Patriot

The U.S. Patriot air and missile defense system and the soldiers who operate it have become a symbol of American resolve and commitment to democracy instantly recognized around the world. Frequently deployed in crisis situations, the Patriot system is the world's last line of defense against theater ballistic missiles.

As an ADA lieutenant, you may command a Patriot launcher platoon or work as a tactical control officer inside the Engagement Control Station. As a launcher platoon leader, you'll train your crews in emplacement and reload procedures, making sure Patriot missiles are ready to fire on demand. As a tactical control officer, you'll monitor the Patriot display screen, identifying and tracking friendly as well as hostile aircraft. Alerted by satellite broadcast warnings of a hostile tactical ballistic launch by satellite, you'll watch for the sinister, pyramid-shaped icons that represent incoming tactical ballistic missiles to appear on the screen. You'll issue the launch command that sends salvos of Patriot missiles streaking toward their intercept points.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Patriot batteries successfully engaged and destroyed every Iraqi missile fired at Kuwait and our maneuver forces except those that fell outside of Patriot’s engagement envelop or crashed harmlessly into the empty desert or ocean.

As an ADA officer assigned to a Patriot battalion or firing battery, you'll shoulder a tremendous responsibility. Mission success, the lives of your fellow soldiers throughout the combined arms teams and the welfare of civilians in threaten population centers will depend on your performance.