38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

Command Team

  • Col. Neal J. Lape 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Commander Col. Neal J. Lape
  • Command Sgt. Maj. John S. Brown Jr. 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. John S. Brown Jr.

CONTACT BRIGADE PUBLIC AFFAIRS

PHONE: +81 46-407-9382 EMAIL: Brigade Public Affairs

38th ADA History

On Oct. 16, 2018, the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade reactivated after nearly 37 years. The unit holds a rich history in the United States Army and took part in major conflicts spanning across three Army branches. The 38th Brigade originally formed as a Coastal Artillery Brigade in August of 1918 as the command unit of three artillery regiments; 48th, 49th, and 50th Coastal Artillery Corps. The brigade served during World War I, supporting three subordinate units from Brest, France. The unit demobilized Feb. 28, 1919 when its Soldiers returned home and was recognized for its service with the World War I streamer with inscription. The brigade reconstituted from an "Artillery Brigade, Coastal Artillery Corps," to the moniker "Coast Artillery Brigade." The 1930s were referred to as, "a period of retrenchment,” as many of the coast artillery units were wholly or partially, deactivated. The unit did not officially reactivate until Feb. 10, 1941 as the 38th Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade. The brigade deployed in support of Third Army at Avranches. It was responsible for defensive actions while awaiting the full operational capacity of Third Army and received participation credit in five of the seven campaigns in the European Theater of Operations. The unit received recognition with the Normandy 1944, Northern France 1944, Rhineland 1944 to 1945, Ardennes-Alsace 1944 to 1945, and Central Europe 1945 campaign streamers with inscriptions. The 38th remained in Germany following the end of the war until June 30, 1946 when it inactivated. The unit activated again March 14, 1951 during the Korean War. Though the unit had no participation in the direct activities of the war, the occupants of the unit would transfer to the first guided missile groups of the Army. The personnel and equipment transferred to the 1st Guidance Missile Group (Surface-to-Air) and 2nd Guidance Missile Group (Surface-to-Surface) when the unit inactivated again May 11, 1953. The brigade re-designated March 20, 1961 as Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 38th Artillery Brigade. The unit's reactivation occurring five days later in the Republic of Korea. While stationed in Korea, the unit was under the operational control of the U.S. Air Force stationed at Osan Air Base. The brigade re-designated one more time to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade March 15, 1972. The unit continued to serve under the Air Force command until its inactivation July 31, 1981. The 38th ADA Brigade was the recipient of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ex post facto March 18, 1982. Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 38th ADA Brigade, reactivated Oct. 16, 2018 at Sagami General Depot, Japan in support of the joint air and missile defense of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and U.S. Army Japan.

About the Pacific Guardian Brigade

SAGAMIHARA, Japan – Since the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade’s historic reactivation Oct. 16, 2018 at Sagami General Depot, Pacific Guardians hit the ground running to establish seamless operations, training, and enhance air and missile defense readiness in the Indo-Pacific Region. Col. Neal J. Lape, 38th ADA commander, maintains mission command of U.S. Army AMD forces in Japan and Guam and supports U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and U.S. Forces Japan by providing Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) oversight. The Pacific Guardian Brigade strengthens IAMD capabilities throughout the region by participating in multiple bilateral and joint training exercises including Shodan Watch, Orient Shield, Yama Sakura, Keen Sword, and many more. Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery; Task Force Talon, Echo Battery, 3rd Air Defense Artillery; 10th Missile Defense Battery; 14th Missile Defense Battery; and Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, continue to support and strengthen bi-lateral relationships with JSDF allies and the Guam community through training and community functions. Many are actively and regularly engaged in fostering positive relationships with the local community, educating the Japanese people about the unit’s mission, participating in the various year-round festivals, and devoting countless hours to English language literacy initiatives, local community clean-ups, and a myriad of other activities. Today, the brigade enters 2023 with more modernization ahead. The forward-stationed missile defense units in Japan and Guam continue to participate in regional and theater-level exercises building partnership capacity with allies in order to protect against an ever-increasing ballistic missile threat in the region. Pacific Guardians are proud to be a part of the premier Army Air and Missile Defense Command capable of quickly transitioning to war while remaining ready and able to execute their combat mission at any time.

CONTACT BRIGADE PUBLIC AFFAIRS

PHONE: +81 46-407-9382 EMAIL: Brigade Public Affairs

Experiencing Japan

GENERAL GUIDANCE This section is designed to provide basic information on various social situations that reserve participants are likely to encounter and to educate and guide them in relationships with their Japanese counterparts. This is intended as a guide only and its application must be tempered to the circumstances and use of common sense. As Americans in Japan, we are not expected to act exactly as the Japanese. Accordingly, it is neither necessary nor appropriate to emulate each and every custom and mannerism of your hosts. Good manners and etiquette of our American culture can serve us well in Japan. Proper behavior in accordance with contemporary American standards, together with a touch of modesty, is perfectly appropriate in Japanese business and social settings. GREETINGS In Japan, while the handshake greeting is common between Japanese and Americans, saluting and bowing are common and highly respected practices within both the military and civilian sectors. Japanese military personnel render the hand salute on all occasions when greeting another military service member or counterpart, regardless of rank. As in the U.S. armed services, it is customary for Japanese enlisted personnel to salute officers, but unlike the U.S. military, Japanese enlisted members also render salutes to each other. Therefore, it is appropriate for U.S. military members to greet their Japanese military counterparts of all ranks with a proper military hand salute. As in the U.S. Army, saluting is usually restricted to out of doors. Bowing within the military ranks is commonly practiced in addition to the hand salute to extend courtesy and respect from subordinate to superior. Although bowing by Americans to their Japanese counterparts is not absolutely required, it is highly recommended as a gesture of goodwill and respect. If sincerely executed, the American will be held in high esteem. As Americans, we are not expected to bow as deeply from the waist as do Japanese. However, we should execute our bow by lowering our head and shoulders slightly forward in a sincere manner. This gesture may be rendered as many times as required during a meeting, and is appropriate within both Japanese military and civilian communities. Bowing is proper both indoors and outdoors. MEISHI Business cards or "Meishi" are a universal part of Japanese business, governmental, and military interactions. Business cards are commonly exchanged during introductions. The giving of a business card is a serious gesture in Japan; it is a type of commitment, for it automatically opens the door to direct contact at any time. U.S. officers, senior noncommissioned officers, and staff level U.S. civilian employees are encouraged to use business cards. Normally, both parties exchange Meishi. When you present your card, present it with the Japanese translation side, if you have bilingual cards. If your Meishi is only in English, present the card so that the other person can read it. c. When receiving a Meishi, take a few moments to examine the card. Take note of the person's name, duty position, and any special qualifications indicated on the card. Because the Meishi symbolically represents the person who gave it to you, do not write on it, fold it, etc., in the presence of its owner. Treating the Meishi with disregard implies a lack of respect for the person from whom you received it. Never put it in your wallet. GIFTS Gifts are exchanged between U.S. members and their Japanese hosts on both official and personal occasions such as welcome or farewell parties. Gifts range in price and simplicity according to one's economic status. Gift giving is an established Japanese tradition and is a very sensitive issue. To refuse a gift under normal circumstances could be construed by the Japanese as offensive. Acceptance of a gift of nominal value from a Japanese member is considered acceptable. If it is wrapped, you should ask permission if you can open it. If we accept a gift from a Japanese host, we should find a suitable way of reciprocating. Common gifts used are American chocolates/candies, unit patches, tie pins, coins, and/or other inexpensive memorabilia such as items that are unique or representative of the United States or your hometown. The gifts should be simply wrapped. It is not Japanese custom to open a gift in front of the person who gave it; however, they are usually familiar with American customs and may open the gift while you are there. INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION Most Japanese can speak some English as it is taught quite extensively in Japan beginning with junior high school through college or university. However, their English speaking ability is more limited than their reading and writing skills. No matter how well our Japanese counterparts and friends may speak English, it is their second language. We must not assume that their comprehension and response levels are the same as an American English speaker. We should speak slowly and clearly, and avoid using baby talk, excessive slang, or "pidgin English." Don’t speak louder if they don’t understand. Misunderstandings could create many problems. When in doubt, or when it becomes apparent that what is being said may not be understood at all, it is best to request the assistance of an interpreter or translator, especially during business discussions. Most Japanese not only enjoy speaking English with Americans, but enthusiastically welcome every opportunity to practice. Remember, it is best to use short, concise phrases in well structured, simple sentences to obtain the best results. Take advantage of the opportunities to learn and use new Japanese skills; it will enhance your performance and interest, both professionally and personally. SIGHTSEEING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Maps of private and Japan Rail (JR) and Tokyo subway lines are available at Army Community Service (ACS) Bldg. 402. These systems are efficient and ACS can help to get you anywhere where you want to go in the Kanto Plain. Stations have sufficient signage in English. TELEPHONES Camp Zama’s military operator can be reached at 046-51-1520. You can also call Camp Zama numbers directly from the U.S., by dialing 011-81-46-407- and then the last four digits. When calling a U.S. toll free number (800, 877, etc.) from a military phone at Camp Zama, just dial the number without the “1.” This works well when using a calling card. ATTIRE Informal business wear (suits and dresses) is rarely needed in Japan. Casual clothing of conservative taste is acceptable almost everywhere. Dress warmly for winter and coolly for the heat and humidity of summer, but avoid wearing revealing clothing (e.g., shorts or tank tops) off post. Never mix military clothing with casual clothing.

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