Day 3 Fires Seminar 2011- FA and ADA State of the Branch

State of the ADA Brief (COL McCants)

Branch is relevant and ready to take on any task thrown their way. ADA is a high demand force.
Where we are- ADA passed their accreditation by TRADOC this year. BAE training will now occur at Ft. Sill and the Fires Center of Excellence. After Captains complete CCC they will get ADAM Cell Training before they go back to the Force. ADA will implement more distant learning with the implementation of ALC 2015.

Today’s Environment- Wide Area Security drives more requirements for ADA to be more engaging with the Army as it updates itself in the fight.

With budget cuts occurring, SLAMRAAM procurement was canceled, however, it accelerated Counter Rocked, Artillery, and Mortar Capability. Funds recouped from SLAMRAAM and MEADS will be reinvested back into the ADA portfolio.

AMD Strategy- Versatile and networked organizations, maintain Patriot viability, move forward with IFPC, defeat emerging ballistic missile threats, balance demands on units, explore CUAS/CMD capability, and common C2 picture.

State of the Field Artillery Branch (BG Vandal)

BG Vandal listed his top priorities as the Commandant of the Field Artillery School as Leader Development, 13 CMF training focused core competencies and closer synchronization with CDID and DOT-D. What issues do you think need to be addressed by the Field Artillery School?

Field Artillery’s Assessment of itself has determined the areas of sustainment are: Development of Precision Fires, Flexible agile leaders, OEF Fires, Joint Fires Integration, Recruiting and Retaining 13 CMF and MTTs to meet Operating Force Needs. What do you think about the Field Artillery’s Assessment?

Field Artillery has identified several areas for improvement to include: Fire Support Skills, Precision Fires, Shoot and Move, Technical Skills Erosion, OPD, Role of FSCOORD and COFs, TRA – Senior Leader/ Senior Mentor, Collective Training and Lack of Collective Training. What areas do you feel that the Field Artillery needs to improve in?