Air Defense Artillery Officer
Air Defense Artillery Officer
Posted on Nov 23, 2017
I just got branched ADA. How is this branch?
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14A: Air Defense Artillery Officer
Air Defense
14A: Air Defense Artillery Officer Air Defense
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
Congrats on branching air defense artillery. A few suggestions for you as MS4 and future officer...
1. You probably know, but ADA BOLC will be at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. I previously worked there as a contractor and want to let you know that the outside city of Lawton is small. If you enjoy outdoor activities or will focus on studies, you may be okay. Otherwise, plan for 1-2 hour travel to Oklahoma City or Dallas, Texas during weekends if you want recreation.
2. Get a picture for this profile. Your cadet picture should work until you find time for official picture as commissioned officer. It will improve your professional appearance on social media.
3. Create a LinkedIn profile along with this RallyPoint profile. Whether you stay as career officer or leave after service obligation, LinkedIn is also good website for networking.
1. You probably know, but ADA BOLC will be at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. I previously worked there as a contractor and want to let you know that the outside city of Lawton is small. If you enjoy outdoor activities or will focus on studies, you may be okay. Otherwise, plan for 1-2 hour travel to Oklahoma City or Dallas, Texas during weekends if you want recreation.
2. Get a picture for this profile. Your cadet picture should work until you find time for official picture as commissioned officer. It will improve your professional appearance on social media.
3. Create a LinkedIn profile along with this RallyPoint profile. Whether you stay as career officer or leave after service obligation, LinkedIn is also good website for networking.
SHORAD or PATRIOT? Your experience will differ *greatly*. If you're looking for more hooah, I'd recommend SHORAD. If you're looking to spend most your LT time in the back of a van being the best at repeating the same thing, Patriot is your gig. As with any branch and duty station, it's all what you make it.
As a SHORAD guy, I've worked with Avenger/Stinger, C-RAM, NASAM, & the ill-fated JLENS and participated in missions/exercises with Navy, AF, Marines, Coast Guard, Canadian forces, and a number of NATO partners. I was part of numerous successful intercepts in Iraq and progressed through my career in a relatively small branch, so I've built good relationships with a lot of excellent service members. ADA gets a bad rap, but (in my opinion, and I'm sure some will disagree) that's all due to the Patriot side.
As a SHORAD guy, I've worked with Avenger/Stinger, C-RAM, NASAM, & the ill-fated JLENS and participated in missions/exercises with Navy, AF, Marines, Coast Guard, Canadian forces, and a number of NATO partners. I was part of numerous successful intercepts in Iraq and progressed through my career in a relatively small branch, so I've built good relationships with a lot of excellent service members. ADA gets a bad rap, but (in my opinion, and I'm sure some will disagree) that's all due to the Patriot side.
As of lately no but things are changing within the branch and you may have an opportunity when you get to BOLC. I went in 2012 but since then I have not seen any LTs be granted the opportunity. I suggest when getting to the school house perform wel on your APFT and then start inquiring about going.
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