KAREEM HOLLINS

US Army

U.S. Army

The US Army is the largest branch of the United States military. It is responsible for land-based military operations and is comprised of soldiers who are trained to defend the country and its interests. The Army has a long history of service, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and plays a crucial role in national defense and security. Soldiers in the Army are trained in combat skills, leadership, and teamwork to carry out missions both domestically and internationally.

The 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-43 ADA) traces its origins to World War I, when it was first constituted as part of the Coast Artillery Corps in 1918. Reactivated and redesignated several times, the unit served with distinction during World War II, providing anti-aircraft defense in the Pacific Theater. In recent decades, 3-43 ADA has been an integral component of the U.S. Army’s air and missile defense, notably deploying Patriot missile systems during Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, 3-43 ADA continues to support air defense missions both at home and abroad, upholding its tradition of excellence.

The 369th Signal Battalion was constituted on 26 May 1952 in the Regular Army and activated on 1 June 1952 at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Throughout its history, the battalion has been responsible for providing advanced communications and signal support across various Army operations. It played a crucial role in training soldiers in signal operations, cyber defense, and communications security, adapting to the evolving demands of modern warfare. Today, the 369th Signal Battalion continues its legacy at Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), supporting the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and preparing signal professionals for service worldwide.

The 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-43rd ADA) traces its lineage back to the original 43rd Coast Artillery Regiment, constituted in 1918. Over the decades, the unit has participated in numerous key conflicts, including World War II, where it provided critical air defense in the Pacific Theater. Reactivated and redesignated multiple times, 1-43rd ADA has operated various air defense systems, most notably the PATRIOT missile system, providing protection against aerial and missile threats. Today, 1-43rd ADA continues to play a vital role in integrated air and missile defense, supporting U.S. and allied forces in regions such as the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.