US Army’s Air Defense Units Overworked and Stretched Thin, CNN Reports
The US Army’s air defense units are facing an overwhelming workload due to increasing demands across the globe. These units are responsible for operating missile systems and providing deterrence against adversaries such as North Korea, China, Iran, and Russia. Lt. Gen. Dan Karbler, the Army’s senior air defense officer, highlighted the problem by stating that they have more missions than air defense capabilities.
Service leaders have expressed concerns that these critical missile defense units could be stretched too thin, especially with the ongoing war in Ukraine and the potential for conflict with China. Maj. Gen. Brian Gibson, commander of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, warned that if the situation is not managed properly, it could quickly become unmanageable.
To address this issue, the Army conducted a survey in 2020 to understand the challenges faced by air defense soldiers and their families. The Army is now offering $47,500 enlistment bonuses to attract more candidates for certain air defense jobs, including operating Patriot missile batteries. Additionally, mental health specialists are being embedded into air defense units worldwide to address burnout, which has become a troubling consequence of manning the front lines of the missile defense systems.
The Army’s air defense branch is one of the most frequently deployed branches, with nearly 60% of its total force deployed at any given time. Previously, air defense soldiers had less than a year at home after a year-long deployment, but the Army has increased that to two years at home. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made this a “red line” for deployment duration.
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the increasing tensions with China and North Korea, US air defense soldiers stationed in Europe and the Pacific have been deployed with minimal notice. The strain of being deployed and the unpredictability of deployment durations have significantly affected soldiers and their families, contributing to stress.
The Army is responding to these challenges by embedding mental health specialists, establishing new air defense units, and improving communication with families to mitigate the unpredictable nature of the job. However, the Pacific region presents unique challenges due to its size, requiring significant time and resources to move soldiers and equipment between locations for exercises. The increasing activities by potential adversaries in the region, namely China and North Korea, have necessitated maintaining a high state of readiness.
Brig. Gen. Maurice Barnett, commander of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Europe, emphasized the importance of air defense given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. US soldiers not only provide defense for partners but also train Ukrainians to operate their own air defense systems. The high stakes and meaningfulness of the mission motivate soldiers, despite the increased demands.
To meet the mission requirements, the Army has reduced the number of exercises it participates in with European partners. However, the Army recognizes the need to find creative ways to fulfill its mission while prioritizing the well-being of its soldiers. Barnett affirmed that taking care of the people is the top priority but emphasized that the mission must be accomplished.
In summary, the US Army’s air defense units are facing significant challenges due to increased demands and deployments. The Army is implementing various measures to address these issues, including offering enlistment bonuses, embedding mental health specialists, and establishing new air defense units. Despite the strain, soldiers remain motivated by the meaningfulness of their mission in defending partners and training foreign counterparts.