Task Force Talon welcomes Hill, first female to command deployed THAAD battery

By Sgt. Kimberly K. MenziesApril 3, 2015

Task Force Talon welcomes Hill, first female to command deployed THAAD battery
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Lt. Col. Clyde Cochrane III, (far right) the commander of Task Force Talon, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and Capt. Candace Hill, (left) commander of Battery D, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Task Force Talon, discusses wi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon welcomes, Hill, first female to command deployed THAAD battery
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Capt. Candace Hill (left), the commander, and 1st Sgt. Cedric Covington (right), the first sergeant of Battery D, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Task Force Talon, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, uncase their guidon, March 4,... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii--U.S. Army Capt. Candace Hill, commander of Battery D, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Task Force Talon, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, is the first female officer to command a forward deployed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery.

Hill, a graduate of the University of Texas-Pan America, has served in the U.S. Army for the last six years. She is married to an aviation officer who is also currently deployed

She became the commander of Btry. D, 2nd ADA in April of 2014 and assumed authority of the homeland defense mission during a ceremony, March 3, 2015, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

"For me, this was another transition in my career," said Hill. "I was excited to have the opportunity to command a battery in a deployed environment."

Though Hill's command is a historic first for THAAD, her priorities are similar to those of the majority of commanders.

"I don't see myself as being different than any other commander," said Hill. "I just concentrated on getting the battery ready for the deployment rotation."

Hill's unit, Btry. D, 2nd ADA is part of the 11th ADA Brigade which is stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.

"Every commander out of 11th Brigade seemingly is selected to lead and are extremely capable," said 1st Sgt. Cedric Covington, the first sergeant with Btry. D, 2nd ADA. "The expectation for Cpt. Hill is no different than that of any other commander. She is an outstanding leader that just happens to be a female. Despite her gender, she sets standards."

Hill states that her leadership and peers have always been supportive. She believes that the novelty of her command is due to the organizational youth of the THAAD community.

"The air defense community, in my opinion, has always been receptive towards female leadership," shares Hill. "I think the reason it hadn't happened before now is because of the time usually required for this position. Typically officers will only receive this commanding position after having already completed their first appointment as a commander--this job requires someone with that level of experience."

When asked if she had had any concerns after having discovered her historic achievement, Hill explains the reality of self-scrutiny.

"My only concerns were based on my own personal trepidation-- I don't want to mess this up," said Hill. "I have made being the best commander I can be my main focus because I am a cornerstone for future Soldiers and it is important for them to have a firm foundation to build on later."

"The Soldiers drive Cpt. Hill," said Covington. "Her motivation is creating an environment where Soldiers and junior leaders can grow and thrive. She has always been committed to the success of the Soldiers within the unit."

Hill attained this achievement by remaining resolute in the face of adversity.

"In the past, I had been told that I most likely would not be able to command Soldiers due to the physical limitation of an injury," shares Hill. "I was selected for this opportunity for a reason and I hope this milestone really highlights to Soldiers that you can achieve anything if you push yourself and work hard."

Hill advises Soldiers striving for success to seek out mentors and education opportunities.

"Find a great mentor," shares Hill. "Strive for excellence. Never be afraid to ask questions. Be true to yourself. Be the leader you would want to have. Always strive to do something more."