AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Last month the 31st, 11th and 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigades, collectively resourced and executed an Intermediate Support Element or ISE University Sustainment Training here.
The intent of the training was to bring all 94S series Soldiers in the current area of operations together to share best practices and lessons learned, the 94S military occupation skill is a Patriot Missile System Repairer.
"The 94S is such a vital MOS for the ADA branch as a whole, these Soldiers are working on complex systems that require a skilled-hand and technical expertise to maintain," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Anson Seebeck, 31st ADA Brigade support operations officer.
Soldiers with the rank E-5 or Sergeant use to be the only rank that could become a 94S, now Soldiers of all ranks can now earn that MOS.
The Advanced Individual Training or AIT for a 94S is 52 weeks long and focuses on the principles and concepts of electronics and mechanics, use of electronic, electrical and mechanical test equipment, reading schematics, drawings, blueprints and wiring diagrams and to operate, test and maintain weapons systems.
The intent behind the ISE University was to create an enduring training program that would allow for sustainment of the theater Patriot assets and improve Soldier knowledge.
"I've learned more in five days here than I did in 52 weeks at AIT," said Spc Johnathan Alvarez, a Patriot Missile System Repairer.
The training tried to focus on utilization of diagnostic equipment and shop management from instructors who have recently completed tours in the area of responsibility.
"None of this would have been possible had it not been for two of our instructors we brought in, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Rob Ford from 69th ADA Brigade and Master Sgt. Ralph Tabler from 11th ADA Brigade," said Seebeck.
The 31st ADA Brigade is committed to ensuring that their units maintain a "fight tonight" posture and are able to provide expert air defense from any possible aerial threats.
"At the end of the course the Soldiers received 58hours of hands-on ISE training that they can take back to their units, and ensure that their systems are being maintained by the best," said Master Sgt. Paul Armour, 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, support operations noncommissioned officer in charge.
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