FORT HOOD, Texas - The 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment of the 69th ADA Brigade has successfully conducted a broad range of field exercises at Fort Hood from Jan. 25 to Feb. 5.
During the 13 day field training exercise weapons were tested, Soldier tactics were put to the test, and there was a great emphasis on meeting operational objectives for deployment readiness.
The battalion was greeted by Command Sgt. Maj. James Carr, the regimental command sergeant major of the Air Defense branch. The 1-44 battalion's senior non-commissioned officer, Command Sgt Maj. Jerry Faulk, took Carr on a tour of 1-44's battlefield exercises. The visiting command sergeant major expressed his belief that the unit was fully mission capable.
"It was great to see highly motivated troopers. I was getting detailed briefings from lower grade NCOs. That was outstanding," Carr said.
Tough weather elements also tested the Soldiers when storms created flooding on their sites, and on top of the flooding, their electric generators stopped working.
Despite these challenges, 1-44's leadership drove on and continued Table 8 crew certifications, which test Soldiers on their aptitude for manning the Patriot, anti-missile launchers. Soldiers also conducted range qualifications to include 50 caliber and M-249 machine guns and the Mk 19 grenade launcher.
At the conclusion of the battalion's field training exercise, Soldiers hand chosen from each battery were awarded the Army Commendation Medals and Army Achievement Medals for their superb dedication and for standing out amongst their peers during the exercise. Some of the Soldiers who received awards are Cpl. Kamisha Clark and Pfc. Terry Gillespie.
The battalion is on a prepare-to-deploy status and is driving on after this exercise and continues to prepare themselves for any upcoming deployment.
