Thomas A. Leal

As the in-country Site Lead for the Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT), I manage all facets of training, coordination, and international engagement to strengthen U.S. and partner nation air defense capabilities. Acting as the primary point of contact and lead instructor, I oversee personnel, operational planning, and stakeholder relations, ensuring seamless execution and mission success. I played a pivotal role in establishing Bahrain’s first-ever Patriot schoolhouse and standing up the nation’s inaugural Patriot units, laying the foundation for its long-term air defense readiness.

Key Responsibilities are:

• Establish Bahrain's first-ever Patriot school house and line units.
• Serv as primary in-country point of contact, lead instructor, and supervisor for TAFT.
• Act as liaison between, the Contractor, PM, instructors, students, in-country MIL TAFT, USA-SATMO, and the Foreign Military.
• Responsible for the instruction of specific lesson(s) of the Program.
• Assure that students obtain proficiency in each module of instruction before they proceed to the next area of instruction.
• Responsible for the design, development, administration, and grading of all written and practical examinations.
• Responsible for assuring that course goals and objectives are met IAW the PWS.
• Provide instructors and students with counsel, mentoring, and assessment of their academic performance as required.

As a 14T Patriot ADA Instructor with USATMO's TAFT, I train foreign military personnel on the operation, maintenance, and tactical use of the Patriot Missile Defense System. My responsibilities include:

• Training & Instruction: Delivering classroom and field training to foreign soldiers, ensuring proficiency in Patriot system operations and maintenance.
• Advisory Role: Guiding foreign commanders on tactical operations, SOPs, TSOPs, and system integration to enhance defense capabilities.
• Maintenance Support: Advising on system maintenance to ensure operational readiness and reduce downtime.
• Future Training Development: Assessing and recommending future training needs and system improvements for long-term military readiness.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Fostering strong relationships and effectively communicating with diverse military leaders and personnel.

• Led a team of 4 technicians in a forward-deployed environment, managing scheduled maintenance and on-demand repairs to sustain uninterrupted missile defense coverage.
• Developed and maintained detailed maintenance records, failure reports, and System Problem Reports (SPRs), identifying recurring faults and recommending long-term corrective actions
• Utilized advanced diagnostic tools (oscilloscopes, signal analyzers) to isolate issues in radar systems, power supplies, and communication systems, ensuring prompt and accurate fault resolution.
• Replaced and repaired multiple radar circuit cards and transceiver modules, restoring two (2) radars to full operational capability after extended downtime that impacted company mission readiness in a forward-deployed environment.
• Conducted comprehensive maintenance and troubleshooting on Patriot Missile Defense System components, including the Engagement Control Station (ECS), Radar Set (RS), Launching Stations (LS), Antenna Mast Group (AMG), and Electric Power Plant (EPP) to ensure 100% operational readiness.
• Performed diagnostic testing and fault isolation using automatic and semiautomatic program maintenance diagnostics, built-in test equipment (BITE), and external test equipment to identify and correct system malfunctions.

• Assumed direct responsibility for equipment valued over $600M while in a forward deployed environment with no loss of accountability.
• Independently managed over 31 Personnel in a deployed environment for six months among two different crews with limited supervision resulting in multiple Q1 GMT Missile Reload Certifications and "The Fastest Reload Crew" in the Battalion.
• Trained and Mentored other Crews in 14T responsibilities leading them to "Gos" on certifications and guiding the unit to overall success.
• Only NCO to conduct live missile movement on over 200 missiles; safely expedited missile movement without any incident or damage to equipment being recognized by the 380th expeditionary Air Force as the fourth quarter safety recipient for meticulous attention to safety.
• Professionally developed his soldiers resulting in completion of over 500 correspondence course hours; mentored 16 Soldiers to earn promotable status, and 5 soldiers to obtain the rank of Sergeant.

• Supervised manual and automated supply strategies, and connected with supply and data processing teams to facilitate communication and collaboration.
• Was responsible for the Battalion Command Team's hand receipts and property costing well over $3M.
• Oversaw team planning, implementing and realigning field and base operational strategies.
• Handled daily scheduling tasks and provided administrative support for entire department.
• Drafted agendas, recorded minutes and generated documents to facilitate meetings.
• Continually sought methods for improving daily operations, communications with clients, recordkeeping and data entry for increased efficiency.
• Greeted guests professionally and courteously to cultivate welcoming atmosphere while making safety top priority.

• Was hand selected for the Largest Joint Force mission in over 15 years (PC21) that entailed of over 1,500 participants from across the world to field-test future warfighting capabilities at White Sands, New Mexico.
• Received the opportunity to work and familiarize myself with new Air Defense Patriot Systems such as the Link-On-ELSE, IBCS, and the IFCN Relay.
• Was in charge of onloading live Pac2s Pac3s and MSE missiles then worked hand in hand with Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, SRS Technology, and Northrop Grumman's Civilian contractors to maintain and operate 2 Patriot Launching Stations and prepare them for full capabilities.
• Assisted in the successful launch and engagement of Live MSE, Pac3, and Pac2 missiles demonstrating a show of force and promise in the new Air Defense systems to Higher Management and U.S Allies who were there to spectate.
• Instructed a drivers training class for loading an offloading Patriot Equipment onto trailers and rails, then evaluated them based of the Army Standards and Doctrines.
• Led the loading and offloading of all equipment (ECS, Radar, AMG, EPP, Launchers, Humvee's) onto lowboys and ensured the safeguarding of equipment until the mission was complete.
• Received a Army Achievement Medal and a Token of Appreciation from Major General Gibson for my Performance during the mission (PC21).

• Provided technical training for over 20 soldiers and leaders. Developed, maintained, and updated curriculum material. Conducted remedial training, examinations, and evaluations of personnel per the Air Defense Specialist protocol. Ensured accountability, security, integrity and positive control of test examination materials. Maintained accountability of Patriot equipment and sensitive material valued in excess of $20M . Responsible for the health, welfare, and supervision of up to 8 junior enlisted listed soldiers at any given time.
• Supervised, encouraged and evaluated cross-functional teams by coaching and empowering team members to meet production goals.
• Obtained and enhanced quality benchmarks and objectives by developing and implementing standard practices and control plans.

• Inspected, tested, and adjusted mechanical and electrical systems to facilitate proper functioning.
• Assisted in the insurance of company success by maintaining over $1.1Billion USD worth of equipment 100% operational at all times.
• Repaired all Patriot Systems to include: Launching Stations, Engagement Control Station (ECS), Radar, Electrical Power Plant (EPP), and the Antenna Mass Group (AMG)
• Led the reconstruction of a LS DLTM system following severe flooding during the monsoon season, efficiently addressing water damage to the power supply to restore operational functionality.
• Replaced multiple circuit cards and elements on the radar to make it fully functional after issues had caused the company to be inoperable.
• Partnered with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin civilian contractors to rebuild and recalibrate two AMG systems, valued at over $5 million, ensuring proper alignment and communication with the ECS and RS.
• Competed and was awarded the tittle of "The US Army Best Warrior" in Korea, by showcasing my abilities as an American Soldier through Land Navigation, Weapons Knowledge, Physical Fitness, Mental Endurance, Writing Skills, and Professionalism.

• Sent to OSAN AB, South Korea as a (14T) Patriot Launching Station Operator/Maintainer Crew member.
• Developed Skills in: troubleshooting, rigging, team working, semi-Truck with trailer driving, crane and forklift operating.
• Operated, maintained, reloaded and transported all Systems on a Patriot Launching Station to include live missiles such as: Pac2s, Pac3s, and MSEs.
• Perfected Abilities as a (14T) becoming the Country's "Missile Defender of The Year" awardee twice (2019/2020).
• Led a Joint Force Operation that consisted of transporting and safe guarding over $400M worth of Military grade sensitive material and equipment.
• Evaluated other companies in their capability to perform certain tasks and made a decision on wether the performance was satisfactory using sound judgment and expertise in that field.
• Instructed other companies how to perform 14T Basic System Skill on all Patriot Launching Station mechanical and M901, M902, As well as M903 electrical components, Ready for Action Drills, and Missile Movement/Reload Drills as a part of "Patriot University".

• Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques, and industry.
• Attended 14T Course and graduated top of the class becoming the Distinguished Honor Graduated, Class Leader, and Iron Soldier Awardee.