NDQSA
Citation:
Tedesco, Vincent James, Maria Cabrera-Baukus, College Of Communications Pennsylvania State University, and Meghin Moore. Vincent James Tedesco Collection. 1964. Personal Narrative. https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.88931/.
Description:
Colonel (Ret) Tedesco’s interview includes personal stories about his life, his time in Vietnam, and the Army of the 1960’s and 70’s. Early in the interview (minute 8) he describes the January 4-5, 1968 battle of Checkpoint 39 on route 9. Throughout the interview there are lessons for leaders, inspirational guidance, and a respect for humor at life’s vagarity. He also talks about the men of the National Dusters, Quads & Searchlights Association and the value of camaraderie. The interview is recommended for military historians, young Army leaders, and others interested in hearing the personal story of an Air Defense Artillery trailblazer.
Air Defenders are Force Protectors Rediscovering and Returning to Short Range Air Defense Historical Force Protection Role
By 2LT Ian Murren
ADA Journal_October 2023.pdf_extract
SHORAD’s “Do or Die”
With the proliferation of unmanned aircraft systems to state and non-state actors in the new era of warfare, Short Range Air Defense will increasingly need to counteract this emerging threat. Enemies, in the future, will use coordinated attacks with Class 1 or 2 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and ground units against frontline and logistical areas.
Historical Context Vietnam: The War that Made the Modern ADA Branch
Operation Iraqi Freedom: The war the Misunderstood Air Defense
Conclusion
The goal of any Air Defender is to protect its assets. If an asset is destroyed by a clever ambush, or Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), the mission fails. If the enemy will be thinking with multi-dimensional attacks in mind, combining UAS with ground-based ambushes, SHORAD designers should be thinking similarly. SHORAD equipment will need to be able to repel a UAS swarm attack and then the enemy’s complementing infantry assault in quick succession in the very near future. The conflict of tomorrow has no frontline, friendly skies or single-dimensional. SHORAD has thrived or died in this environment depending on how close it has kept to its Air Defense principles when developing its equipment.
Recommendations
When designing an ADA vehicle, it is essential to ensure a force protection role is also envisioned for the vehicle. Not focusing on this dual role shows a lack of understanding of the history and principles of air defense.