Air Defense University hones Patriot skills in Europe

Photo By Capt. Aaron Smith | Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment practice plotting and analyzing Patriot locations on a Tactical Planner's Workstation during an Air Defense University at Baumholder, Germany January 4, 2019. More than 75 Soldiers from the 5-7 and the 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade attended the two-week course which began Jan. 2. The training covered topics that included Patriot systems, defense design, and integration with joint services, international allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Josef Danczuk)  

BAUMHOLDER, GERMANY

01.15.2019

Story by Capt. Aaron Smith 

174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

Air defenders gained valuable knowledge and sharpened their Patriot skills during an Air Defense University hosted by the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Smith Barracks in Baumholder, Germany.

More than 75 Soldiers from the 5-7 and the 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade attended the two-week course which began Jan. 2. The training covered topics that included Patriot systems, defense design, and integration with joint services, international allies and partners.

“The purpose of this training is to produce more knowledgeable and capable weapons systems operators who understand our system better and are therefore more able to perform the complicated air and missile defense mission in a wartime environment, if ever necessary,” said 1st. Lt. Josef Danczuk, one of the lead planners for the training. “Having operators who truly understand the system allows them to more effectively deploy and engage enemy threats while successfully protecting friendly forces.”

He said that the course was designed to accommodate students with various levels of experience. The beginner level focused on understanding the system configurations and operator processes. The advanced level included detailed instruction on how the Patriot system operates “behind the scenes,” regarding how the radars work, as well as how the system searches, detects objects, track aircraft and missiles, and ultimately engages hostile targets.

Danczuk said he was very impressed with the performance of his students.

“Overall, it's evident that there are a lot of Soldiers who are thirsty for knowledge and the experience, so it's exciting for me to help provide the venue and instruction for them and to see them engage with their work so enthusiastically,” said Danczuk.

Capt. Keith Hutcheson, an air defense artillery fire control officer with the 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, said that the training was outstanding, and expanded on previous courses he had taken.

“We do not normally have the opportunity to attend this type of training back in the U.S.,” explained Hutcheson. “By attending these types of training events, our air defenders will continue to improve and allow us to take the best that the community has to offer, and share that knowledge with our units back home.”

• Date Taken: 01.15.2019
• Date Posted: 01.16.2019 05:40
• Story ID: 307046
• Location: BAUMHOLDER, DE