MISSILE DEFENSE MONDAYS

December 14, 2021 - January 3, 2022

THE WEEK IN BRIEF

On Monday, December 13, Russia said that it may deploy mid-range nuclear missiles in Europe as tensions with the U.S. continue to rise over Russian military buildup along the border of Ukraine.

On Monday, December 20, developmental designs for the Next-Generation Interceptor, the future of U.S. defense against ICBM threats, passed a key system compliance review ahead of schedule.

On Thursday, December 23, satellite imagery revealed multiple large-scale transfers of sensitive ballistic missile technology from China to Saudi Arabia as Saudi Arabia seeks to build its own ballistic missile arsenal.

Click here to read all of this week's headlines.

MDAA ALERTS

We Got to Keep it Rolling Missile Defense and the NDAA FY-2022

"The budget is increased by 25 billion, but more importantly for missile defense we’ve seen a 5% increase on their MDA budget, which is really positive. And as we look at where our nation is going, with missile defense, beyond being in front of North Korea and Iran..."

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From Our Stars to Your Stars

"This year, we shot for the stars with our Global Space and Defense Program at the University of Southern California. We followed the North Star to track our stars as we traversed across the Pacific to Hawaii and Guam, up north to Alaska, out west to Nevada, California, and Colorado..."

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MDAA WEBSITE UPDATES AND FEATURES

Hypersonic Weapon Basics

Hypersonic weapons incorporate the speed of a ballistic missile with the maneuvering capabilities of a cruise missile. Hypersonic weapons refer to weapons that travel faster than Mach 5 (~3,800mph) and have the capability to maneuver during...

Learn more about Hypersonics.

Aegis Afloat

Aegis Afloat is the sea-based component of the Missile Defense Agency’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Aegis BMD builds upon the Aegis Weapon System, Standard Missile, and Navy and joint forces’ Command, Control and Communication systems. The U.S. deploys Aegis BMD to provide a critical...

Learn more about Aegis Afloat.

MISSILE DEFENDER OF THE WEEK

Sergeant Nicholas Allen

SGT Allen is a System Maintenance Operator, Launcher Crew Member and Tactical Control Assistant with the E-3 Air Defense Artillery, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. SGT Allen’s system expertise on the THAAD weapons system is instrumental to the Battery’s overall mission readiness. SGT Allen’s technical and tactical prowess resulted in his crew successfully certifying in two Table VIII certifications as a Tactical Control Assistant (TCA) over the last 15 months. In addition to training and certifying as a TCA, SGT Allen has also certified as Hot Crew and Battery Logistics Operations Center (BLOC) Operator. SGT Allen’s technical expertise has been invaluable in maintaining and operating the THAAD Fire Control and Communications (TFCC) resulting in one of the highest operational readiness rates in the battery. As a Noncommissioned officer, SGT Allen leads and trains future operators in both TCA and Battery Command Post (BCP) operations and was nominated to represent the battery in Operation Resilient Shield. His ability to accomplish the mission and train new Soldiers ensures the Defense of Guam is always maintained and the U.S. Military maintains a lethal deterrent in the Indo-Pacific Command Theater. SGT Allen is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated in the Top 10% of his class from Whitehaven High School in May of 2010. He completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he earned the military occupational specialty of 14E Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operator / Maintainer. He graduated from Basic Leader’s Course in the Top 20% of his graduating class, earning a spot on the Commandant’s List. SGT Allen’s previous assignment was a Radar Crew Member with the D-2 Air Defense Artillery, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. He is the father of two children: Kevion and Landon. SPC Allen’s awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, and Army Basic Space Badge. SPC Allen’s additional military education includes THAAD TFCC/Radar Operator/Maintainer, the Basic Leader’s Course, and Digital Training Management System.

Click here to view all the awardees from the 2021 Guam Missile Defender of the Year Award Ceremony.

MDAA IN THE NEWS

Congress gives Missile Defense Agency authority to research and develop laser tech for missile defense - Defense Ne

WASHINGTON — Congress is giving the Missile Defense Agency the authority to research and develop laser technology to use in ballistic and hypersonic...

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