SMDC leader addresses ADAA

By Mr. Jason B. Cutshaw (SMDC/ARSTRAT)March 27, 2012

SMDC leader addresses ADAA
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Leaders in the Redstone Arsenal and Huntsville communities came together to show their support during a "Fires" luncheon.

Members of the Air Defense Artillery Association Redstone-Huntsville Chapter met March 20 for a luncheon where they were given an insight into what is happening in the air defense artillery and field artillery branches.

"I thank you for the opportunity to talk to you today," said Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command. "I am honored to join you. Today's luncheon is an opportunity to bring two important associations together - members of the Air Defense Artillery Association as well as members of the Field Artillery Association.

"I would continue to encourage each association to reinvigorate its interests while also finding new ways to work together and leverage the synergy going on between air defense artillery and field artillery," he added.

Formica spoke of the growing contribution of the Fires capability areas such as: air and cruise missile defense; global and theater ballistic missile defense; counter rocket; artillery and mortar; precision FA Fires; and a new emphasis on Fires in support of combined arms maneuvers as well as wide area security.

"Last May I had the opportunity to speak at the Fires Symposium at Fort Sill, Okla.," Formica said. "I saw firsthand the benefits of the merged air defense artillery and field artillery branches, and it dawned on me that this could have been hard, but leadership embraced it.

"The focus is on the Fires functional area - optimizing the strengths of both branches," he added. "Leaders have created an environment, with conditions set by the previous commandants and commanders of air defense artillery and field artillery, that allows this merger to flourish."

Formica said he visited units at Fort Bliss, Texas, and witnessed the same kind of synergy there as at Fort Sill. He said leaders, Soldiers and civilians are embracing the Fires merger and seeking ways to bring more capability to the Army, even in challenging times.

"We're acutely aware of the fiscal challenges we face as a nation," Formica said. "We are already seeing impact - force reductions and program changes - which are spelling a different future for us.

"We can handle it two ways: Sit and wait - hand-wringing and worrying about the impact on the Army; - or see what ADA and FA units can do to make a difference even as these strategic decisions are being made," he added. "My message to them was to focus on unit readiness, inculcate a notion of selfless service and shape the future Fires force. When it comes down to it, our ADA and FA leaders and Soldiers will determine the future of this Fires force."

Formica said he wanted to acknowledge the exciting things going on in the ADA and FA Fires community and let the Redstone and Huntsville communities know about them.

"There is a lot going on here at Redstone that is supporting the Fires mission," Formica said. "We are providing capability for today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. I encourage you to look for innovative ways to bring Fires for the future Force -- our Soldiers' lives depend on it."

Formica discussed the benefits of the two associations coming together. He talked about how the Fires functional concept will operate and the interaction of the Fires Center of Excellence and Department of the Army as well as with the other elements in the Army.

He said he could see it in the actions and hear it in the words of those who serve. Formica talked about how unit commanders, command sergeants major, Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians have embraced this new partnership.

Formica said he was also encouraged by the active participation by retired senior mentors. He told how they generate vitality, offer sound guidance on how best to employ capabilities and develop leaders, and continue traditions and lineage that each association brings.

"We have a saying at SMDC; 'The Sun Never Sets on SMDC/ARSTRAT,'" Formica said. "It applies equally to the Fires community, whether here in the Tennessee Valley where we are developing capabilities, or for our Fires Soldiers -- ADA and missile defense Soldiers on point in Qatar, Kuwait, Alaska, California, Japan, Korea and around the world -- or FA and ADA Soldiers and Marines deployed and serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Together we are making strong contributions that are relevant and also appreciated in our Army," he added.

The local chapter has been in existence for more than 20 years and is sponsored by the Army's ADAA in Fort Sill. Annually, they sponsor a Saint Barbara's Day dinner dance, a golf tournament and several luncheons and social gatherings.

The chapter also provides scholarships to students for colleges and Space Camp for local students.

"Today is a big step forward for our association," said Jody Maxwell, ADAA Redstone-Huntsville Chapter vice president. "To have the SMDC commander spend his time with us and lay out what he sees as the steps to integrate and collaborate between the two associations is tremendous.

"Today's event was terrific," Maxwell added. "We had a great turnout and we want people to know we serve military families. We are honored to serve those who continue to serve, and we are proud to be here for them."