Baumholder Air defense unit enhance their skills on Patriot equipment

BAUMHOLDER, Germany (July 17, 2015)-- Overlooking the country-side in the Baumholder Training Area, is the site where the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment conducted their first field training exercise since redeploying from Turkey in late 2014.

In the midst of moving half of the battalion from Rhine Ordinance Barracks to Baumholder, the unit assembled as a whole battalion to begin the 10 day FTX. The mission of the FTX was to certify battle ready crews on Patriot equipment, ensure battalion readiness standards and conduct battle drills tailored to their current mission.

"Since starting this FTX I have seen new Soldiers and officers who have never gone to the field, start to become comfortable working with others to get the mission accomplished," said the 5-7 ADA Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Douglas Lynch.

The FTX wasn't exclusively ADA training. Soldiers such as Spc. Cameron Cruise, a combat medic, conducted his specific military job training as well. "We have done everything from setting up a field aid station, to combat life saver, and hearing protection classes."

The mechanics of 5-7 conducted in depth training as well. Headquarters and Headquarters Battery's motor sergeant, Staff Sgt. Jason Klyne, was pleased with the progress on vehicle and system maintenance the FTX was able to provide. "This is our time to catch up on services for equipment and to dig deep and fix some of the more time consuming issues that have come to our attention. It gives the new Soldiers time to learn the equipment and the veteran Soldiers time to get back to the basics."

On the more technical side of things, the FTX also gave the unit time to practice and perfect their skills on newly upgraded Patriot equipment. Furthermore, the exercise included integrated training with civilian Patriot contractors.

Warrant Officer Manoj Mukkada, the 5-7 ADA Battalion command and control systems technician, stated that the FTX was his first field experience as a warrant officer. "It's a learning experience for everyone . The real time training provided by our civilian counterpart, Mr. William Tanner, has had a real impact on the experience gained by the air defense crews. It's also a good time to work out the kinks in the new equipment."

The amount of effort the leaders and Soldiers put in contributed to the overall readiness of the battalion, and enhanced the combat effectiveness of the 5-7 ADA.

"The teamwork and camaraderie has grown exponentially, in my opinion this is already a success," Lynch said.

Related Links:

The 10th AAMDC Facebook page

The 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment Facebook page