AMCOM offering new PATRIOT training for logistics assistance representatives

By Katherine BelcherSeptember 23, 2021

AMCOM Logistics assistance representatives receive hands-on instruction as part of a new course designed specifically for LARs who work with the Patriot missile system.
AMCOM Logistics assistance representatives receive hands-on instruction as part of a new course designed specifically for LARs who work with the Patriot missile system. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command has a new weapon in its training arsenal after introducing a course designed for logistics assistance representatives who support the MIM-104 Phased Array Tracking to Intercept of Target surface-to-air missile system.

The first iteration of Patriot 200, one of three Patriot-specific training courses now available to AMCOM LARs, was held Aug. 9-26, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Participants refreshed their troubleshooting skills and learned about the latest Patriot equipment modifications and software used by supported Patriot units.

The goal of the course is to enhance the capabilities of AMCOM’s Patriot LARs workforce and is being offered as part of the AMCOM commanding general’s Logistics Assistance Program, which advises, mentors and assists Soldiers on their particular weapons system.

The two-week course was developed by AMCOM’s G-33 Training Branch – specifically Rodney Glaspie, Training Branch chief; Robert Sanchez, missile training coordinator; and Thomas McLain, instructor – in conjunction with input from LARs in the field. The G-33 Training Branch supports both missile and aviation weapons systems and also offers training to aviation LARs on various weapons systems as well.

Currently, AMCOM has Patriot LARs working around the world, and Glaspie’s goal is to ensure all representatives complete the initial training and offer refresher training every five years.

“Our intent is to provide more hands-on training to Patriot Soldiers at the point of need,” said Glaspie. “When we hire someone [to work as a LAR] for a particular weapons system, they generally have a deep background in that system and come to us with in-depth knowledge. The training we offer is reinforcement training.”

Due to the applied and technical nature of the course material, the initial class size was limited to three LARs who received training on the radar set, engagement control station and launching station with focus on troubleshooting techniques.

Students used the Patriot Interactive Electronic Technical Manual coupled with Patriot system diagnostics to identify, locate and repair faults and understand the data that is used by system maintainers and Soldiers working in the 94S military occupational specialty (Patriot system repairer).

Participants gained a better understanding of the Radar Digital Processor upgrades that have been installed on the majority of all U.S. Patriot systems, as well as changes that affect the radar antenna support group and the radar receiver group.

Additionally, the students learned how to manually control the radar set transmitter, which is required to trouble faults, and complete the radar set synchronization alignment procedure.

Glaspie said there are many benefits to the training, including that it is a force-multiplier to the warfighter.

“There is a scheduled reduction in field support representatives and someone has to be able to step up and support the warfighter,” said Glaspie. “Our LARs train, mentor and advise – and in order for us to do that well, we have to be trained, mentored and advised. That’s a part of this training process that our department is putting it together.”

Sanchez agreed and talked about the importance of the relationship between Soldiers and the LARs who assist them.

“If I could add on to what Rodney said about the biggest gain from this training being a force-multiplier on the tactical side, the personal side is that mutual trust between the green suiter and the LAR – knowing who we are and what we can do for them,” said Sanchez.

Future offerings of Patriot 200 will accommodate up to five students and prepare them for the next higher level of training, which is offered at Letterkenny Army Depot, Pennsylvania.

“Patriot 200 solidifies the foundational tool [the LARs] had before and gets them ready for the future Patriot 300 course at Letterkenny,” said Sanchez. “This is the bachelor’s-level course with Letterkenny being the master’s level.”

AMCOM plans to offer two Patriot 200 classes per fiscal year and the dates for next year’s courses are March 2022 and September 2022. For more information, contact Rodney Glaspie at rodney.w.glaspie.civ@mail.mil.