Description
Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Officers serve as commanders or staff officers within ground based air defense (GBAD) units, with the mission of providing surface to air fires in defense of Marine air ground task force critical assets from threat unmanned aerial systems, missiles, and fixed and rotary wing aircraft. They coordinate tactical employment of LAAD units through air command and control agencies, sensors, and other air defense weapons. They evaluate intelligence, plan surface to air fires at all echelons, and direct administration, communication, supply, maintenance, and security activities of LAAD units. LAAD Officers also plan tactical employment and command LAAD units conducting airbase ground security operations. The Joint Air Operations Center Air Command and Control Course (JAOC2C) (F19L2W2); JT-101 Introduction to Multi-Tactical Data Link Network Operations Course (JT-101 Intro to MTN OPS) (JKO); JT-102 Multi-TDL Advanced Joint Interoperability Course (JT-102 MAJIC) (A05L6Z1); JT-201 Multi-TDL Network Planners Course (A05KHY1); Antiterrorism Officer Level II Course; MAWTS-1 LAAD Enhancement Training Instructor (LETI) Course; and the MAWTS-1 Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course (M149731) are available as skills enhancement training for the Low Altitude Air Defense Officer.
Core Skills
- air defense operations planning and execution
- tactical command and control
- integration of sensors and weapons systems
- threat assessment and engagement decision-making
- use of air command and control systems
- joint and combined operations coordination
- intelligence integration into operations
- risk assessment and rules of engagement application
- operations center management
- briefing and reporting to senior leaders
- training and readiness management
- team leadership and mentorship
- procedural development and standardization
- incident and event management
- cross-domain coordination (air, ground, cyber)
Common Certifications
- ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
- ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP)
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute Certifications (ICS 100/200/700/800)
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- State POST Law Enforcement Certification
- Firearms Instructor Certification (NRA or state police)
- Executive Protection/Close Protection Certification
Civilian Career Paths
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- IT MANAGEMENT
- NETWORK OPERATIONS
- CYBERSECURITY
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Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Marine Corps publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.