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Featured Article

How To Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Capabilities?

By CW3 Travon Graves, 32d AAMDC AMD Systems Integrator

Read Time: < 6 mins

As AI rapidly reshapes warfare, the military must define what machines do and what humans decide. Using structured frameworks, the Army seeks to reduce operator overload, accelerate decisions, and integrate AI responsibly„while preserving human authority over ethical choices.

AI generated image depicting a human and computer generated hand touching each other.
Two U.S. Army soldiers load a belt of 30mm ammunition into an armored vehicle's weapon system under a clear blue sky.
Read Time: < 9 mins

Restoring Maneuver in MSHORAD

Restoring SHORAD for LSCO requires moving MSHORAD from static rear defense to maneuver‑integrated support. Drawing on CTC lessons, the authors call for doctrine that employs SGT Stout in direct support of CABs to enable early engagement, defense in depth, and sustained maneuver.

By CPT Christopher Roberts, CPT Brett Yelverton, & 1LT Mark Haroutunian, 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment

Layered, defense-in-depth strategy for a composite ADA Battalion.
Read Time: < 18 mins

Composite Air Defense Artillery Formations: Converging Non-Kinetic and Kinetic Capabilities

Composite Air Defense Artillery (ADA) formations integrate kinetic and non‑kinetic capabilities—such as EW, cyber, sensors, and decoys—into a single habitual structure to accelerate kill chains, reduce interceptor expenditure, and improve resilience against massed, low‑cost airborne threats.

By CW5 Noel I. Del Real

A high-angle view from atop a tan armored vehicle shows a grey, dome-shaped RF sensor mounted on a platform. Nearby, a blue pickup truck and a grey SUV are parked on a large, sandy dirt lot bordered by green hills.
Read Time: < 10 mins

Armor in 2025: Getting Armored Brigades Back into the Fight

Learn how the U.S. Army is modernizing armored brigades to survive lethal drone swarms and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in future combat. Discover critical recommendations for integrating direct-fire C-UAS and layered sensing to maintain armor's decisive edge.

By CW2 Trenton Huntsinger, 1st Cavalry Division Artillery

U.S. Army Stryker armored vehicle in desert terrain with mountains and dramatic cloudy sky
Read Time: < 16 mins

Cav Scout Divisional Air and Defense (DIVAD): Checkmate Battery 4-60th Integration into Calvary Scout Formation for Project Convergence Capstone 2024 (PC-C4) Testing and Evaluation

Lessons learned from integrating M-SHORAD Stryker air defense systems with cavalry scout formations during Project Convergence Capstone 2024 at NTC Fort Irwin.

By 1LT Russell Rozensky

  • A swarm of small drones in the sky
    Red Sands IEC 25 Advances TF Spartan’s Combined C-UAS Operations and Experimentation

    Red Sands IEC 25 demonstrated successful Combined Counter-UAS operations between U.S. and Saudi forces through an integrated Base Defense Operations Center. The exercise coordinated multiple ground and air defense systems, proving that bilateral C-UAS defense is complex but essential.

    By MAJ Josef “Polo” Danczuk

  • Patriot Launching Station Picture – Patriot Launching Stations of 5-52 ADA emplaced and ready to defend their asset in Southwest Asia (photo taken by author during the establishment of a new Patriot Site).
    Pearl Harbor and the Growth of a Branch

    MSG Johnson examines how Pearl Harbor's failures in command and control, radar deployment, interoperability, and communication directly shaped the modernization and doctrine of today's Air Defense Artillery branch.

    By MSG Carl J. Johnson

  • During Steadfast Jupiter in October 2023, members of NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps trained on their ability to implement multiple Air Defense Battalions into Corps-wide operations.
    The Case for Multi-National Air Defense in NATO

    LTC Bier and Lt Col O'Leary argue for permanent multinational Air Defense Brigades in NATO, citing lessons from Steadfast Jupiter 23 regarding gaps in planning expertise, command and control, and interoperability.

    By LTC Pete Bier ad LT Col Garret O'Leary

  • Title slide with the text 'The Field Grade Perspective' by Brigadier General Glenn A. Henke, alongside a large gold oak leaf insignia
    The Field Grade Perspective

    Brigadier General Henke outlines the six essential elements of the 'field grade perspective' that majors must develop to succeed at the battalion and brigade level. These include understanding increased workload expectations, developing systems thinking, information validation skills, maintaining composure, building relationships, and embracing teaching responsibilities for junior leader development.

    By Brigadier General Glenn A. Henke

  • Simplified political map of China highlighting major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, as well as neighboring countries and bodies of water including the East China Sea and Yellow Sea.
    Preparing for Protracted Conflict with China and the Air and Missile Defense Shortfalls

    This article offers a comprehensive assessment of the air and missile defense (AMD) posture of U.S. and allied forces in the Pacific in light of China’s growing capabilities. The article draws lessons from WWII Coastal Artillery, evaluates modern missile threats, and proposes force structure reforms, interoperability strategies, and defense industrial base expansion to prepare for a prolonged conflict in the region.

    By COL Trey Guy

  • Lethal Strike Launcher
    Lessons in Battalion Command: Leadership, Readiness, and Legacy

    Explore firsthand insights into battalion command from LTC Christopher T. Majors, emphasizing leadership, readiness, people-first strategies, and building a lasting legacy. This comprehensive guide outlines lessons for current and future Army leaders navigating complexity and responsibility in garrison and combat.

    By LTC Christopher T. Majors

  • A digital illustration of Earth from space, showing a glowing yellow hexagonal energy shield or dome protecting a region of the planet, possibly from an incoming missile or threat. The shield appears semi-transparent, with a bright impact point where the arc of the projectile meets the dome.
    Fortifying America's Iron Dome-Modernization in the National Capital Region

    Fortifying America’s Iron Dome – Modernization in the National Capital Region” explores the urgent need to upgrade and modernize the Integrated Air Defense System (NCR-IADS) that protects Washington, D.C. Framed around the concept of a “Golden Dome” for the homeland, the article emphasizes strengthening defenses against emerging threats such as hypersonic missiles and drones.

    By LTC Benton B. Gammons

  • Group photo of soldiers in white winter uniforms standing in front of various military vehicles, including armored and transport vehicles, on a snowy field with a Norwegian flag displayed among the equipment.
    Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense in the Offense

    This article examines the performance of the U.S. Army's SGT Stout air defense system during NATO's Joint Viking 2023 exercise in Norway. The piece provides a comprehensive analysis of how the Stryker-based air defense platform integrated with Norwegian forces in offensive operations under Arctic conditions.

    By 1LT Brian Patterson

  • SGT Stouts in the staging area at the National Training Center.
    Setting SHORAD up For Failure: FY24 NDAA’s Odd Omission

    This article examines the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY24 NDAA) and its omission of Air Defense Artillery from combat arms designated for higher fitness standards. It argues that Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) should be included, highlighting its critical role in large-scale combat operations and integration with maneuver forces.

    By First Lieutenant Alexander Philip Mosher, U.S. Army

  • Large quantity of DJI drones used by the Ukrainian Army against Russia
    We Are All Air Defenders Now

    A U.S. Army strategy paper arguing that small drones have revolutionized modern warfare based on lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. CPT Peter Clifton recommends restructuring the Army to create dedicated drone operator positions and integrate unmanned aircraft systems at the squad level to maintain battlefield effectiveness against peer adversaries.

    By CPT Peter Clifton, U.S. Army

  • Group of service members sitting on the ground between improvised shelters, sharing a meal and gathered around a small radio in a wooded encampment.
    Historical Vignette: June 7th, 1944: D-Day + 1, the 413th Antiaircraft Battalion at Omaha Beach

    Courageous 413th AAA Battalion soldiers landed on Omaha Beach under heavy fire, rapidly assembling surviving equipment to deliver vital air defense and direct fires t hat supported the 2nd Infantry Division’s advance and strengthened the Allied foothold in France.

    By CPT Peter Neil

  • Cw3 Jesus M. Arellano (left) and CW3 Wesley Scott (right)
    Why Apply to TWI?: A 140A/140K Existential Analysis

    CW3 Arellano and CW3 Scott detail the Army's Training with Industry program for ADA Warrant Officers, highlighting career benefits, acquisition exposure, and professional development opportunities at Redstone Arsenal.

    By CW3 Jesus “Manny” Arellano & CW3 Wesley Scott

  • Soldier in uniform holding out cash in front of him
    Financial Readiness: A Teaching Framework for Company Grade Leaders

    MAJ Pritchard provides company grade leaders a 5x5 financial framework covering key behaviors like cash management, retirement planning, credit discipline, and avoiding speculative investments to improve Soldier financial readiness.

    By MAJ(P) Michael D. Pritchard

  • banner
    From the R-CSM

    The 2024 Air Defense Artillery Journal covers AMD modernization, NATO integration, financial readiness, THAAD-Patriot integration, counter-drone tactics, IBCS development, and historical lessons from Pearl Harbor and D-Day.

    By CSM Giancarlo Macri

  • Feature image
    Mobility Matters: Innovating for Area Air Defense

    Innovative mobile air defense systems like Ukraine's Sky Fortress use low-cost sensors and adaptive technology to counter modern aerial threats, redefining military tactics and protecting rear areas effectively.

    By COL Jeremey M. Davis

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