COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (8/27/10) – Soldiers from the 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-based Midcourse Defense) and 49th Missile Defense Battalion (GMD) completed a grueling seven-week certification course and received their diplomas at the GMD Training Course graduation at the headquarters here today.

Three soldiers achieved the highest honors in the class of 15. According to students, the course is a difficult one that takes a lot of dedication. Unlike the usual 70 percent or higher score required to pass other Army classes , this course, which trains Soldiers to protect the nation from ballistic missile attacks, requires students to achieve at least  90 percent to pass the course.

Distinguished graduates were Master Sgt. Daniel Cardoza, senior supply sergeant and Maj. Brian Gary, both of the 100th MDB(GMD), and Sgt. Kenneth Edgeworth, a mechanic with the 49th MDB.            

Each of these Soldiers was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for his work as by Col. Greg Bowen, commander of the 100th MDB(GMD).

These students earned a grade average of 99.5 or higher throughout the class.

"I am very proud of every Soldier who graduates from the GMD Operator Course,” said Bowen. “The course is very demanding, with high standards.  It gives me a lot of confidence in our operational crews knowing the rigorous training they have completed prior to serving on crew.”

The same sentiments were echoed by the guest speaker during the ceremony.

“You are clearly being trained and proven proficient in a weapons system that is rivaled by none,” said Timothy Yopek, acting deputy for readiness for the ground-based midcourse defense program. “You may think your role is minor, but I assure you, it is not.”

Getting qualified to man the missile defense systems is essential to the mission of GMD. Having Soldiers who are qualified to work on crew – as well as back at headquarters – is vital to the strength of these units, said Bowen.

By graduating GTEC, a Soldier receives a T3 additional skill identifier. This class is the first step a Soldier takes in becoming trained on the GMD Fire Control system, the only system in the world that intercepts and destroys intercontinental ballistic missiles.

“Because our brigade exists to protect America against threat ICBMs, the more T3 Soldiers we have, the better we can accomplish our mission,” said 1st Lt. Jeremiah Vandorsten, 100th MDB(GMD) Headquarters and Headquarters Battery executive officer. 

“This is a big hurdle to jump, and I'm sure it's a huge sigh of relief to be done with this intense portion of their training," added Vandorsten.