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Why is HP working with you guys? Joe Alber

Why did norad get rid of using twitter?

We'd love to know the answer to that too! While we have experience tracking Santa and his reindeer, we have no clue what would happen in that scenario. But we can tell you -- that hasn't happen in the 67 years of us tracking Santa.

Lt. Carter here! The vast majority of support for this program comes in the form of volunteer support. The NORAD & USNORTHCOM Public Affairs office maintains oversight, but only myself and Capt Collier (who comes in to provide additional help during the busy season) are on the job full-time.

That must have been so cool. (Cool as in great)(Ha!)

Thank you for doing this AMA. It’s appreciated.

You have a lot of insight into Santa's propulsion systems and tracking abilities! Sounds like you've done your homework -- curious, what do you think?

What kind of SEAD does Santa's sleigh have so as to not get Patriot'd out of the sky?

We can confirm we're expecting 4 new Santa cams to come online this year. Be sure to check in on the 24th and let us know if you can spot them!

Is it done on a volunteer basis or has it been incorporated into the job?

What happens if Rudolph is sick an unable to fly?

Historically speaking, Santa typically takes flight around 6 a.m. EST. On average we have around 1,000 volunteers each year who help make the magic--they really are the heart of the program! If you're not sleeping when Santa arrives he'll circle back later--but only if you're sleeping...

This is Captain Collier ... so many years ago, in 2007, I was stationed at Peterson Air Force Base (now Space Force Base) where NORAD is based. I was a young, single Airman, and my family was back east in Florida, so no one I knew lived out here during Christmas. There was an all-call put out to see who would like to volunteer to be a Santa Tracker and I volunteered. I had an absolute BLAST! I got to speak to kids in New Zealand and Australia and it was very heart warming. I get goose bumps just thinking about it!

1). The secret to that is in Rudolph's red nose! It gives off a pretty distinct signature...

2). Depends on who you ask!

No specific changes have been adopted for our tracker this year, but we definitely encourage people to visit the website for some of the newer materials, including new games and other info: https://www.noradsanta.org/en/

The words "off course" and "restricted airspace" hold no meaning for Santa! Only Santa knows his course, which is why we see variations to his route year-to-year.

Is Santa Live on Norad through his Computer? Will the Tracker Look Different?

Are there new santa cams?

What are your plans for adjusting to evolution in sensor defeating technologies deployed by Santa? Are reports of his radar cross section reducing each year accurate? Has there been any success in drone deployed IRST assets to determine the efficiency of Claus's propulsion system?

What has been your favorite experience being part of this mission ?

Good question ... we always like to ensure people know we track Santa, so we never know his exact route until he's airborne. However, we have 67 years worth of data that has shown he'll depart the North Pole along the International Date Line and head east to west, traveling north and south as well to deliver gifts.

When does Santa leave? How many volunteers are there? What happens if you’re not sleeping when he’s supposed to come?

1). How do you distinguish between Santa’s sleigh and Russian ICBMs with a 100% confidence level?

2). Are you on the Naughty or Nice list?

Is there a protocol for if Santa goes off course or flies into restricted airspace?

Does the tracker look different this year?