KCENTV:
Within the last month, Fort Hood got a missile defense system that will allow soldiers to train in Central Texas, instead of having to travel to a site like Fort Bliss where one was already installed.
The system, called Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense or THAAD, is an anti-ballistic missile defense mechanism that can shoot down ballistic missiles fired against the United States or our allies.
“As the Army is improving, just as the whole military is improving technologically, it’s important that we do so as well here in Air Defense,” 1st Lt. Chris Carrete said. “And that’s what THAAD is, THAAD is the next piece of equipment that’s going to provide good protection and defense for the country.”
Fort Hood’s system is being used by the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Echo Battery, which has been preparing for more hands-on training in September.
Operating the THAAD system requires a crew of roughly 15 people to run radar, the launch control system, launcher, generator and other pieces…
