FORT SILL, Okla. (April 14, 2016) -- U.S. service members deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility participated in a joint air defense exercise (JADEX) in late February to simulate escalated hostilities in the Arabian Gulf.
Service members practiced real-world tactics, techniques and procedures in response to tactical ballistic missiles and other threats such as aircraft and helicopters.
"These exercises are extremely important as we integrate air and missile defense to protect critical assets in the Arabian Gulf," said Capt. Timothy Robinson, an air defense artillery coordinating officer.
Robinson added it helped 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade Soldiers and those from associated Patriot units develop processes to aid their work with joint and coalition partners."
The brigade's Soldiers exercised their tactical operations and reporting procedures while the subordinate battalions: 3rd Battalion, 2nd ADA; and 4th Battalion, 3rd ADA; from Fort Sill; and 1st Battalion, 62nd ADA, from Fort Hood, Texas, engaged simulated threats.
The training objectives for the brigade were to accurately and timely identify threats in the reporting center and communicate specific information to the fire units for the Patriot defense systems.
The first two days focused on increasing the unit's readiness posture and reporting procedures from all echelons through scenarios that affected the unit's personnel, equipment and communication capabilities.
The scenarios were designed to challenge service members and make them use critical real-time decisions, which ultimately effected personnel and their sustainment support. The Soldiers began the exercise in steady-state or day-to-day operations but increased readiness levels as soon as they were notified of their first input.
Another key focus for JADEX included the communication capabilities of Patriot units as Soldiers used the joint-kill chain, a set of procedures, which gave them the authorization to engage enemy targets.
During the exercise, 31st ADA Brigade Soldiers executed simulated tactical and operational air and missile defense operations. They concentrated their efforts on battle tracking; reporting and logistics efforts while engagement operations focused on controlling fire units exercising joint-kill chain procedures.
"JADEX benefits service members of all ranks by providing a hands-on and joint interaction for junior enlisted members while serving as an enabler for senior officers to make crucial decisions in a dynamic environment," said Capt. Kenneth Fagan, the brigade's plans officer. "Such rehearsal is critical to ensure joint forces are prepared to execute the mission with limited notice. Overall the exercise was a great success and all players met the training objectives."
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