • Focus the class to attack MDMP selves at the completion of their ations. We found the material as a staff, creating a defense preparation to believe they were necessary for this training on design brief held in front of a capable of passing. The question the Fires Knowledge Network mock board. became: How does 2-43rd ADA “Reachback Training” page. • Lengthen the course, if possi- prepare PMG candidates in a way 3. Battalion master evaluator and ble, to allow for more in-depth that overcomes the personal bar- battalion master gunner devel- products from training strategy rier of fear of failure and the in- oped and administered tests and defense design. stitutional barrier of insufficient to candidates on the materi- pre-course knowledge to develop al covered in class. They used Result: Force multiplier more PMG certified personnel the tests to evaluate test-taking and positively change the course’s strategies and guide candidates Second-43rd ADA has success- reputation in the battalion? to improvement. fully graduated eight Soldiers 4. In a group, candidates prepare since developing the pre-PMG Solution: Audience focused a one-quarter training strate- course. With these newly certified Pre-PMG course gy utilizing a master activities leaders, our training is more effi- calendar, current mission es- cient and effective at developing The 2nd-43rd ADA’s solution sential task (MET) assessment tactical and technical proficiency was to develop an “audience fo- and projected MET assessment. in our organizations. This will al- cused” pre-PMG course. The au- The documentation to support low the unit to be better prepared dience focus refers to the tailor- this exercise is derived from to respond to the demands of a ing of the program to evaluate the previous PMG course. This rapidly changing and dynamic and refine instruction tailored nests with the year of training operational environment. The to individual candidate’s needs. required during PMG. pre-PMG course is a tool to meet A key element of this tailoring 5. The defense design project at the gap between the requirement was the application of step seven PMG requires an abbreviated and reality within the battalion. (conduct an after-action review) military decision-making pro- Patriot Master Gunner course and eight (conduct retraining) of cess (MDMP). MDMP is taught graduates are organization’s en- the eight-step training model in a as an overarching process, but listed Patriot weapon system sub- mentor-to-mentee relationship, specifically how it applies to ject matter experts. They know accelerating their knowledge re- defense design in an abbrevi- how to plan, resource and execute tention. ated form. Sergeants and staff training. Beyond assisting in cer- The 2-43rd ADA pre-PMG sergeants normally have only tification of their organization’s course occurs over a four-week an understanding of troop mission essential tasks, concen- period and provides course par- leading procedures, very few trations of their skillsets elevate ticipants with familiarity of tasks are exposed to MDMP. The the net gains of every unit they required for each graded event at most useful tools to cover the are assigned to. the PMG course. Instructors for MDMP process are the Battle The MTOE positions are all the pre-PMG course come from Staff Smart Book published by platoon sergeant or higher. They the battalion standardization Lightening Press and Air and are in positions to teach and lead team, as well as senior PMGs from Missile Defense Intelligence efficiently. It not only benefits the across the battalion. The pre- Preparation of the Battlefield unit, but also the Soldier’s career; PMG course consists of multiple (ATP 3-01.16). opening doors to future broaden- sections that we utilize to prepare The current pre-PMG course is ing assignments to represent the candidates. resulting in significant positive re- Air Defense Artillery branch and 1. NCOs recommended were sults. However, through continual the United States Army around identified by battery leadership assessment and refinement of the the world. to prepare for Patriot master curriculum, 2-43rd ADA is con- 1st Lt. Zachary Hartzell is cur- gunner. Recommended candi- sidering implementing the fol- rently the Fire Direction Center dates demonstrated proficiency lowing additional elements: officer in charge for 2-43rd ADA. in current duties and positions • Hold the class two months pri- He is an air defense officer who as well as a desire to achieve. or to each PMG class to allow has served as a battery trainer and 2. Second-43rd ADA’s pre-PMG for re-training time for any fire control platoon leader. Hartz- class began similar to the ac- Army Training Requirements ell holds a bachelor's degree in Me- tual PMG course by focusing and Resources System slotted chanical Engineering from Worces- on radar theory, battery and students. ter Polytechnic Institute.

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 15 Don’t sleep on First Army’s role By Capt. Jacob Gatewood

As Forces Command’s coordi- nor read “The Iron Major Surviv- pation requirements and com- nating authority for implemen- al Guide,” in which Lt. Col. David munity functions. The time they tation of the Army’s Total Force Dunphy shares his tips for field spend conducting Army Field Policy, First Army executes a di- grade officers. Dunphy’s tips for Artillery training is extremely verse mission with the purpose building relationships include: limited in comparison with their of improving readiness of the “Don’t think that by sheer rank active duty peers. And yet the En- Reserve Component. Serving in and intimidation that you will be listed Promotion System, man- First Army allows post-key devel- able to bull your way through the aged at the state level, continues opmental captains and their NCO ‘Iron Jobs’ to success. You need to to churn through NCOs at rough- counterparts the opportunity to solicit buy-in, loyalty and trust, ly the same rate as regular Army develop their professional exper- from up, down, left and right, and (RA). Essentially, ARNG batteries tise while utilizing their experi- beyond. Your influence in and are able to maintain crew stabil- ence-honed artillery knowledge outside of your unit will have a ity on the same calendar time- to increase combat readiness of direct correlation to your success line as RA batteries, but only get Army National Guard (ARNG) as an S3 or executive officer, and around a month of actual train- partners. First Army observ- ultimately, the unit’s.” (Dunphy, ing together per year. Therefore, ers, controllers/trainers (OC/Ts) 2011) training time, whether inactive utilize tough, realistic training The challenge associated with duty training, annual training, or concepts that are tailored to the “The Iron Major Survival Guide,” eXportable combat training capa- deployment mission of ARNG is that junior officers do not focus bility exercises (XCTC), must be partner units at all levels from on this vital skill until interme- effective. OC/Ts are vital at shap- division down to battery. Buried diate-level education, and NCOs ing the unit’s training schedule to within this challenging mission may never see it at all. Sure, ensure partnered units achieve is the hidden gem of First Army: leaders utilize various methods certification and qualification -re building relationships. to coach subordinates to make quirements in accordance with The foundational principle of friends outside the organization, quarterly and annual training building relationships is often knowing that those relationships strategies while still adhering to mentioned within the Team of may bear fruit in the future. Un- this compressed schedule. Teams concept. It is also an eval- fortunately, the ability to extend First Army OC/Ts assist their uated competency covered by of- influence does not necessarily artillery brethren to meet these ficer and NCO evaluation reports come naturally to all, and is of- training gates by offering their under “leads.” For a bit more clar- ten overlooked. Just like an as- experience with training man- ity, ADP 6-22 defines Extends in- signment to First Army. But in agement in the regular Army. fluence beyond the chain of command this First in Deed provides a clear As former battery command- as influencing others when the leader path. ers and platoon sergeants, OC/ does not have designated authority In order to develop key part- Ts can communicate the friction or while the leader’s authority is not nerships, First Army OC/Ts must they experienced during similar recognized by others, such as with understand the operational envi- training events and provide les- unified action partners. (ADP 6-22, ronment of their ARNG partners. sons learned. They offer success- 2012) First Army OC/Ts obvious- National Guard Soldiers have the ful tactics, techniques and proce- ly focus on the first half as it per- unique challenge of maintaining dures that were effective during tains to our own ARNG units and readiness while simultaneously their operational time. Most im- the command relationship with serving as members of the civil- portantly, they provide an exter- them. ian workforce. They live com- nal evaluation for their partners Though it is becoming more plex lives compartmentalized during every phase of training prevalent within the junior offi- between monthly drill, annual from individual to collective, cer world, most have neither seen training exercises, civilian occu- home station to combat training

16 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space explosive devices (IEDs), and simulated electronic attack. The battalion tactical operations center (TOC) requested routine reports and also provided daily operation and intelligence updates in accordance with the unit standard operating procedure. The scenario forced batteries to maintain constant firing capability in support of maneuver forces, prompting the need for an occasional emergency fire mission during movement. Simulating counterfire and assessing casualties provided an opportunity for batteries to train similar to how they’ll fight against a peer threat. Throughout the exercise, OC/ Ts gathered data for the purpose of providing a formal AAR, fa- cilitating an opportunity for battery leaders to discuss methods Observer-coach trainers work with partner units. (Courtesy photo) of improving performance over the next fiscal year. Lane training center rotations. The after-ac- their First Army partners devel- involved continuous operations tion reviews (AARs) they provide oped a 72-hour situational train- over 72 hours; a method different are combined into a take-home ing exercise based on the direct from the standard training exe- package that the training unit action training environment ap- cuted during previous training keeps with them throughout the proach used at the Joint Readi- events. Batteries operated in both next phase of training. First Army ness Training Center at Fort Polk day and night conditions, reacting OC/Ts engage with their partner and the National Training Center to injects such as emergency fire units through every phase of their at Fort Irwin. First Army OC/Ts missions, regular fire missions, training progression, serving as developed the exercise concept movement orders, survivability resources for constant improve- while working with the training moves and dismounted attack. ment. unit’s full-time staff to achieve Soldiers were constantly shoot- Planning realistic training is a their commander’s intent. The ing, moving, communicating, de- challenge for the National Guard relationship leveraged training contaminating, medicating, sup- given their reduced full-time resources that replicated an oper- plying and defending themselves staff and limited resources. As an ational environment, forcing bat- in support of maneuver elements, organization that maintains an teries to operate using multi-ech- resulting in confidently trained enduring relationship with each elon procedures in both day and batteries capable of fighting and battalion, First Army OC/Ts uti- night conditions. winning in a modern operational lize a coaching strategy to assist in Before entering the training environment. planning. This technique is not at area, each battery received a bat- If this part of the job sounds just all dissimilar to our counterparts talion operations order complete like every NTC or JRTC rotation, at combat training centers, the with templated position areas of that is because it is. The XCTC major difference being the ability artillery, in-position-ready-to- package has similar capabilities to hone the unit planning process fire times, and an enemy situation for data tracking as are used at over time. This timeline doesn’t which prompted battery com- both Fort Irwin and Fort Polk. stop after the exercise, unlike so manders to conduct troop lead- What is missed by the vignette many of our peers, but contin- ing procedures. OC/Ts were im- is the work done before training ues throughout the entirety of the bedded with battery leadership to ever really kicked off. First Army partner unit’s readiness and mo- provide external evaluation and personnel established long-term bilization cycle. coaching throughout the scenar- relationships with their ARNG As a vignette, during the 34th io. partners, assisted in planning, Infantry Brigade Combat Team When batteries conducted executing and evaluating train- (IBCT) XCTC in the summer of movement, they encountered op- ing for years leading up to the 2018, 1st Battalion, 120th Field posing forces that engaged them XCTC. And continue to work with Artillery (Wisconsin ARNG) and with small-arms fire, improvised the unit afterward to implement

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 17 across the Army that allows strategic leaders to make informed decisions. None of the positive impacts associated with coaching and mentoring ARNG partners, like increased deployment and To- tal Force Readiness, are possible without first building the relationship. Establishing mutually beneficial partnerships is tantamount to extending influence beyond the chain of command. That influence allows First Army OC/ Ts to engage partners with doctrinal-based coaching techniques and incorporate realism into their collective training. This process facilitates a noticeable and lasting impact on the readiness of the To- tal Army Force. But not only are the ARNG partners more lethal and adaptive, but also the First Army team mentoring them. The artillery Soldiers who come to this assign- ment have the opportunity to fine tune the craft of relationship building that is vitally important to successful performance as either majors or first sergeants. The natural outcome of quality key leaders within all artillery bat- Soldiers from the Forward Support Company, 120th Field Artillery, conduct talions is the successful achieve- an after-action review. (Courtesy photo) ment of the commander’s vision. As Dunphy says, “When you take sustains and improves identified Army mission allows captains care of the boss, you take care of during the AAR process. This is above and beyond the SFAB are the unit.” (Dunphy, 2011) As a pre- not a one-shot transaction, but a longer timelines for unit rela- mier enabler for helping the To- mission of steady mentorship and tionships and the ability to work tal Force achieve readiness, First coaching a unit. If this sounds just with units deploying to multiple Army leads the way in leader de- like a battalion or brigade com- theaters. Soldiers from one First velopment for the future. mander’s vision for their unit, Army battalion mentored units Capt. Jacob Gatewood is a 2009 that’s because it generally is. mobilizing in support of Central graduate of Slippery Rock Univer- Of course, other assignments Command, U.S. Army Europe sity. He has served as a fire support exist that allow Army leaders to and Africa Command in the space officer and deployed in support of hone their skills of extending in- of just under two years. Operation Enduring Freedom. He fluence. The latest of these be- To imply that the main benefit then served as an executive officer, ing the Security Force Assistance of serving as a First Army OC/T is acting as the commander in support Brigade (SFAB), which executes teaching young captains the art of of the Command Team SFAAT de- a similar mission to First Army, relationship building ignores the ployment to Afghanistan from 2012 though directed toward partner purpose associated with this task: to 2013. He completed the Air As- nations. To quote the Sergeant to increase the readiness of the sault Course, Pathfinder School Major of the Army Daniel Dai- Total Force. First Army OC/Ts are and the Joint Firepower Control ley, “This [Security Force Assis- the primary element in providing Course. Upon completion of the tance Brigade] is the number one bottom-up feedback through FA Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, priority for the Army’s Chief of doctrinal and command chan- Gatewood served as the battalion Staff.” This is certainly true and nels. The data captured during adjutant. Gatewood is currently the our SFAB structure continues to unit assessments drives the hon- commander of A Battery, 2nd Bat- be increased. But what the First est picture of artillery readiness talion, 82nd Field Artillery.

18 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space The best defense is a good offense Opening windows of superiority with Short-Range Air Defense in multi-domain operations

By Maj. Will Viegas

“After all, the great defense against aerial menace is to attack the enemy’s aircraft as near as possible to their point of departure.” –Winston Churchill

The issue H+3 to H+6, to open a window of to defended assets in the support superiority along axis of advance areas. If doctrine writers do not The U.S. Army War College BLUE and enable the DO.’ The assess the term attack operations challenged the Army research reader may assess initially that should be broadened to include community to explain how oper- this COE can be described and SHORAD, perhaps a new term ational level commanders might directed with current AD doctrine could describe this COE, or per- open windows of superiority and since the operational terms and haps OCA would suffice. Regard- exploit the initiative in multi-do- graphics can all be found within less, operational elements frame main operations (MDO). Ground- ADP 1-02, but in fact this COE is the way Air Defenders view their based Short-Range Air Defense a radical departure for AD that is role on the battlefield, and in this (SHORAD) is inherently cross-do- more akin to offensive counter case, they are inadequate to de- main and can be employed to air (OCA) . The following sections scribe and direct this COE, which open windows of superiority in will discuss why this COE cannot has an offensive flavor that is be- both the air and ground, but fun- be adequately described or direct- yond the current terms. damental changes to air defense ed with current AD doctrine, and (AD) doctrine are required to en- identify fundamental changes to Task, purpose and objective sure that AD is prepared to fully AD doctrine necessary to facili- support MDO. tate this COE. While there is no prescribed list of tactical tasks that AD units A multi-domain concept Operational elements cannot do, there is cultural accep- of employment tance that AD units conduct a nar- AD doctrine specifies four op- row scope of tactical tasks in sup- The concept of employment erational elements: active air de- port of operations. Typical tasks (COE) sketch in Figure 1 describes fense, passive air defense, attack to an AD unit might be “conduct a way in which SHORAD may be operations and mission com- area defense” or “deny threat air- employed to open a window of mand. The COE provided seems craft.” The author has provided an superiority in the air and on land. to most aptly nest into attack unusual terrain-oriented task for In the COE, SHORAD possesses operations, however, it is key to an AD unit; however, the purpose sufficient mobility, survivability note that attack operations are is not unusual. Commanders of- and lethality maneuvers into the conducted by “special operations ten provide AD units the purpose close area ahead of the decisive forces, fixed and rotary-wing air- of enabling an operation, but in operation (DO). This SHORAD craft and field artillery units.” this case the words “open a win- battalion is given the task and Arguably, active AD may be used dow of superiority” imply a tem- purpose to ‘seize Objective Dog to describe the COE, but this is in- poral nature that is important to and Control SHORAD engage- adequate since active AD creates the tenet of convergence in MDO. ment zone (SHORADEZ) from an image of providing defense It is also unusual that the COE ties

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 19 Figure 1. Concept of employment sketch. (Courtesy illustration) the terrain-oriented task, “con- to the firing unit. These modes Way ahead trol,” to an airspace control mea- of control are sufficient in sup- sure, in this case a SHORADEZ. port of unified land operations, The flexibility and adaptabili- In the case of tactical task, pur- but the future threat outlined in ty of doctrine is powerful, but at pose and objective, AD doctrine TRADOC Pamphlet 525-3-1 will the same time, the flexibility of may not require changes to de- contest all domains and the elec- doctrine can fool writers into be- scribe and direct the COE, but the tromagnetic spectrum, which will lieving that it is sufficient to meet way Air Defenders culturally view dis-integrate friendly SHORAD. the challenges of the future. In the scope of their operations must Additionally, the COE illustrates the case of MDO, AD doctrine change, and these cultural chang- time-distance that would likely is inadequate. It would be a ter- es are largely driven by changes preclude the ability to integrate rible error to assume that AD is in doctrine. The AD community SHORAD in this operation. inherently multi-domain since it would benefit from a series of vi- Neither mode of control will crosses land and air. AD may be gnettes that describe how AD sup- support this operation. Argu- cross-domain, but changes need ports MDO. These vignettes need ably, current doctrine has an an- to occur across all elements of to push the envelope on tasks, swer to this in the form of au- DOT/MLPF-P to create AD units purposes and objectives assigned tonomous operations, which “a capable of supporting MDO. Fun- to AD units. unit assumes… after it has lost all damental changes to AD doctrine communications with the higher must be made, no punches can be Modes of control and and adjacent echelons.” Autono- pulled. Concepts developers must autonomous operations mous operations are inadequate question even the most time-test- to describe this COE since auton- ed principles. A key piece of AD doctrine is omous operations are not delib- Maj. Will Viegas is an active duty the modes of control. There are erately planned, but are a conse- U.S. Army Operations Research sys- currently two modes of control, quence of environment or threat. tems analyst, and currently a stu- centralized and decentralized, Doctrine developers could create dent at the FA 49 Qualification both of which require continu- a third mode of control to sup- Course. ous and reliable integration. At port this concept of employment. a minimum, integration requires This new mode of control might timely communication from the simply be described as autono- engagement control authority mous operations.

20 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space Training to fight at the corps and division level Tackling the problem of fighting a near-peer threat in a contested environment from a higher echelon

By Capt. Mark Chapman

For the last 18 years, the Unit- (COIN) in the Middle East and must move away from training ed States and its allies have been Central Asia. Now, as the United only up to the brigade level. In embroiled in the Global War on States Department of Defense order to win a large-scale war in Terror. A near-boundless war that moves away from COIN and into a multi-domain battlefield, Amer- has primarily taken the shape of a new era of multi-domain oper- ica must be able to fight at the counter insurgency operations ations, America and its partners division or corps level, must be

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 21 rapidly expeditionary, capable of ing was Russia’s incursion into Army a world-class fighting force fighting both jointly and as part the Syrian civil war as this action by 2050. of a coalition, and must have a showed two key things: Russia’s Additionally, operating quiet- robust logistical force capable of ability to be expeditionary at the ly, almost in the shadows of the sustaining a prolonged fight. The strategic level and their ability world stage, China is buying, or need to train for this impending to set up a formable air defense negotiating for the use of ports fight goes beyond the directives system. The latter has driven the around the globe. While its eco- of the FM 3.0, and this article will significant sales of surface-to-air nomic importance for the estab- highlight why it is critical to train missile platforms in that region lishment of a Chinese trade route for and win that fight. It will also and has become very concerning is paramount, the military aspect articulate a solution for training to Western leaders. of this cannot be overlooked. Each to win that looming fight. Russia’s power projection along port that China controls provides From Capitol Hill and com- its borders and in the Middle East a logistical base of support for its batant commanders to brigade prove that they have not been idle military in a time of war. and battalion commanders, there in the past 18 years while NATO It could be and perhaps should is a lot of talk about methods to has been entangled in COIN op- be argued that while over the past tackle the new problems of the erations. They have been quite the 18 years that the U.S.’s foreign pol- next fight. There is, however, little opposite, developing new tech- icy has been focused on counter more than talk. This paper goes nology and reversing the drastic insurgency and global terrorism, beyond a list of problems and of- cuts made by Boris Yeltsin in the Russia and China have moved fers as a solution, one way to ad- 1990s. Vladimir Putin has made from the status of a near-peer dress all four of these challenges. and continues to make great ef- competitor to that of a peer ad- Mastering these four challenges fort to modernize and bolster the versary. Both continue to active- will allow America and its allies to strength of the Russian military. ly flex their military muscle in be successful in a multi-domain Additionally, in the far East, the forms of large training exer- battlefield. there is another looming threat: cises, weapon sales and outright Russia’s invasion of Ukraine China. It continues to improve military incursions. While Russia in 2014 shocked many West- its military across a broad spec- seems to be focused on military ern leaders. Their integration of trum including building multi- actions, the importance of Chi- both lethal and non-lethal Fires ple carrier groups for the navy, na’s actions perpetrating their contributed significantly to their constructing new advanced land- long-term strategic goals cannot success. As such, it has been and based surface-to-surface and sur- be overlooked. The time for pas- continues to be studied with great face-to-ship missiles as well as sive soft diplomacy has passed. vigor by the U.S. and its NATO increasing both its jamming and America and its allies now must partners because of the threat hacking capabilities. All of these actively deter these potential peer Russia poses. Caught blindsided pose a clear threat to both the re- adversaries from upsetting the by a renewed Russian threat, mul- gional and global status quo and status quo. tiple Ukrainian brigades were de- emphasize President Xi’s goal of American military leaders at all stroyed. Perhaps more concern- making the People’s Liberation levels are still fighting with some

22 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space semblance of a COIN mentality, be able to manage that fight from with little sleep or information. and in order to be successful in the division or corps level. In or- There is no way to replicate the the next big fight, they must break der to train this, the headquarters conditions of an austere or con- away from their COIN hangover elements must train to be expe- tested environment, without be- now. They must immediately ditionary and to fight a sustained ing in that environment. And as transition their focus from a COIN fight. If America and her allies go America looks to the next fight, it environment to one against a ma- to war with a peer competitor, they must train for the conditions that jor power peer threat. This starts will not be able to win the fight at it will most likely find itself in. with reading, understanding and the brigade level. It will require This can be done in a variety internalizing, the Army’s new FM a corps or division headquarters of ways rotating the entire corps 3.0. However, merely reading and to manage the battlespace and to or division to combat training discussing is not good enough. direct units. In order for America centers (CTCs) like the National The American Army must imple- to dominate in the next conflict, Training Center or the Joint Read- ment the FM 3.0 into all levels of the corps and division headquar- iness Training Center and fighting training. Now. ter elements must be actively in- at a division level or by sending a A method to accomplish this volved in training and preparing corps to fight at the White Sands for the Army is by training to fight for this next fight. Missile Range against another from the corps and division lev- This must go beyond the warf- corps can accomplish this. This els, training to be rapidly expe- ighter exercises that are current- idea is nothing new, the Louisiana ditionary, training joint integra- ly being done. It is not enough to Maneuvers of 1941, were designed tion or as part of a coalition, and post corps and division staffs in to test the Army’s ability to fight straining the logistical capabilities air-conditioned buildings for 12- over a large area from a higher of its forces. hour shifts while they move piec- headquarters in preparation for During the 2019 Fires Confer- es around on a map or on a virtual a war in Europe or the Pacific. ence at Fort Sill, senior leaders battlefield. Exercises must bind Renewing this training will give continuously harped on the point the corps and division staffs to America’s senior leaders the rep- that the next substantial conflict the field for extended periods and etitions that will build experience would most likely start in an area must be done in a variety of en- and ultimately allow them to be where the United States and its al- vironments to include a chemical, successful in a multi-domain op- lies were not expecting it to hap- biological, nuclear and radiolog- eration against a peer competitor. pen. This highlights two essential ical (CBRN) contested environ- In a fight where it is expected that items: first, the U.S. military will ment. If American forces are to be America will lose entire battalions be reactionary; and second, it prepared for a large-scale armed in sustained operations, it is not must be expeditionary on a large confrontation commanders and enough to simply certify its bri- scale. In order to win a large-scale staffs at every echelon must get gade combat teams. It must ac- conflict across multiple domains, used to fighting, living and mak- tively train its divisions and corps the United States Army must ing decisions in an environment to continue to fight even with that build up its capacity to fight over outside of forward operating bas- type of loss. Logistically, this may vast tracts of land, sea and air, and es, without tactical internet and mean cutting the number of ro-

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 23 tations to the CTCs but making them longer and bigger. Instead of doing 10 brigade-level rotations to NTC per year, the Army could conduct six division-level exercises at White Sands Missile Range or training from NTC in the south to Twentynine Palms in the north. These exercises, though mainly focused on training division staffs, could also act to certify the brigades. Additionally, emergency deployment readiness exercises (EDREs) are another excellent way for the corps and division levels to prepare for this large- scale conflict. This is something that America has been doing at the brigade level and must now begin to flex its muscle through its division-level headquarters. Though it is a step in the right direction, brigade-level EDREs as part of Operation Atlantic Re- solve or “surprise” rotations to the CTCs are not enough if we are to truly prepare for a conflict with a peer competitor. EDREs accomplish two tasks; they test the readiness of a large unit to be deployed rapidly while also acting as a threat deterrence in whatever theater they deploy to. Deterrence is yet another rea- son that the United States must conduct EDRES at the division level as stated above, the next conflict will not be one which is fought or won at the brigade level. In order for it to indeed be a pre- ventative measure, a potential adversary must see that the United States has the capability to rapidly mobilize its forces for conflict. By deploying an entire corps or divisions on an EDRE the United States sends a clear message that our forces at every echelon stand ready to deploy, something that will become paramount when the next conflict begins. When the next conflict begins, it will stretch over vast tracts of land, sea and air. In order to maintain momentum in that environment, the American military must have a robust sustainment plan and forces that are trained and ready to exercise it. The only

24 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space way to train this is to actively ac- and sustaining a corps or division its focus from thinking that coun- tion it. This means deploying di- requires and capturing the lessons tries who do things differently are visions by rail to CTC and or port, learned, America’s military will be wrong and find ways to capitalize and training to sustain them in able to train to a standard where on their strengths and forge new the field for extended periods. they will be ready to sustain a pro- partnerships in areas we have ne- The first few times will be a sig- tracted conflict over a vast land- glected in the past in order to pre- nificantly painful event. However, scape. It is something that must pare for the next fight. it is the only way to develop the be done now, and something that The proposed multinational muscle memory from the officer must be practiced over a variety training must go beyond the tacti- in charge at the port or railhead of different environments. cal level. To prepare for a conflict on up to the division command- There is continuing talk at both with a near-peer competitor, the er that will allow us to rapidly the tactical and strategic level United States military must focus project and sustain our power in about fighting jointly and as part on the operational and strategic a contested area. The U.S. mili- of a coalition against an adver- levels of multinational training. tary as a whole must move away sary. However, outside of Europe In a near-peer fight, America may from their COIN hangover where and Korea, there has been little have the most significant percent- dining facilities and USO lounges emphasis placed on fighting with age of ground forces. However, are par for the course. The mili- our partners as part of a coalition. that does not mean that the other tary must train to feed, fuel and Additionally, there has been lit- forces can be overlooked or dis- equip its fighting forces in austere tle to no partnership between the counted. The time to train with environments, and it needs to U.S. Army and other branches of them is now. The time to con- happen now. The next fight, if it our military, specifically the Na- duct a large-scale exercise with is a peer fight, will not be one with tional Guard. This must change, the Japanese, the Australians and forward operating bases (FOBs) and rapidly, in order for America the Vietnamese is now, not when rather it will be a one with stag- to prepare for the next large-scale a conflict with China is imminent. gered front lines where corps and conflict. This is a problem that The importance of coalition divisions need to be sustained and very many officers seem willing training cannot be overlooked; massive logistical packages must to address, yet we have seen very it projects a powerful statement; be pushed forward to the lines little action. one which says that America does to sustain them. Because our po- The American military is not stand alone in its resolve. It is tential adversaries have invested good at conducting training with paramount for leaders at all lev- heavily in their anti-aircraft sys- like-minded countries. For the els to understand the importance tems resupply will most likely be most part, NATO shares like sys- of this; for a potential adversary, done via ground. This may mean tems, similar doctrine and a simi- it is understood that if a conflict a greater emphasis on prestaged lar way of war. In order for Amer- is started, it will be between mul- sustainment packages that are ica to prepare for a coalition fight, tiple nations and much harder to rapidly accessible to the maneu- it needs to actively train to fight fight. More importantly, it allows ver elements or a greater reliance as part of the large multination- the United States to foster rela- on logistical trains keeping pace al team. This must go beyond the tionships in areas that we have with maneuver elements. Victo- scope of NATO. America must perhaps overlooked in the past. ry in the next conflict may very look at building partnerships with The time to build and foster these well be decided by which force militaries that think differently relationships is now -- not in the can sustain the fight the longest. or are in likely areas of potential face of impending conflict. America must now begin to fo- conflict. For example, the Kuwaiti In addition to forging partner- cus its sustainers on being able military is much smaller than the ships with forces abroad we must to sustain multiple echelons si- United States and is postured for continue to build our interser- multaneously, moving away from defense only. Could the Unit- vice partnerships here at home. the COIN hangover and the FOB ed States Army learn something We must train our forces to fight mentality. from deploying a corps headquar- jointly now. This is a point that is Much like the corps headquarters there to conduct a three-week harped upon with robust rheto- ters elements, a way to train sus- training exercise with the Kuwaiti ric but is very rarely actioned. As tainers and test or stress their abil- equivalent of a corps headquar- a military, we must quit talking ity is to practice at the CTCs or in ters? In addition to a great train- about it and actually action it. the form of EDREs. Similar to ing event, what message would it This starts with interservice in- the corps and division headquar- send to the rest of the world (par- tegration at the tactical level and ters, no warfighter exercise will ticularly China) if the American builds to the operational and stra- actively stress the capabilities of Army deployed a divisional head- tegic level. Training to fight joint- America’s sustainment forces. By quarters to the Socialist Republic ly can be as simple as augmenting actively practicing the massive lo- of Vietnam for a training exercise? an Army light infantry battalion gistical movement that deploying The American military must shift with a company of U.S. Marines

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 25 who have light assault vehicles. For the infantry, they will be able to conduct training with a 25 mm chain gun, which is a powerful force multiplier, but the Marines will be able to showcase their capabilities for their Army brethren. Often at the CTCs, there are simulated aircraft that are shot down due to contested airspace. How- ever, there are no Pararescuemen that are allocated to search for them. In a large near-peer conflict, the United States Army is not going to be able to flex a company to secure the crash site or pi- lot. We must train for that environment now, and that may look like sending an element or flight of Air Force personnel to train at the CTC with their Army counterparts. Additionally, the active duty component of the Army must get better at incorporating National Guard and Reserve units during field problems at home stations and rotating them into training at the CTCs. By training together in simulated combat situations, the military as a whole will function better as cohesive understanding and trust between multiple echelons are built. It could be pointed out that while the training would benefit the units at the tactical level, the functions of different units would allow the commanders at the operational levels to think outside the box providing everyone with a valuable training event. National Guard Soldiers bring to the table a wealth of skill sets from the civilian side, which are not usually found in an active duty military unit. These skill sets range from mechanical to medi- Staff all the way down to the bat- and civilians looking into ways to cal and from carpentry to infor- talion level, units are preparing fix these problem sets. However, mation technology. By integrat- for the next large-scale confron- the fact that this article formu- ing these skill sets into its forces tation with Russia or China. As lates solutions for tackling these during training, America stands of now, there has been much talk problems is what separates it from to build a better force at the tac- about the proposed problem sets. the rhetoric. This article provides tical level. These skills cannot be However, the problem set needs a way to tackle four vital aspects overlooked and must be fully lev- to be framed and solutions must of a large complex multi-domain eraged if America is to be success- be presented. This article pres- fight in which America will have ful in their next war. ents a solution. Now it must be to fight from the corps and divi- Currently, there is an over- understood that there are a lot of sion level with partners while sus- whelming emphasis on the new different ways to solve these prob- taining that fight for an extended concept of multi-domain oper- lems and that there is a large pool period. This article provides a ations. From the Joint Chiefs of of very highly intelligent Soldiers solution for the integration of U.S.

26 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space forces both as part of interservice tions like Iran and North Korea for potential conflict but also as training and coalition training. are quickly trying to close the gap a means to send a clear message The intent of this article is not to that stands between them and the to its potential enemies that the undercut those who are working West. With all that, it must be un- United States and its allies stand on these and similar problem sets, derstood that the time for passive ready to rapidly deploy at every instead it serves to formulate dis- diplomacy is over, America and echelon. cussion and stimulate thought on its allies must now actively deter Capt. Mark Chapman recently the problem sets listed previously this war from happening. In order graduated from the Field Artillery as we continue to train to fight a to be preventive and to counter Captain’s Career Course at Fort peer competitor. this aggression America must ac- Sill, Okla. He is currently serving One thing remains certain: tively train its forces to fight from as the battalion fire direction offi- China and Russia are continuing a corps or division-level head- cer with 5th Battalion, 25th Field to make large bounds forward as quarters, to fight jointly, and to be Artillery at Fort Polk, La. peer adversaries, and rogue na- sustained as a means to prepare

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 27 THE FCoE COMMANDER’S THE FCoE COMMANDER’S BOOKSHELF I view these pillars in leadership development efforts. The titles provided will provoke critical thinking about Professional Soldiering and the unique role of the land power; analysis and reflection on the past and the future; and a deep understanding of the Army and the future of the profession of arms in the 21st Century.

I CHARGE YOU TO READ OFTEN, BROADLY AND THOUGHTFULLY!

MG SHOFFNER

THE ARMY PROFESSIONAL: Your character, competence and commitment to your brothers and sisters in arms and to the Greatest Army in the world are the attributes of the Army Professional.

PARTNERS IN COMMAND MONEYBALL: THE ART OF WINNING AN UNFAIR GAME MARK PERRY MICHAEL LEWIS

LEADERS EAT LAST THIS KIND OF WAR: THE CLASSIC KOREAN WAR HISTORY SIMON SINEK T.R. FEHRENBACH

THE EMPIRE OF THE MILESTONES SUMMER MOON SAYYID QUTH S.C. GWYNE

THE STARFISH AND THE SPIDER: THE UNSTOPPABLE POWER OF ONCE AN EAGLE LEADERLESS ORGANIZATIONS ANTON MYRER OFI BRAFMAN & ROD BECKSTORM

THINKING LIKE A LEADER: I picked these books to get you thinking as an innovative, out-of-the-box leader. Making you more of an adaptive and flexible leader in this ever-changing environment.

START WITH WHY: LEADERSHIP SECRETS OF HOW GREAT LEADERS INSPIRE RADICAL INCLUSION COLIN POWELL EVERYONE TO TAKE ACTION GEN(R) MARTIN DEMPSEY OREN HARAI SIMON SINEK

ADAPT: WHY SUCCESS NO BETTER FRIEND, THINKING, FAST & SLOW NO WORSE ENEMY: ALWAYS STARTS WITH FAILURE DANIEL KAHNEMAN THE LIFE OF GENERAL MATTIS TIM HARFORD WILLIAM H. MCNEILL

WINNING THE CAROLINA WAY LEADING UP: HOW TO LEAD YOUR BOSS SO YOU BOTH WIN JACK WELCH DEAN SMITH MICHAEL USEEM

28 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space THE FCoE COMMANDER’S THE FCoE COMMANDER’S BOOKSHELF BOOKSHELF

THE MILITARY ART: This is the theory and practice of preparing and conducting military actions on land, at sea and within the global aerospace. It is also theorized that its primary function was to attain victory of one’s adversary with the least expenditure of forces, resources and time.

THE PURSUIT OF POWER: BEFORE THE FIRST SHOTS ARE FIRED:HOW TECHNOLOGY, THE ART OF WAR AMERICA CAN WIN OR LOSE OFF THE ARMED FORCES AND BATTLEFIELD SUN TZU SOCIETY SINCE A.D. 1000 TONY ZINNI & TONY KOLTZ WILLIAM H. MCNEILL

HOW I CARRIED A MESSAGE TO GARCIA THE ART OF WAR THE MESSAGE TO GARCIA ELBERT HUBBARD BARON DE JOMINI COL ANDREW SUMMERS ROWAN

ON WAR CARL VON CLAUSEWITZ

THE EVOLUTION OF WAR: War is a violent, yet experimental environment. Read how Soldiers of the past and present fit into this concept and adapted along the way.

STRATEGIC VISION: AMERICA AND THE CRISIS THE FUTURE OF LAND WARFARE OF GLOBAL POWER MICHAEL E. O’HANLON ZBIGIEW BRZEZINSKI

JUST WAR RECONSIDERED: THE UNFORGIVING MINUTE STRATEGY, ETHICS & THEORY GRAIG MULLANEY SAYYID QUTH

AN EMPIRE WILDERNESS: OUT OF THE MOUNTAINS: TRAVELS INTO AMERICA’S FUTURE THE COMING OF AGE OF URBAN GUERILLA ROBERT D. KAPLAN DAVID KILCULLEN

GUNS, GERMS & STEEL: THE LESSONS OF TRAGEDY THE FATES OF HUMAN SOCIETIES HALL BRANDS & CHARLES EDEL JARED DIAMOND

GHOST FLEET: KAIGUN: STRATEGY, TACTICS & A NOVEL OF THE NEXT WORLD WAR TECHNOLOGY IN THE IMPERIAL JAPANESE NAVY, 1887–1941 P.W. SINGER & AUGUST COLE DAVID C. EVANS & MARK R. PEATTIE

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 29 A simple diagram of a nuclear thermal rocket system. (Courtesy illustration) Moscow’s hypersonic misadventure A crash course in nuclear thermal rockets By Capt. Peter Mitchell

At around 10 a.m. Moscow time shielded with plastic tarps trans- tal hypersonic cruise missile, the on Aug. 8, 2019, four of the Com- porting wounded to be treated for 9M730 Burevestnik. VNIIEF was prehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban radiation burns.2 In a same-day identified in 2018 by Russian Treaty Organization’s seismic/ official statement, Moscow said broadsheet Kommersant as the acoustic monitoring stations in the explosion was caused by a liq- design house for the Burevestnik Norway, Sweden and Finland re- uid-fuel propulsion system. Two propulsion system. ported an explosion in Nyonoksa, days later on Aug. 10, an official Now, on to the rocket sci- Northern Russia.1 Contradictory statement from the state nucle- ence. The Rosatom statement reports promptly followed. First, ar energy agency, Rosatom con- also said that the explosion took the city of Severodvinsk – a ma- firmed five of its specialists died place during the test of an “iso- jor shipbuilding hub on the Arctic in the blast, and identified them topic power source” within or Ocean and about 40 km from the as employees of the all-Russian mounted to a “liquid propulsion reported explosion – reported a Scientific Research Institute of system.” This is not a description radiation spike. Local pharmacies Experimental Physics (VNIIEF).3 of a scramjet (compression/com- reportedly saw a run on iodine Arms control expert Jeffrey Lewis bustion in supersonic airflow), tablets. The Russian military de- with the Center for Nonprolifera- which is the technology utilized nied this, even as videos began tion Studies laid out a compelling in the hypersonic Boeing X-51 leaking out showing medical per- case on Twitter that the mysteri- Waverider. What this actually sonnel responding to the incident ous test explosion was related to sounds like is a nuclear thermal in hazmat suits and ambulances development of an experimen- rocket (NTR), a technology first

1 https://twitter.com/ctbto_alerts/status/1160130156922642433?s=21 2 https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/08/13/an-explosion-a-spike-in-radiation-evacuation-preparations-what-exactly-happened-in-russia/ 3 https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-missile-disaster-shows-signs-nuke-reactor-blew-up-experts-2019-8

30 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space developed from 1955-1973 under working on such a dangerous mo- range and speed to defeat missile the U.S. Atomic Energy Com- tor? The vague statements from defense systems. For now, how- mission (AEC) as Project Rover. Moscow do not shed much light ever, it appears that NTR exper- NTRs are low-thrust/high-spe- on the subject. The Russians had imenting has been put on hold cific impulse motors that work their own NTR project RD-0410 since the accident. The town of on hydrogen fuel, a convenient from around 1965 through the Nyonoksa just outside the test site and plentiful fuel acting without 1980s that was shelved during was ordered to be evacuated on an oxidizer. For example, the gi- the post-Cold War drawdown. Aug. 13, only to have the evacua- ant boosters for the space shuttle Perhaps VNIIEF was attempting tion order canceled the next day.5 program used slurried hydrogen to knock the dust off testing the This indicates that no further nu- fuel reacting with oxygen as the NTR for the Burevestnik cruise clear thermal rocket testing will oxidizer (this is what’s called a missile in their feverish quest occur there for quite some time. high-thrust/low specific impulse for the hypersonic Holy Grail. Author’s note: For further read- motor) in a giant controlled ex- An NTR-powered cruise missile ing please see “Ignition! An Infor- plosion. An NTR, on the other would have considerably longer mal History of Liquid Rocket Pro- hand, does away with the oxidiz- range and much greater speed pellants” by Dr. John D. Clark. er and instead uses the heat of a than a turbofan-powered equiva- Capt. Peter Mitchell is an Air fission reactor (Phoebus-1 used a lent like the Tomahawk. The laps- Defense Artillery officer currently graphite-moderated uranium re- ing of the limitations placed by serving as Headquarters Detach- actor) to heat the hydrogen up to the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty ment commander of the Fires Cen- about 2000°K and rapidly expand this year will continue to motivate ter of Excellence, Fort Sill, Okla. it through a nozzle. This allows the construction of cruise and bal- the motor to be more economical listic missiles with ever-increasing with its fuel, perfect for a long- range hypersonic cruise missile Images of the Nenoksa Missile Test Center, Russia, before (top) and after (bot- like the Burevestnik. There are is- tom). (Courtesy photos) sues however, with the NTR that were discovered during our testing in the 1960s. The most obvious problem that presented itself was exposing a nuclear reactor to superheated hydrogen. Hydrogen is an extremely reactive element even when gaseous at room tem- perature (if you don’t believe me watch the video of the Hinden- burg crash). When hydrogen is superheated to 2000°K, it reacts with the graphite moderator rods “like hot water on a sugar cube” and flashes it to methane (CH4) potentially causing a runaway nuclear reaction. The Project Rover team solved this particular problem by coating the hydrogen flow lines with inert niodium-carbide. An experiment at Jackass Flat, Nev., showed that the resulting release of radiation from a su- percritical Phoebus-1 would have caused fatalities out to nearly 200 meters.4 The concerns from nuclear contamination and the can- celation of the NASA-led Mars landing led to Project Rover being shut down in 1973. So, why were the Russians

4 https://fas.org/sgp/othergov/doe/lanl/docs1/la-3449.pdf 5 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/08/13/what- we-know-about-russias-mysterious-rocket-explosion-so- far-a66817

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 31 RIVERINE ARTILLERY IN THE 21ST CENTURY THE HISTORY OF By Lt. Col. Shawn Talmadge, Maj. Jonathan Fair and Capt. Daniel Tarrant RIVERINE ARTILLERY The mission of the field artillery During the Vietnam War, U.S. forces encountered terrain hostile to artillery operations while fighting is to destroy, defeat, or disrupt the in the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is a marsh- enemy with integrated Fires to en- land that, during the conflict, possessed few suitable able maneuver commanders to roads, hundreds of small hamlets as well as thousands of rice paddies. The area also contained several riv- dominate in unified land operations. ers and countless canals. The high water table of the Field artillery Soldiers accomplish area also made the soil unreliable for artillery occu- their mission by emplacing their pation due to near-constant moisture and proximity to water sources. When batteries were able to occupy assets in the best location in order positions, the terrain forced crews to perform inor- to support maneuver forces. Field dinate numbers of safety checks, the howitzers also experienced cant during laying and the tubes were artillery requires stable platforms difficult to traverse. The terrain and inadequate road in order to provide an accurate unit system also hampered the ground transportation of location to calculate a firing solu- howitzers and their subsequent supply and re-supply. The bottom line was that utilizing artillery in tion and meet the requirements of the Mekong Delta was a near-nightmare. accurate predictive fire. In 1966, the 2nd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division

32 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space Opposite page: Soldiers, from 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery, fire the first round from a M119A3 mounted on an Army Landing Craft. U.S. Army Field Artillery has not performed riverine artillery operations in over 50 years. (Courtesy photo)

Right: Artillery crews prepare their M119A3s and supporting equipment for riverine operations at Camp Lejeune, N.C. (Courtesy photo)

In December 1966, the 1st Battalion, 7th Artillery made the first attempt to solve this dilemma by placing its M110A1 howitzers onto Landing Craft, Medium

along with the U.S. Navy River Assault Flotilla 1, artillery was nearly forgotten as the nation prepared ‘‘formed a riverine task force in order to bring the to fight a Warsaw Pact enemy across the plains of fight to the enemy in the Mekong Delta. Initially, Europe and as it fought insurgents in Afghanistan fire support was provided solely from fixed loca- and Iraq. tions. However, batteries were unable to maintain adequate tempo and proximity to maneuver. In De- cember 1966, the 1st Battalion, 7th Artillery made OPERATION GATOR the first attempt to solve this dilemma by placing its M110A1 howitzers onto Landing Craft, Medium In 2018, the 11th Transportation (TPT) Battalion, (LCM-6). Unfortunately, this LCM did not provide 7th Transportation Brigade (TBX) based out of Fort a stable platform and its width prevented the how- Eustis, Va., envisioned utilizing riverine artillery as a itzers trails to fully extend thus limiting its ability means to extend Fires into areas denied due to poor to completely traverse. The 3rd Battalion, 34th Field terrain thereby’’ presenting the enemy with a new, Artillery Regiment (FAR) then began to utilize barg- additional dilemma. The 11th TPT BN contacted the es instead of LCM-6s. The 3-34th FAR welded a base Norfolk, Va., based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery plate to the deck of the vessel allowing the howitzer Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, to to traverse a full 6,400 mils. In 1967, the 3-34th FAR, assist in the exercise by delivering Fires in support after fielding the M102 howitzer utilized Landing of the Waterborne Artillery Mission. The 11th TPT Craft Mechanized, Mark 8s (LCM-8s) in addition to BN chose the Virginia Army National Guard unit be- barges. Their methods were effective and riverine cause of its proximity to its headquarters. In January artillery became a useful tactic. The successful river- 2019, the 1098th Transportation Detachment, a sub- ine artillery operations in the Mekong Delta provid- ordinate unit of the 7th TPT BN, and the 1-111th FAR ed maneuver forces with much needed firepower to loaded a M119A3 onto a Landing Craft Mechanized combat the enemy. After the Vietnam War, riverine (LCM) vessel at Little Creek, Va. The purpose was to

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 33 assist the 1098th TPT Detachment configure their three-day exercise while on the water and traveling boats to accommodate the M119A3s and to devise a over 8 miles away from initialization. The gun fired load plan. a charge 3, low angle at target range of 5,100 meters, On April 25, 2019, 17 Soldiers of the 1-111th FAR without the use of a baseplate. Meteorological data participated in a multicomponent live-fire exercise was applied throughout the operation. All missions with members of the 11th TPT BN. The exercise were fired digitally and no degraded techniques was conducted aboard LCM-8 vessels. Throughout were used. The unit expended 20 rounds of high ex- the exercise, Soldiers from both battalions collab- plosive (DODIC C445, 2 Square). oratively worked to identify issues, concerns and The M119A3 was laid without a baseplate on top of develop techniques and tactics to deliver Fires us- a composite material mat (mobility matting) as it was ing modern artillery and communication systems. laid flush on the LCM’s deck. Behind the spade, ves- The LCM-8 was loaded with the M119A3 and M1097 sel crew placed a composite beam (8’’ x 8’) spanning prime mover along with a standard gun crew and a the width of the LCM secured within the watercraft’s five Soldier boat crew. A second LCM (Mod 2, com- bulkheads, the beam included a reinforced seam in mand vessel) was loaded with the fire direction cen- the middle of the beam in the area of the spade. The ter (FDC) Soldiers, M1152 vehicle, and boat crew. A beam was reinforced with steel plates and bolts. Ad- third vessel served as a shuttle between LCMs so the ditional sand bags were placed between the beam beached boats could remain in place. and spade to absorb shock. Sand bags were also used The M119A3 was initialized dock side using sur- as wheel chocks as well as powder and dunnage pits. vey and dry fire verified under digital operations Reconnaissance was conducted prior to gun without incident or issues aboard the LCMs. Once placement to verify water and bank conditions in underway, it is important to note the gun’s Inertial areas where favorable conditions existed. The wa- Navigation Unit remained operational for the entire terway used for this exercise was a closed section of

34 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space intercostal waterway near range G10 at Camp Le- and stationary at a distance of 50 meters from the jeune to simulate river conditions. Once at the firing LCM containing the howitzer section, digital com- point, the chief of the gun and Coxswain carefully munications were maintained without interruption. coordinated to “stab” the bank along the azimuth of At 9 a.m. on April 25, 2019, two check round mis- lay. The vessel’s steel construction rendered lensatic sions were fired using the gunner’s quadrant and compasses ineffective, so the vessel’s compass (cali- were observed safe by the forward observers. Fol- brated) was used to initially position the gun along lowing the check round missions, six (three-round) the azimuth of lay. The chief of section was required fire missions were conducted over the course of two to convert mils to degrees since the vessel’s compass hours with no issues. Following all firing missions, is only annotated in degrees. The Coxswain beached the sand bags were removed to inspect the beam approximately the first third of the vessel on the supporting the howitzer spade. The beam behind bank in order to provide a stable firing platform for the spade demonstrated the ability to return to its the gun. Little changes in deflection or gun location resting position following flex from gun recoil; how- were observed while the gun was ready to fire. This ever, it appears the beam failed to return to its origi- method of employment was extremely favorable nal position (no measurements were made). Consid- and rapid since the gun is carried in a firing config- erable deformation was also observed in the beam uration while on the LCM where, essentially, all that along with some twisting caused by the recoil. is necessary to fire is beaching the vessel along the azimuth of fire. The LCM (Mod 2) carrying the FDC initially loi- RECOMMENDATIONS tered in the immediate area along the intercostal waterway; however, it was discovered the digital com- Riverine artillery tactics can be useful in littoral munications traffic between the gun and FDC were and riverine environments, especially considering consistently disrupted. After a number of additional the majority of the globe is covered by navigable communications tests and troubleshooting, it was waterways. As national security concerns continue determined that the digital communications may to grow in Asia, the Middle East and South America, have been disrupted by the changing communica- the ability to extend Fires along navigable waterways tions profile created by the loitering vessel’s numer- provides commanders the ability to deliver Fires in ous antenna masts and wheelhouse (steel construc- areas currently denied by ground movement. In or- tion). Once the LCM (Mod 2) and FDC were beached der for riverine artillery to fully support maneuver

On April 25, 2019, 17 Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment participated in a multicomponent live-fire exercise with members of the 11th ‘‘Transportation Battalion. ... Soldiers from both battalions collaboratively worked to identify issues, concerns and develop techniques and tactics to deliver Fires using modern artillery and communication systems http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin’’ • 35 These issues continued to plague TF GATOR until the LCM transporting the FDC was rendered stationary by beaching the craft. Based on ‘‘the exercise observations, it appears the changing landing craft and communications profile may be disrupting short range digital communications.

at maximum range, a number of recommendations welded to the boat’s deck and filled with sandbags in are required. the areas of the baseplate and spade.

OPERATIONAL NEEDS DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS STATEMENT DISRUPTIONS’’ The first recommendation is to develop a stable The unit also experienced a number of unusual firing platform to support low and high angle and digital communications challenges throughout the the ability to fire a charge seven. Several options in- operation. These issues continued to plague TF GA- clude the use of 8-12 inch thick composite mats that TOR until the LCM transporting the FDC was ren- are shaped or molded to accept the M119A3 base- dered stationary by beaching the craft. Based on plate and spade attachment. The grove for the spade the exercise observations, it appears the changing should allow the trails be articulated by the gun crew landing craft and communications profile may be to maximize traverse. The matting would also re- disrupting short range digital communications. Ad- quire a system to secure it to the LCM or barge. An- ditional research is recommended in order to verify other recommendation is to use a beam and while the cause of the disruption. incorporating additional shoring and reinforcement behind the gun’s spade. Such a design would require specific attention to design a mechanism to secure METHODS UNDER the spade to the beam for safety. The final recommendation is to use a firing platform similar to the DEGRADED CONDITIONS ones discussed in the January 1968 edition of the Fires Bulletin as well as in the CMH Publication 90- Due to the design of the LCMs, the vessel’s port 12, Vietnam Studies: Field Artillery (1954-1973). This and starboard bulkheads blocked the line-of-sight platform included a wood and steel-boxed platform between the gun and potential aiming circle location. Therefore, it is recommended that a taller Pan-

36 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space tel be designed in order to clear the vessel’s bulkhead Maj. Jonathan Fair serves as the battalion S3 for in the event the gun must be laid under degraded 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment. He de- operations. In addition, a taller telescope could clear ployed as a platoon leader in support of OIF in 2006 the bulkhead to the left and right sides of the craft. and previously served as battery commander, battalion Lt. Col. Shawn Talmadge serves as commander of fire direction officer, S3 for a recruiting and retention 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, Virginia battalion, and commander of HHC, Maneuver Train- Army National Guard, headquartered in Norfolk, Va. ing Center and Fort Pickett. He deployed as DFSCOORD/chief of Fires with the Capt. Daniel Tarrant serves as commander, C Bat- 29th Infantry Division when the division established tery, 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment in Task Force Spartan in support of Operation Spartan Hampton, Va. He deployed as battalion fire support of- Shield based in Kuwait in 2016-2017. Other assign- ficer in support of Operation Spartan Shield in 2015- ments include fire direction officer, platoon leader, 16. Other assignments include company fire support battery commander, deputy commander of the Virginia officer, fire direction officer, battalion S1, and battal- CERFP, J7 exercise planner, and battalion executive ion S4. officer.

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 37 Getting ahead of the threat A Patriot battalion’s journey After six months of tireless work and instruction, to modernization the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regi- ment became the first battalion in the Air Defense By Capt. Peter Williams Branch to simultaneously complete their forward sustainment maintenance program (FSMP) and post development build (PDB) 8.0 modernization of all Patriot systems within organic facilities during the third quarter of fiscal year 2019. This monumental achievement is a testament to the dedication of the Soldiers of the 3-2nd ADA BN and the supporting civilian agencies. Planning for this operation began in early Novem- ber of 2018, before 3-2nd ADA returned from their successful strategic deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility (AOR). The FSMP process was funded by the Lower Tier Project Office (LTPO) and allotted five Patriot batteries (one Head- quarters and Headquarters Battery and four Patriot firing batteries) seven weeks to ensure critical equip- Soldiers from A Battery, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense ment is at -10/-20 standards in an effort to extend Artillery received a class by Raytheon instructors on the the equipment's operational life. Although separate, operational hardware upgrades of their radar sets prior FSMP and PDB 8.0 modernization are sequential to a practical exercise. (Capt. Peter Williams/U.S. Army) and connected, requiring the successful completion

38 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space Raytheon contractors performed deep conventional maintenance and reset on an Engagement Control Station within the bay of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery motor pool. (Chief Warrant Officer 3 Lewis Heck/U.S. Army) of FSMP prior to the commencement of PDB 8.0 of legacy digital processors in the radar, modern modernization. During the FSMP process, five Pa- man station upgrades in the ECS and Information triot batteries consisting of a combination of Ray- Coordination Central (ICC), and Combined Cryp- theon civilian contractors, unit level operators and tographic Modernization Phase-1 communications the battalion’s intermediate support element com- hardware upgrades for the ICC/ECS and CRG sys- mitted over 8,000 man hours and executed deep tems. The execution of the PDB 8.0 upgrades was maintenance on major Patriot end items, including executed in concert with the TRADOC Capabilities radar sets, engagement control stations (ECS), anten- Manager, LTPO, Raytheon and unit-level operators, na mast groups, and communications relay groups committing over 7,000 man hours. (CRG). Additionally, in support of FSMP operations, Simultaneously occurring during the moderniza- the 3-2nd ADA BN's supply support activity man- tion process, was an eight-week operations and or- aged the reception, turn-in and shipment of over ganizational maintenance-focused New Equipment 2,000 parts estimated in value at over $1.5 million. Training (NET) program, managed by both LTPO FSMP was executed on schedule and on budget, set- and Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) ting the ground work for the PDB 8.0 upgrades. which was administered by Raytheon instructors. Upon the five Patriot batteries’ staggered comple- Third-2nd ADA’s Patriot equipment operators, tion of the FSMP, unit equipment was immediately communication specialists and logisticians received inducted into an intensive 10 week PDB 8.0 Patri- daily classroom and hands-on instruction with prac- ot modernization upgrade operation. PDB 8.0 up- tical exercises confirming Soldiers’ understanding grades provided the 3-2nd ADA BN with the most of the upgrades and ability to operate and sustain modernized Patriot missile system equipment con- the battalion's newly upgraded equipment. figuration C3+ operating software and hardware. In The lead planner for the operation was the battal- summary, these upgrades included the replacement ion readiness coordinator for 3-2nd ADA BN, Chief

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 39 Sgt. Kevin Huey of E Battery, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery, installs parts within one of 3-2 ADA's Patriot Radar Sets. (Capt. Peter Williams/U.S. Army)

Warrant Officer 3 Lewis Heck of HHB/3-2nd ADA hardware, further enhancing battery and battalion BN, said “This was the first time both FSMP and early warning capabilities. The 3-2nd ADA BN’s own modernization were performed simultaneously, Command, Control, Communication, Computers and the very first time at home station,” highlighting and Intelligence (C4I) Systems Integrator, Chief the difficulty of the innovative process. “Despite the Warrant Officer 2 Joseph Frey of HHB, played an complexity, we got it done.” invaluable role in this process by single-handed- Moreover, while committing 90 percent of the ly planning and leading the deep maintenance re- battalion's maintenance facility to FSMP and PDB quired to prepare the battalion’s battery command 8.0 upgrades, the battalion’s readiness and mainte- posts and tactical control stations for upgrades. nance officers developed and executed a dynamic “It had to get done,” said Frey. “Our C4I equipment maintenance plan to sustain and maintain the re- needed to be reset before we started any upgrades, maining equipment in the battalion. These efforts and we were working with limited time.” Thanks to resulted in successful reception of conventional the combined efforts of internal and external re- equipment from deployment and a sustained oper- sources, the 3-2nd ADA BN finished their equipment ational readiness rate of 97 percent. upgrades in time to test them in a field-training ex- Another integral component to the completion ercise, designed to build confidence in the Soldiers’ of the battalion’s equipment upgrades was the five- proficiency with their assigned systems. week reset and modernization of its early warning The 3-2nd ADA BN achieved yet another first as and command and control systems. During this up- they tested the functionality of their modernized grade, battery command posts and tactical control equipment with a capstone exercise. The objective stations received upgraded computer software and of capstone was to establish communications and

40 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space Soldiers from B Battery, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery, received classroom instruction on the capabilities and limitations of Post Development Build 8.0 software. (Capt. Peter Williams/U.S. Army) data transfer between all four Patriot fire units and After a successful validation of the equipment, the the battalion fire direction center through both Pa- battalion has since incorporated the new operating triot and C4I systems. The C4I portion of the ex- procedures into their training for future certifica- ercise, led by Capt. Mario Solis (BN S6), Frey and tions. supported by Raytheon specialists, resulted in the While the execution of the FSMP and PDB 8.0 first-ever establishment of V-Lan 10 and Joint Range was the battalion's decisive operation, several shap- Extension Application Protocol links using the very ing operations were occurring in concert, from in- high frequency backbone between the ICC and ECS. dividual and crew serve weapons ranges, to warrior This capability enabled the passing of the air pic- tasks and battle drills, to sustain and build individu- ture, Mardam-Bey’s Internet Relay Chat, Microsoft al and crew readiness. The battalion effectively built Outlook data, and other means of data exchange relationships with civilian stakeholders and devel- from the battalion tactical operation center to the oped and communicated a comprehensive Patriot battery command post. This capability will prove modernization plan to the lowest level. The success- to be an invaluable addition for redundant and ex- ful execution of the battalion's FSMP and PDB 8.0 pedient mode of transferring data and increasing modernization is a testament to the dedication of command and control capabilities throughout the supporting civilian agencies and the Soldiers of the battalion. Overall, the successful execution of the 3-2nd ADA BN. capstone exercise demonstrated the battalion's un- Capt. Peter Williams graduated from the United derstanding and ability to operate newly upgraded States Military Academy and commissioned through Patriot equipment. the same school in the Air Defense Artillery branch. The home station execution of FSMP and PDB Williams holds a bachelor’s in Computer Science. He 8.0 modernization on the 3-2nd ADA BN’s Patriot deployed for Operation Spartan Shield, United Arab equipment enabled its Soldiers to train and fight Emirates in 2016, and Operation Inherent Resolve, on the most advanced Patriot equipment available. United Arab Emirates/Southeast Asia in 2018.

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 41 An armored humvee cruises along a dirt road near the White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico during the Roving Sands exercise, March 2018. (Joe Lacdan/U.S. Army) The 1-7th ADA Battalion’s preparation for Roving Sands 2019 By Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Walker

In April 2018, 1st Battalion, 7th during the execution of Roving redeployment from CENTCOM, Air Defense Artillery was prepar- Sands 2018. The 32nd AAMDC the leadership knew that their ing for redeployment from the reinstated this important train- next challenge would likely be Central Command area of re- ing event that requires air defense its participation in Roving Sands sponsibility (AOR) after a nine- artillery units to support the ma- 2019n (RS19). The first and most month deployment to Jordan and neuver force and defend the land important task the leadership the United Arab Emirates. The hot component commanders’ critical identified was changing the cul- topic around the Air Defense Ar- assets. This requires units to adopt ture and the mentality of the Sol- tillery branch and 32nd Army Air an expeditionary mindset and be diers and leaders throughout the and Missile Defense Command able to shoot, move tactically and battalion. It was no secret that the were the struggles and challeng- survive on the battlefield. As the next mission set required an ex- es the participating units endured Panther Battalion prepared for peditionary and tactical mindset.

42 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space Undoubtedly, the Soldiers proved be tactically focused and executed and build confidence. Likewise, they had a winning attitude when as such. All movements to ranges it provided a realistic appraisal of they swept the 108th Air Defense were considered tactical move- where the organization stood in Artillery Brigade Officer, Non- ments with crew-serve weapons, regard to executing expeditionary commissioned Officer (NCO) and radios loaded, joint battle com- operations. Leaders began incor- Soldier of the year awards in ear- mand-platforms ( JBC-Ps) and porating the lessons learned from ly summer of 2018. Likewise, the mission command systems op- this event to revamp their warrior Supply Support Activity (SSA) re- erational. The Soldiers were able time training schedules and strat- ceived numerous accolades and to incorporate tactical convoy egies. The exercise also identified recognition for winning the Forc- operations to a range where they some unique and important skill- es Command Supply Excellence were then challenged with per- sets that were needed in regard Award. This winning attitude sonnel on the battlefield (hostile to mission command systems. translated to achieving results not and friendly) or identifying and A few of the major lessons iden- only in garrison but also in a tac- sending up an unexploded ordi- tified and actioned were the unit tical environment. Unit pride be- nance report. Additionally, all Pa- sent an NCO to the Digital Master came the foundation of the Sol- triot Table VIII certifications were Gunner Course at Fort Leaven- diers continued motivation. required to have continuous force worth and numerous Soldiers to protection and security and were the JPC-Ps and Command Post of Create a structure not authorized to be administra- the Future (CPOF) operator and tive in nature. Furthermore, all maintainer courses located at Fort The battalion leadership devel- tactical vehicle movements were Bragg, N.C. oped an aggressive but achievable tracked at the staff duty desk via plan to prepare for its deployment JBC-P tactical operations center Practice is preparation to Roving Sands 19. There were (TOC) kit and FM communica- (WALK) various challenges that impeded tions. These standards became the planning process but none the structure that enabled units to Upon the conclusion of the of them overshadowed the fact think and operate tactically. leaders’ FTX, the battalion imme- that majority of its modified table diately started preparations for of organization and equipment Develop a theme (CRAWL) their first collective training event (MTOE) and Patriot equipment in support of the 108th ADA Bri- would not immediately be avail- Early on, the leaders’ FTX was gade during their CTE. The bat- able for training due to its sched- not a very popular training event. talion staff conducted a thorough uled modernization at Letterken- Nonetheless, this training exer- military decision-making process ny Army Depot. Nonetheless, the cise was executed 90 days after and developed and produced a battalion leadership developed a redeployment and set the foun- solid plan. The battalion took full robust plan that included a lead- dation and solidified team build- advantage of this training op- ers’ field training exercise (FTX), ing, expectations and a shared un- portunity and employed all their battalion FTX supporting the derstanding for the long journey communications equipment and 108th cumulative training exer- to come. This training exercise in- mission command systems. The cise (CTE), battalion’s final collec- volved all NCOs, platoon leaders battalion SSA validated the use of tive training exercise and various and other senior leadership in the a Forward Issue and Turn in Point battery field training exercises organization to relearn perishable which allows units to have contin- and certifications. This aggres- skills, familiarize themselves with uous support in a field environ- sive plan allowed the battalion Soldier common tasks, and focus ment. The continuation of this to accomplish all their required on troop leading procedures. In practice during RS19 proved to be training objectives. The battalion the end, all these leaders executed extremely beneficial and was not- also executed multiple communi- tasks their Soldiers needed to be ed as the best practice. cation exercises and deployment familiar with in order to survive, At the battery/company level, readiness exercises to validate its fight and win on the battlefield. units were focused on survivabili- ability to mission command and This included digging fighting ty and tactically displacing to var- to deploy. positions, loading cryptograph- ious locations on the battlefield. The battalion strictly en- ic into radios, pulling security/ Early on, familiarization with forced and implemented Warrior guard duty, executing tactical crew-serve weapons and their Wednesdays as it provided NCOs convoys, casualty evacuation (CA- integration and emplacement and leaders valuable time to train SEVAC) operations, land naviga- as part of their base defense de- Soldiers on critical individual tion and field maintenance. After signs challenged some units. This tasks. Subsequently, leadership a nine-month deployment from challenge was later rectified when implemented a directive that all CENTCOM, this provided lead- units started actively searching military movements throughout ers the opportunity to not only for observations and fields of fire, the Spartan Brigade footprint will refresh but also gain knowledge key or decisive terrain, obstacles

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 43 cover and concealment and av- ion for the latter half of the train- pability. The unit movement op- enues of approach and properly ing event. The battalion internally erations alone enabled the battal- identifying their sectors and cre- resourced a well-trained and mo- ion to assess its ability to deploy ating sector sketches. The leader- tivated OPFOR and designated ci- with all of its assigned MTOE ship employed a small opposing vilians on the battlefield that were equipment. The battalion-level force (OPFOR) in order to create managed by the battalion com- FTXs provided senior leadership a tough realistic training event al- mand sergeant major. This al- the feedback necessary to better lowing units to rehearse reaction lowed the battalion leadership the identify which skills and resourc- to contact, CASEVAC and report- opportunity to assess proficiency es required improvement. ing procedures. The highlight of and conduct quality after-action Lastly, field discipline, basic this exercise was incorporating reviews after key events. The bat- Soldier skills and a tactical mind- two UH-60 rotary wing assets into talion TOC and firing batteries set were critical to mission ac- the training exercise. This allowed were stressed throughout the du- complishment. The execution Soldiers to communicate a 9-Line ration of the exercise and were re- of tough, realistic and well-re- Medical evacuation request di- quired to tactically displace mul- sourced training enabled the bat- rectly to the aircraft and prepare tiple times in day and night time talion to prepare to assume its and move casualties off the battle- conditions. Additionally, they re- mission as part of the Global Re- field. Lastly, one of the key lessons ceived small arms contact along action Force (GRF). Surprisingly, learned from this training event routes and had to react to contact it wasn’t long before all the hard was that FM communications and recover vehicles and person- work would pay off. Within a few were not reliable as a primary nel. There were a few key tac- months after the battalion rede- means of communication across tics, techniques and procedures ployed from Roving Sands, the great distances. The mission com- that were adopted based on les- battalion deployed a battery with- mand platforms ( JBC-Ps) became sons learned during this training in days of notification in support vital to maintaining lines of com- event. The standardization of the of the GRF. The battalion followed munication and mission com- individual sleeping tents allowed soon after and implemented the mand throughout the duration of units more flexibility and saved lessons learned and experiences the exercise. Field discipline, ba- time when displacing sites and learned during the last year of ag- sic Soldiers skills and field main- saved critical space in Light Me- gressive training and preparation. tenance were notable areas that dium Tactical Vehicles. The next Today, the Panther Battalion re- improved throughout the opera- key takeaway was the importance mains postured to defend critical tion. of training in limited visibility assets in the CENTCOM AOR and with night vision goggles. This lives by their motto “Fear No En- Hard work is good takes time, patience and contin- counter”! practice (RUN) uous practice. The battalion vali- Command Sgt. Maj. Robert dated its ability to shoot through Walker is currently serving as the The battalion FTX was the cul- tough air battles and a persistent battalion command sergeant ma- minating training event that pre- OPFOR; move by displacing to an jor of 1st Battalion, 7th ADA. His pared the battalion for RS19. This alternate and supplementary bat- other duty positions have included was the final rehearsal to validate tle positions in support of the land operations sergeant major 108th the battalion’s warrior fighting component commander’s criti- ADA Brigade, operations sergeant readiness capability prior to its cal asset list; and communicate major of 2nd Battalion, 44th ADA, deployment to Atropia, which was by maximizing the use of its full first sergeant of Alpha Battery, 2nd the fictional country our unit was suite of communications assets to Battalion, 44th ADA, first sergeant fighting in for RS19. The battalion include FM, JBC-P, CPOF, Tampa of Delta Battery, 3rd Battalion, staff worked tirelessly to ensure Microwave Satellite Terminal and 2nd ADA, S3 Operations NCOIC of this training event was tough, re- Combined Cryptographic Mod- 31st ADA Brigade, first sergeant of alistic and well-planned. To en- ernization Phase-1 capability. All Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 6th hance the realistic training effect, this ensured the Panther Battalion ADA, Advanced Individual Train- the battalion staff was able to re- was the most lethal, disciplined, ing platoon sergeant of Bravo Bat- source a basic combat load of am- confident and competent force tery, 2-6th ADA, G3 Operations munition for all individual and during Roving Sands 2019. NCO 32nd AAMDC, Avenger/ crew-serve weapons. Likewise, Stinger Team Observer/Controller they acquired smoke, artillery Roving Sands 2019 - aka Joint Readiness Training Center, simulators and training claymore #killthedonovians squad leader D Battery, 5th Bat- mine kits from the Training and talion, 5th ADA, team leader ADA Audiovisual Support Center. Ad- In conclusion, this training ex- battery, 2nd Armored Calvary Reg- ditionally, the battalion was ap- perience was a great evaluation iment, and team leader A Battery, proved for aviation support from and assessment of the battalions 3-4th ADAR (Airborne). the 82nd Combined Arms Battal- overall warfighting readiness ca-

44 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space Exercise participants and the Warrior Preparation Center (WPC) staff of Spartan Shield 19-9 pose for a group photo on the WPC campus in Einsiedlerhof, Germany. (Courtesy photo/WPC) European Spartan Shield Exercise expands air- ground integration for air defense readiness By Capt. Josef “Polo” Danczuk

For one week in late Septem- The exercise is set against a tlespace Command and Control ber, Army Patriot forces stationed near-peer adversary with a large Center CRC simulation, Recon- in Germany partnered with an Air number of aircraft, missile and figurable Table Top Trainer Patri- Force Control and Reporting Cen- ground threats. These include ot Simulator, and Joint Terminal ter (CRC) crew to simulate provid- enemy fighters, unmanned aeri- Attack Controller ( JTAC) Dome ing Integrated Air and Missile De- al systems (UAS), tactical ballistic were integrated with WPC subject fense (IAMD) against a near-peer missiles (TBMs), cruise missiles, matter experts flying aircraft and adversary. Hosted by the United anti-radiation missiles (ARMs), missile simulations.” The WPC States Air Force Europe Warrior surface-to-air missiles, electronic also provided Tactical Data Link Preparation Center (WPC) in Ein- warfare assets and more. “Spartan 16 for link integration training siedlerhof, Germany, the Spartan Shield is the WPC’s exercise to and a host of communications Shield series of exercises has been push forward on integrating the equipment to mirror the tactical running continuously since early air portion of the IAMD mission equipment. 2018, providing a realistic oppor- set,” said Michael “Junior” Taylor, Spartan Shield 19-9 took the tunity via simulation and threat regarding the exercise series. He Army-Air Force integration one models for Army Patriot forces to served as the WPC exercise direc- step further. In past iterations, train with an Air Force CRC crew. tor for Spartan Shield 19-9. “Bat- the exercise consisted of Patriot

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 45 battery and battalion-level oper- for in-processing and tours of the es that are in play above our lev- ators from the 5th Battalion, 7th facilities. This also allowed the el greatly increased our capacity Air Defense Artillery Regiment training audience an opportunity to gauge why certain actions take stationed in Baumholder, Ger- to familiarize themselves with the longer than expected and what we many. These operators fall under simulation devices and configura- can do within our areas of respon- the control of ADA brigade air de- tions that they would use for ex- sibility to increase the efficiency fense artillery fire control officers ecution. Then, each unit provid- of each tactical exchange of infor- (ADAFCOs), currently provided ed an academic overview of their mation.” by the rotational Army Nation- respective weapons system, roles, The 164th ADA Brigade ADAF- al Guard Brigade Mission Com- responsibilities and capabilities. CO teams were similarly tested mand Element. The Florida Army That led into a road to war brief in controlling the battalion and National Guard’s 164th ADA Bri- to introduce the audience to the coordinating with the 128th ACS gade is stationed on that rotation scenario and a full day of mission CRC crew. For the ADAFCOs, this in Ansbach, Germany, and their planning, during which the oper- was one of their first opportuni- ADAFCO teams participated in ators had to establish contracts, ties to train in such an environ- the exercise. The WPC also coor- define airspace control measures, ment after assuming mission in dinated a CRC crew from the Air rehearse procedures, and imple- theater in early August. The crews National Guard, in this case the ment an airspace control order, were essential to reporting Patri- 128th Aircraft Control Squadron air tasking order and special in- ot system status to the CRC crew, (ACS) from Wisconsin. As it was, structions. Execution of Spartan deconflicting all Patriot engage- bringing these partners together Shield 19-9 lasted four days with ments, and assigning Fires. with the dynamic and challeng- daily intelligence and mission Maj. Richard “Burro” Smoth- ing integration that the WPC pro- briefings, the actual scenario, and ers is the senior ADAFCO for the vides allowed for challenging and daily debriefs for the crews and 164th ADA Brigade Mission Com- meaningful training for all levels WPC personnel to review the re- mand Element in Germany and involved. sults of the day’s action. shared his thoughts on the exer- However, for the first time, For 5-7th ADA, the Patriot sys- cise. “I found Spartan Shield 19-9 Spartan Shield 19-9 incorpo- tem operators had to contend to be a great exercise for various rated Tactical Air Control Party with a number of challenging reasons. As it was executed, it was (TACP) members from the 2nd situations during the scenari- a great opportunity for Army Na- Air Support Operations Squad- os, requiring quick thinking and tional Guard, Air National Guard, ron (ASOS), stationed with the flexibility with the weapons sys- as well as Air Force and Army U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Cavalry tem. In addition to hostile TBM Active component teams to col- Regiment in Vilseck, Germany. attacks, the crews fought hostile laborate, mission plan and share TACPs are responsible for pro- ARMs, cruise missiles, enemy air- knowledge.” For the 164th ADA viding tactical command and craft and UAS, oftentimes with Brigade, Spartan Shield 19-9 was control of airpower assets for a combination of these arriv- also historic. “Additionally, it al- terminal attack control. In laying at the same time, a possible lowed my ADAFCO teams to in- men’s terms, they are liaisons and challenging adversary tactic. tegrate with a Patriot ICC and an between U.S. ground forces and Furthermore, they had to fight Air Force CRC crew as complete the air assets assigned to support through equipment faults, com- teams for the first time in the friendly combat operations, such munication equipment outages, 164th ADA Brigade’s history,” said as airstrikes, surveillance, and, as and adjust the radar and launcher Smothers. needed, coordinating with friend- targeting lines in response to en- For the 128th ACS from the ly surface-to-surface Fires. Their emy wide-azimuth attacks against Wisconsin Air National Guard, inclusion provided a realistic, defended assets. the exercise was an opportuni- dynamic and challenging new “Spartan Shield 19-9 opened ty to take their regular training facet to Spartan Shield, requir- my eyes to the multiple layers that from home station, apply it to a ing the CRC crew to coordinate operate in unison to sustain and European Command scenario, with the TACPs for aircraft con- maintain air superiority and asset and integrate with joint partners. trol. Furthermore, from a mission protection against a multitude of Spartan Shield 19-9 provided the planning perspective, the crews emerging and adaptive threats,” venue for the crew’s operators to needed to determine how best to said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mar- train for certifications, either for establish contracts for operations, cus Jackson, an air and missile the very first time or for new crew communications procedures and defense tactician with 5-7th ADA. positions within the CRC. plan airspace management to en- He serves as the Crew 1 tactical “The environment and exercise sure aircraft were properly and director in the Patriot Battalion hosted by the WPC was the per- safely controlled. Headquarters’ Information and fect venue for 128th ACS to refine To kick off Spartan Shield 19-9, Coordination Central (ICC). “The the way we not only execute as a the WPC hosted all participants ability to understand the process- CRC, but also build skills in the

46 • Fires, November-December 2019, Fires in cyber, electronic warfare and space units mentioned how much they valued the training opportunity and looked forward to the future. Hamilton of the 128th ACS said “Through mission planning and executing alongside the ADAF- COs and JTACS, we were able to develop contracts throughout the week and really hone in on areas to focus for future CRC training efforts.” From 5-7th ADA, Jackson observed, “the shared knowledge gained will surely support future collaboration through mutual understanding of our partners as we defend the skies together.” Speaking of future collaboration, Smothers, the 164th ADA Brigade ADAFCO, was already looking forward. “The Spartan Shield exercise showed it has even Mission crews receive the daily intelligence and mission briefing prior to exe- greater capabilities and could be cuting the day’s scenario (Courtesy photo/Warrior Preparation Center) adapted to encompass more elements of a joint IAMD system. It .joint environment,” Capt. Cedar The TACPs could feed informa- could also serve as a means for the “Sage” Hamilton said of the exer- tion to the CRC and Patriot crews, rotational ADA Brigade Mission cise. “The mixed experience level such as if they observed a cruise Command Element to train using within our crew was a challenge, missile in flight or TBM TELs their equipment while practicing but everyone left the exercise as readying to fire or recently fired. and refining their staff operations better operators. We have been They could also provide infor- and battle drills.” briefing for years that the world in mation about expected friendly Spartan Shield 19-9 achieved which we train and operate truly rocket launches, munitions that its mission of providing a train- must be joint for us to maintain the Patriot radar could detect and ing venue for IAMD forces in Eu- our role of superiority, be that in track. By providing a heads-up to rope to build and improve their the air, on the ground or in space.” such friendly and enemy actions, combat readiness. The training Executing JTAC operations routed through the Air Support audience met their individual while contending with an IAMD Operations Center Gateway, 2nd training objectives and achieved fight was largely uncharted ter- ASOS was able to contribute to the combined goal of putting the ritory for the 2nd ASOS training the IAMD fight by providing early integrated in IAMD. These op- audience. Spartan Shield 19-9 warning, reducing confusion on erators will now go back to their provided a near-peer scenar- the friendly situation, and allow- units with enhanced knowledge io in which the TACPs could not ing the Patriot system to posture of how to operate in concert with assume friendly air superiority. for new and changing threats. their U.S. partners and the expe- In fact, it required the planning “This trip was very successful rience of executing operations in of multiple contingencies with and fruitful,” said Master Sgt. Rob- a dynamic, realistic environment. the expectation that the airspace ert “Foot” Olson, JTAC instructor, This allows them to stand ready to would be contested, communi- of the 2nd ASOS. “Throughout execute their respective missions cations systems would be inop- the weeks, we more than met our with maximum lethality if ever erable, and that the enemy threat objectives. We saw how vital the called upon. would be greater in number and ground entities play in a full-spec- Capt. Josef “Polo” Danczuk is a complexity. The TACPs and their trum war, and how TACPs can tactical director in Headquarters simulated friendly Army ground help shape the battlefield to reach and Headquarters Battery, 5th forces fought against enemy UAS, strategic, operational and tactical Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery, ground tanks and armored ve- levels of warfare.” stationed in Baumholder, Germany. hicles, enemy TBM Transport- Spartan Shield 19-9 enabled He served as the 5-7th ADA exercise er-Erector-Launchers (TELs), and the successful integration of 5-7th controller for Spartan Shield 19-9. indirect Fires. ADA Patriot forces, 164th ADA Bri- He is a graduate of the Patriot Top The integration of 2nd ASOS gade ADAFCO teams, 128th ACS Gun and Air Defense Artillery Fire provided a unique new dimen- CRC crews, and 2nd ASOS TACP Control Officer Courses. sion to the joint air-ground fight. members. Personnel from all the

http://sill-www.army.mil/firesbulletin • 47

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