https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN44864-ALARACT_0912025-000-WEB-1.pdf
ALARACT 091/2025
DTG: R 161430Z SEP 25
UNCLAS
SUBJ/ALARACT 091/2025 – AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025
AIR DEFENSE KNOX, HAMILTON, SHIPTON, SAGE AWARDS
THIS ALARACT MESSAGE HAS BEEN TRANSMITTED BY JSP ON BEHALF OF THE
HQDA, DCS, G–1 AND HQDA, CHIEF OF AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY AND
COMMANDANT
1. (U) REFERENCES:
1.A. (U) MEMORANDUM, AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY COMMANDANT UNIT AND
INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR AWARDS (SEE ATTACHMENT 1)
1.B. (U) AR 600–8–22, MILITARY AWARDS
2. (U) PURPOSE: THIS MESSAGE PROVIDES GUIDANCE FROM THE
COMMANDANT OF THE AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY (ADA) BRANCH FOR
SELECTION OF NOMINATIONS FOR THE KNOX, HAMILTON, SHIPTON, AND SAGE
AWARDS.
3. (U) THE MISSION OF THE ADA COMMANDANT IS TO RECOGNIZE THE
OUTSTANDING BATTERY AND INDIVIDUAL OF THE YEAR FOR EXCEPTIONAL
ACHIEVEMENT, SUPERIOR MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT AND OVERALL UNIT
AND INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE FOR FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025.
4. (U) NOMINATIONS ARE REQUESTED FROM ALL ADA BATTALIONS, UNITS
WITH ADA SOLDIERS WITHIN THEIR FORMATIONS (OPTIONAL), ADA BRIGADES
(OPTIONAL) AND MUST BE ENDORSED BY A BATTALION COMMANDER OR
HIGHER. EACH BATTALION CAN NOMINATE ONE SOLDIER AND ONE UNIT FOR
THE RESPECTIVE AWARDS. EACH BRIGADE CAN NOMINATE ONE ADDITIONAL
SOLDIER AND ONE ADDITIONAL UNIT IF DESIRED. UNITS WITH ADA SOLDIERS
WITHIN THEIR FORMATIONS CAN NOMINATE ONE SOLDIER IF DESIRED.
5. (U) EACH FY, THE ADA BRANCH HONORS HENRY A. KNOX, ALEXANDER
HAMILTON, JAMES A. SHIPTON, AND CHARLES G. SAGE FOR THEIR
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE AIR DEFENSE BRANCH BY SELECTING AIR DEFENSE
SOLDIERS AND UNITS WHO REPRESENT THE VALUES AND EMBODY THE
SPIRITS OF THESE INDIVIDUALS.
5.A. (U) THE HENRY A. KNOX AWARD IS NAMED FOR MAJOR GENERAL HENRY
A. KNOX, THE FIRST CHIEF OF FIELD ARTILLERY. THE AWARD RECOGNIZES
BOTH THE OUTSTANDING ACTIVE COMPONENT ADA OUTSTANDING BATTERY
OF THE YEAR FOR EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT, SUPERIOR MISSION
ACCOMPLISHMENT AND OVERALL UNIT EXCELLENCE. NOMINATIONS ARE
EVALUATED ON TACTICAL PROFICIENCY, OPERATIONAL READINESS RATE,
SAFETY, AND OTHER KEY AND DISTINGUISHING INDICATORS.
5.B. (U) THE ALEXANDER HAMILTON AWARD IS NAMED FOR FAMED
STATESMAN AND CONTINENTAL ARMY ARTILLERYMAN MAJOR GENERAL
ALEXANDER HAMILTON, WHO DURING THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE
ORGANIZED AN ARTILLERY COMPANY AND SAW ACTION IN NEW YORK AT
LONG ISLAND AND WHITE PLAINS, AND IN NEW JERSEY AT TRENTON AND
PRINCETON. THE AWARD RECOGNIZES THE OUTSTANDING AIR DEFENSE
ARTILLERY RESERVE COMPONENT (RC) U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD (ARNG)
BATTERY OF THE YEAR FOR EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT, SUPERIOR
MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT AND OVERALL UNIT EXCELLENCE. NOMINATIONS
ARE EVALUATED ON TACTICAL PROFICIENCY, OPERATIONAL READINESS
RATE, SAFETY, AND OTHER KEY AND DISTINGUISHING INDICATORS.
5.C. (U) THE JAMES A. SHIPTON AWARD IS NAMED FOR BRIGADIER GENERAL
JAMES A. SHIPTON, WHO IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS THE FOUNDING FATHER OF
THE ADA BRANCH. THE SHIPTON AWARD IS PRESENTED TO AN INDIVIDUAL
ADA OFFICER, NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER (NCO) OR ENLISTED SOLDIER
WHOSE ACHIEVEMENTS ARE JUDGED SUPERIOR TO THEIR PEERS BASED ON
THE CRITERION OF LEADERSHIP, TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY,
SELFLESS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE.
THE RECIPIENT’S PERFORMANCE, MILITARY BEARING, INNOVATION AND
DEDICATION MUST HAVE RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO OR
ENHANCED ADA'S WARFIGHTING CAPABILITIES, MORALE, READINESS AND/OR
MAINTENANCE.
5.D. (U) THE CHARLES G. SAGE AWARD IS NAMED FOR MAJOR GENERAL
CHARLES G. SAGE, WHO DURING WORLD WAR II COMMANDED THE 200TH
COAST ARTILLERY REGIMENT (ANTI-AIRCRAFT). HE WAS AWARDED THE ARMY
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL FOR THE DEFENSE OF CLARK FIELD ON
DECEMBER 7TH 1941, AND LATER COVERED CRITICAL POINTS ON ROUTES OF
WITHDRAWAL TO THE BATAAN PENINSULA. THIS AWARD RECOGNIZES THE
ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AND IS PRESENTED TO AN INDIVIDUAL ADA OFFICER,
NCO OR SOLDIER WHOSE ACHIEVEMENTS ARE JUDGED SUPERIOR TO THEIR
PEERS BASED ON THE CRITERION OF LEADERSHIP, TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL
PROFICIENCY, SELFLESS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND COMMITMENT TO
EXCELLENCE. THE RECIPIENT’S PERFORMANCE, MILITARY BEARING,
INNOVATION AND DEDICATION MUST HAVE RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANT
CONTRIBUTIONS TO OR ENHANCED ADA'S WARFIGHTING CAPABILITIES,
MORALE, READINESS AND/OR MAINTENANCE.
6. (U) CRITERIA FOR UNIT AWARDS ARE LISTED BELOW. ALL ACHIEVEMENTS
MUST HAVE OCCURRED IN FY 25. THESE AWARDS ARE NOT LIFETIME
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS. ALL ACHIEVEMENTS/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS MUST
HAVE TRANSPIRED WITHIN THE TIMEFRAME OF 1 OCTOBER 2024 THROUGH
30 SSEPTEMBER 2025.
6.A. (U) TACTICAL PROFICIENCY: EXAMPLES INCLUDE GUNNERY
CERTIFICATION, EXTERNAL EVALUATION, ROTATIONS, COMBAT TOUR, AND SO
FORTH.
6.B. (U) OPERATIONAL READINESS RATE: SYSTEM AND CONVENTIONAL.
6.C. (U) SAFETY AND DISCIPLINE: METRICS MAY INCLUDE NUMBER OF DAYS
WITHOUT DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, CLASS C INCIDENT, AND SO
FORTH.
6.D. (U) OTHER INDICATORS OF EXCELLENCE: INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED
TO BATTERY RETENTION RATE, DEPLOYMENT READINESS,
COMBAT/DEPLOYMENT ACCOMPLISHMENT, INNOVATION, AND SO FORTH.
7. (U) CRITERIA FOR INDIVIDUAL AWARDS ARE LISTED BELOW; ALL
ACHIEVEMENTS MUST HAVE OCCURRED WITHIN THE LAST FY:
7.A. (U) LEADERSHIP, COMPETENCE, AND TEAMWORK.
7.B. (U) TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL KNOWLEDGE.
7.C. (U) SELFLESS/COMMUNITY SERVICE.
7.D. (U) COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE: INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO
WEAPONS QUALIFICATION, DEPLOYMENT READINESS STATUS, AND SO
FORTH.
8. (U) NOMINATION PACKETS (SEE ATTACHMENTS 2, 3, AND 4) WILL INCLUDE A
NARRATIVE OF NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE, COMPLETED CRITERIA SHEET (SEE
ATTACHMENTS 5 AND 6), AND OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IN
SUPPORT OF THE CRITERIA SHEET. THE PACKET WILL BE ENDORSED BY THE
BATTALION COMMANDER OR HIGHER.
9. (U) IN ACCORDANCE WITH REFERENCE 1.B., THE GOAL OF THE TOTAL ARMY
AWARD PROGRAM IS TO FOSTER MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT BY
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE OF BOTH MILITARY AND CIVILIAN MEMBERS AND
MOTIVATING THEM TO HIGH LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE AND SERVICE. THE
OBJECTIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY MILITARY AWARDS PROGRAM
IS TO PROVIDE TANGIBLE RECOGNITION FOR ACTS OF VALOR, MERITORIOUS
SERVICE OR ACHIEVEMENT UNDER COMBAT CONDITIONS, EXCEPTIONAL
SERVICE OR ACHIEVEMENT, SPECIAL SKILLS OR QUALIFICATIONS, AND ACTS
OF HEROISM NOT INVOLVING ACTUAL COMBAT.
10. (U) ONLY ONE AWARD MAY BE AWARDED TO AN INDIVIDUAL OR UNIT FOR
THE SAME ACT, ACHIEVEMENT, OR PERIOD OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE. IN
ACCORDANCE WITH AR 672–20 (PARAGRAPH 2–1(D)), BOTH AN HONORARY
AND MONETARY AWARD MAY BE GRANTED FOR ONE ACHIEVEMENT IF THE
CRITERIA FOR EACH AWARD ARE MET.
11. (U) NO DISCRETIONARY MONETARY OR HONORARY AWARD FOR
PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENT MAY BE MADE TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS
UNDER INVESTIGATION, UPON WHOM DISCIPLINARY OR ADVERSE ACTION
BASED ON PERFORMANCE OR CONDUCT IS PENDING, OR WHO WAS THE
SUBJECT OF A DISCIPLINARY ACTION WITHIN THE PRECEDING 120 DAYS.
(UNLESS THE COMMANDER/DELEGATED APPROVAL AUTHORITY FINDS THAT
THE BASIS FOR AWARD IS UNRELATED TO THE INVESTIGATION OR PENDING
ACTION AND THE AWARD WOULD NOT REFLECT UNFAVORABLY ON THE
ARMY).
12. (U) PACKETS SHOULD BE EMAILED TO OCADA@ARMY.MIL OR MAILED TO
OFFICE, CHIEF OF AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY, 1210 SCHIMMELPFENNIG RD
(SNOW HALL, BLDG 730), FORT SILL, OK 73503 WITH RECEIPT NO LATER THAN
14 NOVEMBER 2025. WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED FROM THE ELIGIBLE
NOMINATIONS BY THE SELECTION COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE ADA
COMMANDANT. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SELECTIONS WILL BE MADE BY THE
ADA COMMANDANT, NO LATER THAN 12 DECEMBER 2025.
13. (U) POINT OF CONTACT IS OCADA AT EMAIL: OCADA@ARMY.MIL.
14. (U) THIS ALARACT MESSAGE EXPIRES ON 16 SEPTEMBER 2026.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. (U) KNOX HAMILTON SHIPTON SAGE AWARD MEMORANDUM
2. (U) ENDORSEMENT EXAMPLE
3. (U) KNOX – HAMILTON AWARD EXAMPLE
4. (U) SHIPTON – SAGE AWARD EXAMPLE
5. (U) UNIT AWARD CRITERIA SHEET
6. (U) INDIVIDUAL AWARD CRITERIA SHEET
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
UNITED STATES ARMY FIRES CENTER OF EXCELLENCE AND FORT SILL
AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY SCHOOL
730 SCHIMMELPFENNlG AVE
FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA 73503
ATSA-C S: 14 November 2025
MEMORANDUM FOR Air Defense Artillery Leaders
SUBJECT: Fires Center of Excellence Unit and Individual of the Year Awards
1. Background: Fires Center of Excellence annually recognizes the Active Component
(AC) and Reserve Component (RC) Air Defense Artillery (ADA) outstanding battery and
individual of the year for exceptional achievement, superior mission accomplishment
and overall unit and individual excellence.
a. Knox Award: The Henry A. Knox Award is named for Maj. Gen. Henry A. Knox,
the first chief of Field Artillery (FA). This award recognizes the Active Component (AC)
Air Defense Artillery outstanding battery of the year for exceptional achievement,
superior mission accomplishment and overall unit excellence. Nominations are
evaluated on tactical proficiency, operational readiness rate, safety, and other key and
distinguishing indicators. Last year's award was presented to B Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th
Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Ansbach, Germany.
b. Hamilton Award: The Alexander Hamilton Award is named for famed statesman
and Continental Army Artilleryman Maj. Gen. Alexander Hamilton, who during the War
of Independence organized an artillery company and saw action in New York at Long
Island and White Plains, as well as the battles of Trenton and Princeton in New Jersey.
This award recognizes the outstanding Air Defense Artillery Reserve Component (RC)
U.S. Army National Guard (ARNG) battery of the year for exceptional achievement,
superior mission accomplishment and overall unit excellence. Nominations are
evaluated on tactical proficiency, operational readiness rate, safety, and other key and
distinguishing indicators. Last year's award was presented to SECFOR VII, Team
Binadu.
c. Shipton Award: The James A. Shipton Award is named for Brig. Gen. James A.
Shipton, who is acknowledged as the founding father of the Air Defense Artillery branch.
This award recognizes the AC and is presented to an individual ADA Officer,
Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) or Soldier whose achievements are judged superior to
their peers based on the criterion of leadership, tactical and technical proficiency,
selfless and community service, and commitment to excellence. The recipient's
performance, military bearing, innovation and dedication must have resulted in
significant contributions to or enhanced ADA's warfighting capabilities, morale,
readiness and/or maintenance. Last year's award was presented to 1LT Stephen T.
Hansmann, B Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Ansbach,
Germany.
ATSA-C
SUBJECT: Fires Center of Excellence Unit and Individual of the Year Awards
d. Sage Award: The Charles G. Sage Award is named for Maj. Gen. Charles G.
Sage, who during World War II commanded the 200th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti
Aircrafl). He was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for the defense of
Clark Field on 7 December 1941, and later covered critical points on routes of
withdrawal to the Bataan Peninsula. This award recognizes the ARNG and is presented
to an individual ADA Officer, NCO or Soldier whose achievements are judged superior
to their peers based on the criterion of leadership, tactical and technical proficiency,
selfless and community service, and commitment to excellence. The recipient's
performance, military bearing, innovation and dedication must have resulted in
significant contributions to or enhanced ADA's warfighting capabilities, morale,
readiness and/or maintenance. Last year's award was presented to MAJ Abby K.
Schroll, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade,
Columbus, Ohio.
2. Criteria for unit awards are listed below; all achievements must have occurred in
FY25:
a. Tactical Proficiency: Examples include gunnery certification, external evaluation,
NTC/JRTC/JMRC Rotation, combat tour, etc.
b. Operational Readiness Rate: System and Conventional.
c. Safety and Discipline: Metrics may include number of days without DUI, Class C
incident, etc.
d. Other Indicators of Excellence: Includes but not limited to Battery Retention Rate,
Deployment Readiness, Combat/Deployment Accomplishment, Innovation, etc.
3. Criteria for individual awards are listed below; all achievements must have occurred
within the last year:
a. Leadership.
b. Technical and Tactical Knowledge.
c. Selfless/Community Service.
d. Commitment to Excellence: Include but not limited to Weapons Qualification,
Deployment Readiness Status, etc.
4. Nomination Packets:
a. Nomination packets will include a narrative of no more than one page, completed
criteria sheet (see enclosure), and other supporting documentation in support of the
criteria sheet. Packet will be endorsed by the battalion commander or higher.
2
ATSA-C
SUBJECT: Fires Center of Excellence Unit and Individual of the Year Awards
b. Packets should be e-mailed to robert.w.bedford4.civ@army.mil or mailed to
Office, Chief of Air Defense Artillery, ATTN: Mr. Robert W. Bedford, 1210
Schimmelpfenning Rd (Snow Hall, BLDG 730), Fort Sill, OK 73503 with receipt NLT 14
November 2025. Winners will be selected from the eligible nominations by the selection
committee appointed by the ADA Commandant. Announcement of the selections will be
made by the ADA Commandant, NLT 12 December 2025.
c. Each battalion may nominate ohe battery for the Knox/Hamilton awards, and one
individual for the Shipton/Sage award. ADA Brigades have the option to nominate one
additional battery, and one additional individual, if desired.
5. These awards are NOT lifetime achievement awards. All achievements/
accomplishments must have transpired within the timeframe of 1 October 2024 - 30
September 2025.
6. Point of contact at the Office, Chief of Air Defense Artillery (OCADA) is Mr. Robert W.
Bedford at commercial (580) 442-6842/DSN 639-6842 or email
robert.w.bedford4.civ@army.mil.
/!:14 / +--GLENN A. HENKE2 Encls
1. Unit Criteria Sheet Brigadier General, USA
2. Individual Criteria Sheet Commandant
3
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS, t" BATTALION, 7"'" AIR DEFENSE ARTILl.ERV
X-4314 AIR DEFENSE LOOP
FORT BRAGG, NOR'tH CAROLINA 28310
AFVL-DGB-BC 3 October 2016
MEMORANDUM THRU Commander, 1081h Air Defense Artillery Brigade, X-4514 Air
Defense Loop , Fort Bragg NC 28376
FOR Chief of Air Defense Artillery, 730 Schimmelpfennig Road, Suite 148, Fort Sill OK
73503
SUBJECT: Shipton Award Nomination for
Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense A
1. I give my most enthusiastic recommendation for the James A., ' ,
I • tShipton A ge and professionalism were indispensab~
ADA's deployment to the USCENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR). -
technical and tactical expertise has been a combat multiplier. As a Tactical Director for
the Panther Battalion, he was charged with ensuring that all Air Defense assets across
three separate Patriot sites, including six ICC and nine ECS crews, were trained and
proficient in their AMO capabilities. This proficiency allowed both the Panther Battalion
and its subordinate Batteries to successfully provide AMD coverage of their si~
~ets over the course of the Battalion's twelve month deployment.
-edication directly resulted in 1-7 ADA BN's recognition as the best Patriot
Battalion in USCENTCOM and was repeatedly acknowledged as the quickest Battalion
to assume any alert state across the AOR.
2. -=,xpertise as a Tactical Director was absolutely crucial in the
trai~~-N when they arrived to assume mission. In addition to his nonnal
duties, dedicated the time necessary to assist in the training of three
ICC ~BN, allowing 3-2 ADA BN to certify and assume mission on
time. -fforts resulted in a seamless transition during the two unit's
transfer of authority (TOA) and allowed for the rapid re Patriot
equipment in an operational state. Upon redeployment was moved to
Alpha Battery, where he helped lead the Battalion's Forward Sustainment Maintenance
Program (FSMP) as the Battery Maintenance Technician. During this process he was
responsible for 318 pieces of Alpha Battery's Equipment to include Patriot specific
equipment, totaling over $2 identified over $185,000 of excess
equ ipment parts for tum-in. fforts were instrumental in enabling
Alpha Battery to successfully comp e rese rn preparation for the 32D MMDC
Standardized Patriot Evaluation and Assessment of Readiness (SPEAR) and Battalion
Gunnery. He actively mentors all junior officers with in Alpha Battery, not only in Patriot
and conventional maintenance programs but also on operational readiness and Army
standards and discipline.
AFVL-DGB-BC
SUBJECT: Shipton Award Nomination for
Alpha Battery, 15t Battalion, Jth Air Defense Artillery
3. - was chosen above his peers to serve as the Battalion Readiness
Ce~tiple occasions, a demonstration of his expertise in both Patriot and
conventional maintenance. He was also chosen above his peers to~
Battalion at the Quarterly Maintenance Review and AMCOM 101. -has
been widely recognized by his leadership as an individual of high character who can
extend positive influence beyond the Chain of Command and be trusted to create
positive rela ti onships across the Air Defense community. These actions and
characteristics have been vital to the Battalion's training, missio~lishments, and
preparation for the next deployment to the USCENTCOM AOR as
proven himself to be a truly dedicated individual and represents the best in e Air
Defense Artillery branch. t
ndum is the undersigned at (910) 908 -2939 or
~E»Ac;Eb
2012 Knox Award Nomination, .-,UrDefense Artille ry
( ADA) is nominated for the Air Defense
ox Award for ach1eving several notable accomplishments and demonstrating ovel'al!
~ DA 's technical and tactical proficiency are unmatched. During their cwrent deployment
to CENTCOM AOR, they were the only battery whose crews all achieved certification first-1irne ''GOs"
d.uring their Rellef-In-Place/l'ransition-of-Authority (RIP/TOA). Dw-ing the Standardized PatTiot .
Engagement Assessment of Readiness (SPEAR), when the battalion- ormed the best that 32~ci Anny
Air Missile Defense Command (MMDC) had seen in seven years, DA's Engagtmient Control
Station (ECS) crews scored the highest overall. Their ECS earned the coveted Blackjac. k Silv~ d.
and their Battery Co- d Po~t (.SCP) crews scored the second highest overall in batta.lion. ~ A
also recently won th DA BDE Gamer's Cup for "Best Battery•·, including a first place for "Best
MO&E Crew" and second place for "Best Reload Ctew. Throughout their numerous Table vm Gunnery
evaluations, the unit has always certified to the highest standards.
anA is committed to excellence and safety. They have maintained an equipment readiness
rating of 98% or greater. They were the first batte~ battalion to achieve 100% Structured Self
Development (SSD) for respective enlisted grade, ~ A has had no DUis, no Class C (or greater)
incidents, no UAs witll positive results, no incidents of Sexual Assm.ilt/H.iu:assment, no EO complaints,
and has run all weapons ranges safely, and conducted deployment ·preparation deployment, and
employment without a single s,afety incident. They also won first place m illDA BDE' s Gunfighter
competition. In the last four months. tlle unit had two Soldiers win BN Soldier of the Quarter, and one
Soldier wfr1. BN an~ ier of the Quarter. An ~ A Soldier has previously won Fmt Sill,
32nd AA.MDC, an~ oldier of the Year and placed seco11d fo r FORSCOM Soldier of the Year.
lllllt-J)A was also the only battery to have Soldiers nominated as 1:Ieroe.s of the Battle for their
performance during the pre-deploymept MRE/ORE .
- \DA has high unit morale. They focus 011 Soldier care and selfless service. During II busy
and high stress time prior to deployment, a Unit Risk Survey was conducted by the Fort Sill Risk
Reduction Program. and the results showed that DA's unit cohesion was not only above a- ·
for the battalion, but across post. The unit has created a positive a1mosphere that delivers results. _
ADA's method to do this is to take any operation, understand the Commander's intent, receive input from
all parties involved (higher, lower, or late~ overall guidance and standards to subordinates, and
empower them to execute as they see best. ~ DA's leaders make necessary checks and establish
conditions for subordinate su.cce ss. By using this.method, the battery generates ptide at all levels within,
as each Soldier and section take owne rsh ip of their respective part of .an operation. TIEeneTates •'s
trem.endous unit morale when there are positive results, but it also c1-eates resiliency. A has a
caiing and active FRG wit:h consistent high attendance at FRG meetings. Its Key Ca ers an.cl members
actively communicate with its deployed Soldiers and Families in the rear.
In short, regardless of mission, whether ~ n evaluatio11, a joint ai r defense exercise, or a
real world air defense mission in a combat zone, -.OAdelivers outstanding results. The uni t has
demonstrated that they possess the tactical proficiency, warfighting readiness, standards and discipline,
and le.adership that define superb mission accomplishment and overall unit excellence.
~El)AC ·1-El)Unit Award Criteria Evaluation Sheet
Unit:
Type:
Size:
Score Crite ria Ar.hieve ent
~ Only battel'{ to achieve all first time GOs during
Relief ln Pface/fransfer Of Authority Operational
Readtness E'i<erclse (ORE) certifications.
- HI hest overall Engagement Con troi Station (ECS)
average, second highest overall Battery Command
Post (BCP) average during Standardized Patriot
Evaluation and Assessment Report.Ing (SPEAR), where
battalion scoredthe highest 32.nd AAMOC has seen in seven years.
-One ECS Bl ack Jack Crew Silver (lLT Nizolak) SPC Placide,
SPCBentle ""-). __________________ J
, - Wo DA BDE Gamer's Cup for "Best Batter ".
- 1st place "Best MO&E" (CPL Han, PFC Cox).
- 2nd place "Best Reload Crew" {SGT Martin, SPC
Brown, SPC MIiier, SPC Olavarria, PFC Cartwright}.
- Al~~ certified Gunnery Table VIII within intiat
allotted timefrarne iven.
Operational .Readlne.s.s Rate • Maintai ned equipment readiness ratin of 98% o,
Tacttcal Proficiency
reater (.standard is 90%).
Self Development (SSD) for respective enlisted grade.
• No safety incidents Class C (or greater).
• No OU l s.
~ No UA with positive r es ults.
- No incidents of Sexual Assault/Harrassment.
- All w eapons ranges ru n w itho ut a safety incident.
• Conducted DeploYtnent Pre aration, Deployment, and
Emp loyment without a safe Incident .
1----1-----------·-+-'---:a
Other fndicators of Excellence - Wo DA BDE Gunfighter competitio1' (SGT Hatten).
-Two SN Saldters oft.he Quarter (PFC Benton, PFC Olavarria).
- One 8DE and BN Soldi er oftheQuarter(SPC Bentley).
- On e Soldier, previous Fort Sill, 32nd AAMDC, Ill
Corps Seidler of the Year and second place FORSCOM
Soldier of the Year {SGT Woodfield .
- Only battery.to have Heroes of the Battle during
pre-deployment MRE/ORJ: CPL Witte, SSG Roskamp) .
• Above average results for unit cohesion across Fart
Sill during Un!t Risk Survey.
- Active, ca r ing FRG with consistent hi h attendance
- FRG and K act ive! communicate with
dep!oye oldiers and famllles In the rear,
r------------ -_J
COL,AD
Comm anding
--
..-- Shipton Award Narrative
leads his Battery with a clear vision and a mission focused approach. As
. . . . .... .. . . . .
Commander of the '.,. •.:~ - .· . ·- - . .,. . ' ... ' ,. ,.
Battery, 9-as continually balanced criticai tasks with minim.al resources and personnel. He
was hand selected to take this second command in a geographically separated unit for the superior
performance he tendered as the commander of Bravo Battery, f !I • ( • ',_ ... • - j '.
His dynamic and proactive leadership styles bas been crucial to the success of his unitt s mission, allowing
him to anticipated needs e.nd align teams for in advance of requirements.
From day one of command, - ok chll!ge of a misguided unit with dangerously low morale
and shaped it into a unit with vision, focus and discipline. Initially, bis mission was to conduct
testing with only 38 Soldiers assigned. As the testing mission grew, - rafted
build his Soldier strength to I 01, developed training on individual and collective tas~s from scratch. and
coordinated the equipment required to support his Soldiers, all within six months. His technical
knowledge in Air Defense has allowed • p~rvise the creation of doctrine t.'lat was nonexistent for
the 111111!,program, and his mentorship of eleven office.ts directly enabled them to work jointly with
outside DOD agencies to ensure that the mission was not only be ing conducted, but exceeding all
expectations. - vision and abilities have facilitated in the transformation of the IIIIIP rosram
from a test project to a. system the Army has high expectations for fielding.
On the personal level. selfless service and willingness to provide bac~ to the community
have enabled a successful partnership between , MWR and his Battery.
--evitalized the Family Readiness Group, established a program su~porting the local city of
- during community events, and partnered with the local school district t~ have Soldiers inspi re
young adults during Physical Education classes.
embodies the Army Values in all aspects of his po-siti9n, as a leader, ns a father,
and as a mentor, and he sets the example for not only his Soldiers. but the United States Army. In sliort,
he epitomizes the ideal company grade officer and is more than des~rving of the Shipton Award
Colonel, Air Defense
Commanding
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
f-lEADOUARTERS, 30u, AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY BR!GAOE
1611 RANDOLPH ROAD
FORT Sill, Ole 73503--5000
29 November 2012
Commander, 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
Ot'fice of the Commandant, US Asrny Air Defense Artillery School
730 Schimmelpfennig Road, Suite #152
Fort sm, OK 73503
Sir,
I fully endorse that receives your nomination as the James A.
Shipton Award nominee for Fiscal Year 2 s a proven Corn,.i.lander and has been
successfully transforming and leading for over 10 months following a successful
two year tour as the Commander of Bravo Battery, - . - clearly qualified for this
award a.11d is already representing the best of the present and future of our Branch.
has demonstrated outstanding potential throughout his career in our A..'1Ily and has
served with distinction at ali levels of Battery grade leadership. He is a must select for this
award as he embodies the credo of duty. honor and country,
Sincerely,
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY.
2"~ BA TTALION, 51!1 AIR DEFENSE ARTii.Lr.RY
16.14 RANDOLPH ROAD-
FORT SILL , OK 73.503-600!)
ATSF"TPY 1 November 2012
MEMORANDUM FOR the James A. Shipton Award
SUBIDCT: Letter of Recommendation for for Selection as the FC oE
BG James A. Shipton Award nominee for FYt2
l. • is rumds down the best Battery Commander i:t1 this Battalion and the
most outstanding officer/leader I have witnessed in 17 years of service, Jllli s smart, •
aggressive, articulate, mentally and physically tough, an effective trainer and crafty tactician. he
has consistently exceeded every standard for task accomplishment. His unique ability to appl y
the elements of mission command at the tactical l~vel is unmatche4 by his peers. It is -with the
greatest esteem that I decidedly recommend - ~ the Fires <;:!entet of Excellence nomination
for the BG James A Shipton Award . He embodies not only the ideals of this honor, bu.the also
demonstrates the·competence and confidence of one of our Arm.ts best junior leaders.
2. Over the past year, llllloomman.ded a remote Battery in - with his mission focus
on testing a future Air Defense system, S C Not oniy did he successfully command this test
batter-y. but he was able to transform his unit from a completely demoralized battery into a
command where Soldiers are accomplishing the mission and families are truly being taken care
of. - ability to transform his unit into a disciplined organization which exudes esprit de
corps is nothing short of amazing considering that when he took the guidon, the unit was plagued
with the highest rate of drug and discipline problems in the Briga<5:e. He h~ lead over nine
different training operations to prepare his Soldier for the execution of the Early User and
Limited User Tests that will occur over the next six months. Un'hi~ guidance and direction
his Battery has grown from 38 to 104 Soldiers and 70 families. already operating at a
field grade level dealing with Soldier and family issues that are fixed with. being stationed a.t such
a Iero.ote location and also having to deal with several government agencies, contractors and the
Anny acquisition command to coordinate the testing of the JLENS.
3. j ba<: set the standard for this Battalion in his efforts to create a viable Soldier and family
team. He has pioneered several key initiatives within his Family Readiness Group from battery
socials to community events that have built camaraderie and esprit de corps that have been
responsible for sustaining his unit through this complex mission s~t - s unit bas served as an
outstanding example for his peers and superiors throughout the Brigade. He is simply one of the
best young officers our Fires Community has to offer.
LTC,AD
Commanding
-- Individual Award Criteria Evaluation Sheet
Rank;
Name:
Unit:
Platoon ~
Score Ctlterla Achievetnent
Leadership • Selected to Comrn~nd a geographically separated unit as a
2nd Command
- Supervises 103 Soldier battery with 10 Officers . ..
- Command dfmate that supported 8 of 14 reenlistments for
unit stability
- Actively participates in Soldier .alltrainfng and testing·
- Flexlble and resilient towards mission and sc;hedule
changes, limits drastic changes for pred!ctabitity
Technic.al and Tacticar Knowledge - Commands the flrs t.-s- battery with no current OOD
doctrine.
- Develops doctrine, regulations, SOPs, and training fo,_
tasks.
- Routinely briefs <,;o level personnel onii9l mission and
status
- Manages continuo u~oper,:tt!ons and training on
·- /
- Responsible forco·ordination with JPO and Raytheon for
unit training
- Unit participated in two Integrated Fire Control shots
(Armv and Navy} first two in tiistory
Selfless/Community Service . - Continuous coordination and support o4ial Heritage
Celebrations
- Support/execution of al 14111 MWR events.
- Mature and developed FRG.
- Support of._.. city and school district activities and
ceremonies.
- CDC and unit reading program (~tttle Guardians)
- Supports a!I Commander's CUp annual events {3 years
running champions)_
- Consummate professional Tn all areas.
- Lives the Army values
- Continuous self and subordinate growth in Army doctrine
Commitment to Excellence
. and regulations
- Holds ail Soldiers equally accountable according to
regulations and pol1c!es
- Cares by a strong FRG fur his Soldiers and their family
members
(ID Award either Knox or Hamilton) Award Criteria Evaluation Sheet
Unit:
Type:
Size:
Score Criteria Achievement
Tactical Proficiency
Operational Readiness Rate
Safety and Discipline
Other Indicators of Excellence
(ID Award either Shipton or Sage) Award Criteria Evaluation Sheet
Rank:
Name:
Unit:
Platoon:
Score Criteria Achievement
Leadership
Technical and Tactical Knowledge
Selfless/Community Service
Commitment to Excellence