Army tenant trained, ready for deployment

Published Oct. 18, 2013
By Army Capt. Corey Robertson
31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade Public Affairs Officer

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- In September soldiers and officers of the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade Headquarters deployed to execute a crucial mission within the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility. As the last set of boots left the ground at Lawton-Fort Sill Airport en-route to their final destination, anticipation to start their deployment was at an all-time high.

"The 31st BDE staff is ready to execute this mission," said Lt. Col Charles "Chuck Matallana, the 31st ADA brigade forward deputy commanding officer. "The focus on war fighting readiness displayed across the brigade is evident in each of the staff members. The train up that started well before I arrived to the brigade paid dividends when we executed our mission rehearsal exercise."

Matallana attributed a large part of their train-up success to maximizing their training opportunities in between command post exercises. They spent time learning about the AOR in academic sessions and refining systems and processes to better align efforts on how operations are executed in theater.

"Of course, we couldn't have been as ready without the great support and interaction the 69th ADA Brigade gave us throughout our train-up" Mantallana said "Despite all the things they had to handle while deployed, the 69th ADA Brigade really took the time to answer our requests for information and give us access to events going on in theater. Lastly, the deep involvement of the 11th Brigade and 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command staff in our mission rehearsal exercise really challenged us to raise our level of proficiency; a truly professional team across the board to help us be ready to assume the mission."

The brigade deployed as the command and control element for Patriot units operating within the area of responsibility providing air defense of critical host nation assets.

"The ballistic missile threat in the CENTCOM area of responsibility is large and diverse, making the mission of the 31st ADA integral to the region," said Army Maj Barry Carter the 31st ADA operations officer. "Our mission is not only important to ensure the readiness of subordinate Patriot battalions, but also to continue to build and strengthen the relationships with our regional partners through security cooperation programs."

Carter continued to say, "To perform their deployed mission, the Soldiers must be the best trained and ready across the entire 32nd AAMDC. They must be able to respond, at a moment's notice, to any perceived air or ballistic missile threat. This level of competence can only be achieved through the rigorous training program the battalion's execute prior to deployment and sustainment training executed while deployed."

31st ADA is commanded by Col. Michael Morrissey and Command Sgt. Maj. Gerardo Dominguez --a command team that is committed to providing theater asset defense within the AOR and fully integrating themselves to provide regional stability.