Air and Missile Defense Soldiers: Historic Transformation

Army, Dec 2004 by Vane, Michael A

In order to achieve these capabilities, we will need to leverage and increase the network centricity that already exists in joint air and missile defense operations. This includes communication systems and computers that allow real-time engagement, real-time surveillance and real-time sensor-to-shooter links to increase the access to greater bandwidth, at not only strategic levels but at operational and tactical levels as well.

Currently we are engaged with an enemy that will adapt to whatever we describe as the future end state. We must have well-trained, equipped and motivated soldiers who live the soldier's creed. AMD, the other branches of the Army and the other services must engage in a dialogue about shared future capabilities and ideas, and we must stay one step ahead of the enemy. We are transforming the force and fighting a war at the same time. We have moved quickly to shore up our defenses and we are meeting today's threat. The Future Force will be modular, adaptable, mobile and lethal, and will be even more capable of destroying the enemy, on the ground, on the sea or in the air.

By Maj. Gen. Michael A. Vane

MAJ. GEN. MICHAEL A. VANE is the commanding general, U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center and commandant of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School. He previously served as deputy chief of staff for Doctrine, Concepts and Strategy at U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command; commanding general, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command; and director of Integration, force Development, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. Gen. Vane graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and earned a master's degree in systems technology from the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif.