About- U.S. Army space & missile defense command
                /Army forces strategic command

The SMDC/ARSTRAT is built upon a lengthy history of achievement in space and missile defense. Since 1957, when the Army created the first program office for ballistic missile defense, the command has dedicated itself to missile defense research, development and deployment. In December 1962, the command made history with the first successful intercept of an ICBM reentry vehicle with the Nike-Zeus. History was repeated in the 1980s with a new non-nuclear technology. The kinetic energy concept of “hitting a bullet with a bullet” was first proven in June 1984 with the intercept of an ICBM warhead in the Homing Overlay Experiment. In 1987, the Flexible Lightweight Agile Guided Experiment confirmed the concept against shorter-range tactical missiles. Nearly a decade later, the command demonstrated the missile defense applications of directed energy systems. In February 1996, the Mid Infrared Advanced Chemical Laser destroyed a short-range rocket in flight.

USASMDC/ARSTRAT Command Fact Sheet

Enduring Priorities:

• Provide relevant, timely capabilities to the Warfighter
• Take care of people – Serve our Soldiers, Civilians, and their Families
• Safety in all that we do
• Accelerate the Development and Fielding of Space and Missile Defense capabilities/forces
• Sustain close, collaborative relationships across the Space and Missile Defense community
• Operate on a foundation of Values and Teamwork

Guiding Principles:

• Warfighting and Warfighting Support
• Developing Our People
• Public Service
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Collaborative Relationships
• Safety and Risk Management
• Commitment to Change
• Accountable Stewardship
• Mission Assuredness
• Values-based

SMDC/ARSTRAT Organization

USASMDC/ARSTRAT Organization Chart

• Technical Center
  • Space and Cyber Technology Directorate
  • Emerging Technology Directorate
  • Rapid Transition Directorate
• USAKA/Reagan Test Site
      - READ System



• Future Warfare Center
  • Space and Missile Defense Battle Lab
  • Directorate of Combat Development
  • Decision Support Directorate
  • Directorate of Training and Doctrine
     

Command History

The mission of the Historical Office is to provide the requester with accurate information and analysis in a timely manner. The office answers over 125 requests per year from the military community. We also develop, research and write newspaper articles, speeches, conference presentations, and books which seek to explain the development of the command and command related projects. In addition, with our extensive photographic and video collection we have begun to develop exhibits and interactive displays for in-house and museum projects.

• "Seize the High Ground" Command History Book
  by Dr. James Walker, Dr. Lewis Bernstein, Mrs. Sharon Lang

SMDC/ARSTRAT Historical Office Articles

Who Do You Think You Are? Posted 23 March 2011
New Priority -Theater Missile Defense
From Concept to Combat-Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
From Load to Sentry-Defense of the MX
From the Stars to the Foxhole-The Future Warfare Center
Hit to Kill-An Old Concept for a New Era in Missile Defense
Program Executive Office Marks 1 Years
SMDC Mission Begins on Redstone Road
The Army Tradition of the Unit Colors and Uncasing Ceremony
The Road To Kwajalein
The Year that Was-1957
The Homing Overlay Experiment
The Compact of Free Association and the USAKA Environmental Standards
      - A Unique Relationship
U.S. Army Space Command Activated
Army Astronauts in the Space Shuttle Program
Creation of the USASMDC/ARSTRAT Operational Brigades
After 104 years…It's back to blue! U.S. Army changes service uniforms
HELSTF - Home to the MIRACL and THEL Lasers
Directed Energy - Where Did We Begin
NIKE-ZEUS - Where We Began
What Was NIKE-ZEUS?
Strategic Defense Command/Strategic Defense Initiative
Where Do We Get Star Wars?

Staff Ride Documents

The Campaign for Chattanooga
The Battle of Stones River - December 1862-January 1863
The Eastern Mandates Campaign: A Staff Ride Guide for Operation Flintlock, the Seizure of the Marshalls
Kwajalein Staff Ride Tour Pamphlet - February 1944
Roi-Namur Staff Ride Tour Pamphlet - February 1944
The Battle Of Shiloh - April 1862
Wilderness-Spotsylvania - May 1864

• Introduction
• The Wilderness
• Spotsylvania
• Appendices

Historical Timelines

• First ABM Site in the Free World
• A Non-Nuclear Approach
• New Frontiers
• From Concept to Combat

SMDC/ARSTRAT Employment Information

• Currently Being Updated

SMDC/ARSTRAT Contact Information

• Public Affairs Office - 256-955-3887   719-554-1983
• Visitor Access Control - 256-955-2623
• Security Clearance - FAX 256-955-3629
• Address: Redstone Arsenal, Building 5220, Huntsville, AL 35898
  Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1500, Huntsville, AL 35807-3801