I am interested in going Air Defense Artillery out of West Point. Many People have advised against it? Any ADA guys out there want to defend?

Cadet SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 10:58:04 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2017 5:45 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 17:45:50 -0400

It is a growth branch. Track the funding.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 21 at 2017 8:43 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 20:43:54 -0400

if you are between FA and ADA, I would go FA.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 21 at 2017 8:46 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 20:46:46 -0400

Aaron, I am a USMA grad. What's your class rank relative to other people branching ADA? Same question for FA.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2017 9:13 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 21:13:18 -0400

I branched ADA out of ROTC and do not regret it. Following BOLC, you will either go to a Patriot or SHORAD unit (or slim chance you may go THAAD). If you go Patriot, you will most likely be a platoon leader and a Tactical Control Officer. I enjoyed it because I got to lead Soldiers and also have a role in operating the weapon system. If you go SHORAD, you will either go to a C-RAM or Avenger battery. SHORAD is expanding in the coming years as the branch adapts to current threats and supporting maneuver forces again.

No matter which unit you go to, the OPTEMPO is high. Almost every FORSCOM battery in the branch is in a cycle of 9-months deployed, 18-months at home, repeat. Patriot deploys to many locations in Southwest Asia, C-RAM goes to Iraq and Afghanistan. As for duty stations, your "choices" with ADA are: Fort Sill, Fort Campbell, Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, Fort Bragg, Germany, Japan, and Korea.

You'll encounter jaded Soldiers and Leaders no matter where you go, but it's all about your attitude. Be that Leader in your unit that doesn't sit around and talk shit about their job or tolerate those who do. Whichever branch you choose/get told, make an effort to learn your job and take care of your Soldiers and you'll be fine. If you have more specific questions about the branch or anything ADA, shoot me a message. Good luck!

Response by MAJ Paul Bacak made Jul 5 at 2017 9:03 PM

MAJ Paul Bacak — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 21:03:48 -0400

You will be deployed but you won't shoot a damn thing. You are correct that LTS in every branch do pretty much the same thing. So the differentiating factors should be what do you want out of your military career? What value do you place on esprit de corp and branch history? Do you want many options for assignments? I was an Infantry Platoon Sergeant (Weapons) before heading off to OCS. I thought it would be a foregone conclusion I would be an Infantry Officer. It was first on my list. MILPERCEN had different ideas and I was commissioned a 2LT of Field Artillery. I did not know how to feel. But...by the time I got to FAOBC I was hooked and happy. I must have done it right for my 20 years. The current commanding general at Fort Sill was one of my platoon leaders when I was a battery commander. Brian was fearless and a great leader. We all were fearless!

Point is make those decisions for yourself, for the reasons important to you. Work everyday to be the best OFFICER you are able to be and have fun doing it. And don't quit until they kick you out. You will miss it everyday of your life after.

Response by COL Mo Fenner made Jul 13 at 2017 9:49 AM

COL Mo Fenner — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 09:49:56 -0400

I am Shorad, USMA 82. You can pick any branch and be happy. I wanted INF, but my class rank had other ideas. ADA has two distinct parts of HIMAD and SHORAD. HIMAD time was spent as scope dope. Every branch also has down sides. IMHO SHORAD had far fewer downs, but you are going to be deployed and spend time in field for any CA branch. If you don't like it, do a branch transfer later.

Response by SSG Diane R. made Jan 27 at 2018 11:44 PM

SSG Diane R. — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 23:44:43 -0500

I spent 16 years in the ADA and loved it. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions.