SMD Symposium promotes defense of high ground

By Jason B. Cutshaw, USASMDC/ARSTRAT Public AffairsAugust 15, 2014

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Once more, the Rocket City became the capital for leaders in the space and missile defense community.

With the theme of "Space and Missile Defense: Foundational to U.S. Strategy Today and in the Future," the 17th annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium was hosted at the Von Braun Center, Aug. 11-14. The symposium was presented by the Air, Space and Missile Defense Association, the National Defense Industrial Association's Tennessee Valley Chapter and the Air Defense Artillery Association.

"Our symposium will once again bring together experts in the field to share their thoughts on the role space and missile defense will play as the U.S. and our partners' strategies evolve," said retired Lt. Gen. Kevin Campbell, SMD Symposium industry chairperson. "Our speakers for this year's symposium include leaders from key partner nations as well as U.S. government and military leaders addressing space and missile defense topics covering strategy, budget, homeland and regional ballistic missile defense, partner nation missile defense and space and missile defense technology development. We've expanded our 2014 symposium to include geospatial intelligence, a complementary capability for conducting effective missile defense operations.

"As the threat continues to grow, it remains our collective imperative to pursue technologies that meet our nation's and partners' needs," he added. "Our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and partner nations steadfastly stand guard around the globe securing our freedom. Their exemplary service, combined with a strong supporting industrial base, provide for a strong defense today and in the future."

As in years past, the symposium brought together experts to share their thoughts on the role space and missile defense plays in national and international defensive strategies. The symposium is designed to encourage information exchange between government, military and industrial leaders in providing future capabilities.

"Missile defenses, as you know, are an essential element of strengthening homeland security and regional deterrence, and it requires us to work together," said Navy Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, speaking via video teleconference from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

To secure our global interests, to deter strategic attacks on the U.S. and provide assurance to our allies and partners, we must maintain a robust missile defense capability, Haney said. To do so, Haney encouraged those in attendance to challenge traditional thinking by thinking outside the box and considering the full spectrum of crises as they relate to homeland defense and the defense of overseas forces and allies.

"We can't always predict how and when adversaries will choose to challenge us so we must anticipate change and confront uncertainty with agility and innovation," he said.

Haney also acknowledged allies and partners and thanked the troops and their leaders who defend against ballistic missile threats from across the globe.

"It's wonderful that we have such an incredible industry, coupled with academia, military, government, allies and friends," Haney said. "I just want to salute our joint military forces and all who support them. I can't say enough about the professionals who work for me; those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians who are key contributors to our security and especially as it pertains to missile defense and space."

At the symposium, Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, gave an SMDC and Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense update to those in attendance. He talked about what the command is doing, not only today, but also tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.

"The ballistic missile capabilities of our adversaries are increasing both in terms of quantity and quality," Mann said. "Missiles and long-range rockets represent an asymmetric threat. They are relatively cheap and they are effective. They have the ability to penetrate defense systems without risking enemy ground forces. And they allow regimes and non-state actors to enhance the perception of their military power as well as their internal and external political influence.

"We are focusing our efforts on improving the ability of our systems to discriminate targets while enhancing both the reliability and the effectiveness of our kill vehicles," he added. "We will never have enough interceptors in our quiver so we must be as efficient and effective as possible."

Mann discussed how technology is providing capabilities to America's Soldiers and how those Soldiers are in return protecting the nation around the clock.

"We must balance current operations and training with future research and development efforts," Mann said. "On the operations front, the Army has ballistic missile defense forces located at Fort Greely, Alaska, and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, who operate the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system. This is the nation's only ground-based defense against limited intercontinental ballistic missile attacks. The Soldiers in the unit like to say they are the 300 protecting 300 million. They are very proud of their unit and its critical mission, and they are very good at it."

In the VBC, more than 200 companies, both large and small, displayed exhibit booths featuring everything from full-size weapons systems to computer simulations of future technologies.

During the week, there were panel discussions with subject matter experts, social receptions and numerous other events to inform the public of the space and missile defense community's current and future endeavors.

One SMDC leader talked about the importance that the week means to the men and women in uniform who are in harm's way.

"I want to thank everyone here for your support of the symposium, especially the sponsors and exhibitors," said Ronald E. Chronister, deputy to the SMDC commander. "From a government perspective for the organization that is the operator of the Warfighter, our Soldiers thank you for what you have done this week to make their lives and their jobs easier. On behalf of Lt. Gen. Mann and the SMDC Warfighter, we thank you for your participation and all you have done this week to make our jobs and our lives better."

As the symposium came to a close, one local leader spoke of the importance of the event and how important Huntsville is to maintaining the nation's defense.

"The symposium has been extraordinarily successful," said Joe Fitzgerald, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army. "I believe the series of speakers were the best we've ever had in the history of these conferences. This week has been a great experience. The exhibitors seemed to be happy and the attendees were pleased.

As a representative of the secretary of the Army, Fitzgerald is a liaison between the Army and communities in North Alabama. CASA appointees are considered three-star general officer equivalents but do not receive military benefits or compensation for their service. His work includes promoting the strong relationship between the Army and the community.

"This is a very meaningful and necessary event," Fitzgerald said. "The symposium is vitally important to our nation. Without missile defense and the defense of our homeland and our allies, we simply would not be as safe. That is why this is event is vital and why the symposium is so successful."

Related Links:

Flickr photo set of SMDC people at Space and Missile Defense Symposium

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Space and Missile Defense Symposium Twitter page