JAMES D. CRABTREE's experience in air defense began in 1982 when he enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery. He was trained in Hawk II, Patriot and Stinger Missile systems and was then sent back to the United States from West Germany with an active duty ROTC scholarship. Returned to active duty as a 2nd Lieutenant, Crabtree served as a Hawk III Tactical Control Officer during Desert Storm and led a survey team into southern Iraq. Before leaving the service, he was assigned to a General Staff position.