The Big Picture episode The Heart Of Army Air Defense Ft. Bliss 1972 Tells the story of Fort Bliss – Air Defense Artillery Center – and the air defense artillery training of US soldiers. Eastman color print, 28 minutes.

• 0:41: Near the center of modern-day Fort Bliss, Texas, stands a small Frontier Army Post, a recreation of the fort as it was over 100 years ago.

• 0:48: Fort Bliss has been home to infantrymen, horse cavalrymen, anti-aircraft artillerymen, and today, air defense missilemen.

• 1:09: Despite changes, the Army’s basic mission at Fort Bliss has remained the same: defense of the United States.

• 1:35: The Army’s role in the southwest began during the Mexican War.

• 2:00: Soldiers protected wagon trains and frontier settlements.

• 2:25: During the Civil War, Fort Bliss was occupied by the Confederacy.

• 2:50: In 1914, Brigadier General John J. Pershing assumed command of Fort Bliss.

• 3:06: Poncho Villa posed a threat to border communities, leading to increased troop presence.

• 3:34: The punitive expedition into Mexico marked the first use of aircraft by American troops.

• 3:45: During World War I, Fort Bliss was garrisoned by the 15th Cavalry.

• 4:08: On the eve of World War II, anti-aircraft artillery was introduced at Fort Bliss.

• 4:25: In 1945, captured V2 missiles led to the activation of the first anti-aircraft and guided missile battalion.

• 5:00: The Nike Ajax air defense missile was introduced in 1953.

• 5:36: Fort Bliss became the home of the US Army Air Defense Center.

• 6:00: Various auxiliary and tenant organizations support air defense training at Fort Bliss.

• 7:00: The Army’s role in North American air defense is carried out by the US Army Air Defense Command.

• 7:38: The Nike Hercules missile system operates to defend against high-altitude threats.

• 9:01: Army air defense weapons protect the field army.

• 9:51: The US Army Air Defense School trains soldiers in complex air defense skills.

• 11:01: Reliable communication systems are essential for air defense operations.

• 12:00: The Birdie fire distribution system coordinates missile fire units.

• 13:39: Classes at the air defense school include study of actual hardware.

• 14:49: The low altitude air defense department trains on various weapons.

• 16:38: The Hawk missile system is designed for defense against low-flying aircraft.

• 18:11: The Hawk missile has been adopted by the Marine Corps and NATO nations.

• 18:44: The high altitude missile department trains on the Nike Hercules system.

• 20:12: The Spartan and Sprint missiles are being developed for ballistic missile defense.

• 21:18: The SAM-D missile system is under development for both battlefield and continental deployment.

• 21:30: McGregor Range supports air defense missile training.

• 24:10: Radar signal simulators provide cost-effective training.

• 26:22: The story of Fort Bliss ends with a traditional ceremony for graduating air defense artillerymen.