Our nation has been in conflict with the Middle East for more than two and a half decades. Air defense artillery has had a considerable impact on conflicts in the Middle East. Threats that make air defense artillery a necessity for these conflicts include a number of aircraft, such as planes, jets, and helicopters, as well as launched munitions like Scud missiles and mortars. Air defense artillery is an ever-evolving force and is there to protect U.S. forces against these threats. Air defense artillery is a group of weapons that divides airspace into two different sectors. Short-range air defense, also known as SHORAD, defends against low-altitude, short-range aircraft and munitions. High and medium altitude air defense, also known as HIMAD, defends against long-range, high-velocity, high-altitude air-breathing threats and munitions. Air and Missile Defense units, also known as AMD battalions, include a combination of SHORAD and HIMAD defensive systems. The Gulf War was a conflict that took place from August 2, 1990 to February 28, 1991. The reason for the United States' involvement in this conflict was to liberate Kuwait from the invasion of Iraq. (Henry) SHORAD had an important role to play in this event by providing protection against Iraqi air and munitions threats. SHORAD, Short Range Air Defense, covers a wide variety of weapon systems. Some of these weapon systems include the Stinger, Avenger and Counter, Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (CRAM) missile systems. MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) is a single-fire, hand-held, shoulder-launched Stinger missile system that defends against helicopters and other low-flying aircraft such as unmanned aerial vehicles. The Avenger is an HMMWV, short for ...... middle of paper ......ns, and will continue to be there until peace is restored and the area is free of defense threats aerial. Works Cited 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Public Affairs Office. “Implications of Theater Air and Missile Defense for Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.” » June 2005: 7-9. March 7, 2011 www.airdefenseartillery.comAndrew Leyden. “Gulf War Debriefing Book.” Hellgate Press/PSI Research of Oregon. 1997Department of the Army. MT 9-1430-601-10-1. Operator's manual for radar assembly, mounted on semi-trailer: AN/MPQ-53. Department of Army Staff. 1993. Lisa B. Henry. “Air Defense Units”. Arab knights. March 7, 2011www.us.army.mil/suite/designerStarkey, Rick. "Divisional Air Defense Artillery Units Learn the Keys". June 2005: 12-15. March 7, 2011 www.firsttofire.com