Best Friends
Other Soldiers worked with within the 2nd Brigade's sister Infantry Battalions; 1-17 INF and 4-23 INF.
Best Moment
Being selected for Borrowed Military Manning and given a job with the Department of Public Works on base in the furniture/appliances office within the housing department. Also, conducting duties as the 2-1 INF BN LNO (Liason) for the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division during February 2015 Expert Infantryman Badge Competition.
Worst Moment
Being placed in the Battalion S-3 (Operations) again though the job was very temporary.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments
MSM; Awarded for 20 years of service in the United states Army (Retirement Award). JBLM, WA
Best Moment
Shooting a score of 959 (Distinguished) during Winter Gunnery on my Bradley Fighting Vehicle (A13) on December 7, 2013, my Son's 10th Birthday at the Korea Training Center (Rodriequez Range).
Worst Moment
Breaking my leg while conducting security checks while on Battalion Staff Duty in June 2013. Was on crutches until August 2013 and shot a qualifing score of 729 during Summer Gunnery in my Bradley Fighting Vehicle (A13).
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments AAM (9th Award); Awarded for achieving a score of "Distinguished" (959/1000) during Bradley Fighting Vehicle Gunnery at Rodriquez Range, Korea on December 7, 2013. First AAM awarded to me in over 10 y... AAM (9th Award); Awarded for achieving a score of "Distinguished" (959/1000) during Bradley Fighting Vehicle Gunnery at Rodriquez Range, Korea on December 7, 2013. First AAM awarded to me in over 10 years since 2003. 2-9 INF BN. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
AAM (10th Award); PCS award for service to Camp Casey, Korea with 2-9 INF BN, 1st BDE, 2nd Infantry Division from 2013-2014.
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Description
OSR (4th Award); Awarded for overseas service in Korea (Camp Casey-Area I) during 1 year tour from 2013-2014.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
AGCM (6th Award); Awarded for good conduct during the years 2010-2013 3 year period.
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility for thirty consecutive or for six... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility for thirty consecutive or for sixty non-consecutive days, or who meet the following criteria: Be engaged in combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the time in the area of elibility; Is wounded or injured in the line of duty and requires medical evacuation from the area of eligibility; While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, or within the area of eligibility in direct support of military operations. Each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day toward the 30 or 60 day requirement; Personnel who serve in operations and exercises conducted in the area of eligibility are considered for the award as long as the basic time criteria are met. Due to the extensive time period for KDSM eligibility, the non-consecutive service period for eligibility remains cumulative throughout the entire period. The Area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, and the continuous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land and water areas. MoreHide
Comments
KDSM; Awarded for service in South Korea during a 1 year tour of service. (2013-2014)
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operat... The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operations against an armed enemy on or after January 1, 1944. MoreHide
Description MUC (2nd award); Awarded to Task Force 1-28 Infantry Battalion for combat operations in and around Balad, Iraq from September 2009-June 2010 (Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-11). This unit commendation was... MUC (2nd award); Awarded to Task Force 1-28 Infantry Battalion for combat operations in and around Balad, Iraq from September 2009-June 2010 (Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-11). This unit commendation was awarded in June 2011 per official orders and I added it to my permanent record in August 2011. MoreHide
Criteria The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal is awarded by the Secretary of Defense or, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Transpor... The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal is awarded by the Secretary of Defense or, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Transportation, to members of the Armed Forces (including Reserve Components) who perform outstanding volunteer service to the civilian community of a sustained, direct, and consequential nature. MoreHide
Comments MOVSM; Awarded for contributing over 100 volunteer hours while working for the Fort Riley, Kansas USO from AUG 2010-APR 2011. With great pain from my unit Chain of Command this medal was finally award... MOVSM; Awarded for contributing over 100 volunteer hours while working for the Fort Riley, Kansas USO from AUG 2010-APR 2011. With great pain from my unit Chain of Command this medal was finally awarded to me and pinned by the Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Infantry Division Brigadier General MacWillie in a ceremony on OCT 25, 2011. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
ARCOM (4th award); For combat service/deployment in Iraq for OIF 09-11, 2009-2010.1-28 INF,4th BDE, 1st Infantry Division. (Downgraded from a Bronze Star Medal recommendation)
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
AGCM (5th Award); Awarded for good conduct during the years 2007-2010 3 year period.
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Description
OSR (3rd Award); Awarded for overseas service in Kuwait and Iraq in 2009-2010 in support of OIF 09-11.
Criteria The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous... The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. To be eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Service member must be assigned or attahced to a unit participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days or meet one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the amount of time the individual has served in Iraq; While participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or on official duties (regardless of the time spent in Iraq) is killed, wounded or injured to the extent that he or she requires medical evacuation from Iraq; or, While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement. Service members who qualified for the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by reason of service between March 19, 2003 and April 30, 2005 shall remain qualified for that medal. However, any such person may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for that service, at his or her request. In addition, any Army soldier who was authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with arrowhead device in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead device. No service member shall be entitled to both the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal for the same act, achievement, or period of service. Only one award of the Iraq Campaign Medal may be authorized for any individual. The Iraq Campaign Medal may be awarded posthumously to any Service members who loses his or her life while, as a direct result of participating in qualifying operations, without regard to the length of time in the area of eligibility, if otherwise applicable. MoreHide
Comments
ICM w/ 1 bronze service star; For service in Iraq during OIF 09-11 from SEP 2009-JUN 2010.
Best Friends
A lot of the kids that I put into the Army from 2006-2008.
Best Moment
Getting a break and going to Fort Benning, GA for Infantry BNCOC from FEB-APR 2008. My daughter Liberty was born during my recruiting tour in APR 2007.
Worst Moment
Having to report to Recruiting duty so soon after combat in Baghdad, Iraq.
Other Memories
A 3 man (OP) small recruiting station in south-western New York State. 1st Recruiting BDE, Syracuse BN, Olean Company, Olean-Main Station.
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments ARCOM (3rd Award);PCS Award for Meritorious service during tour as an army recruiter from 2005-2008 while stationed at Olean, NY Recruiting office, Syracuse BN, 1st Recruiting BDE. (Downgraded from a ... ARCOM (3rd Award);PCS Award for Meritorious service during tour as an army recruiter from 2005-2008 while stationed at Olean, NY Recruiting office, Syracuse BN, 1st Recruiting BDE. (Downgraded from a Meritorious Service Medal recommendation) MoreHide
Criteria The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated... The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated NCO professional development courses. MoreHide
Description
NCOPDR (2nd award); For graduation of BNCOC (Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course) phase I and II at Henry Caro NCO Acadamy, Fort Benning, Georgia in APR 2008.
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operat... The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operations against an armed enemy on or after January 1, 1944. MoreHide
Description MUC (1st award); Awarded to Task Force 1-41 Infantry Battalion(minus A Company) for Combat Operations conducted in and around Baghdad, Iraq during the period of June 2004-June 2005 (Operation Iraqi Fr... MUC (1st award); Awarded to Task Force 1-41 Infantry Battalion(minus A Company) for Combat Operations conducted in and around Baghdad, Iraq during the period of June 2004-June 2005 (Operation Iraqi Freedom 2.5). Participated in combat with this unit in B Company from AUG 2004-JUN 2005 and did not discover award for this unit until AUG 2011 and received orders awarding this Unit Commendation and added to my permanent record. MoreHide
Criteria The Superior Unit Award may be awarded during peacetime for outstanding meritorious performance of a difficult and challenging mission carried out under extraordinary circumstances. The unit must disp... The Superior Unit Award may be awarded during peacetime for outstanding meritorious performance of a difficult and challenging mission carried out under extraordinary circumstances. The unit must display such outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks as to set it apart from and above other units with similar missions. The award is not given for operations of a purely humanitarian nature. MoreHide
Description
ASUA (2nd Award); Awarded to my unit,1st Recruiting Brigade for outstanding service during the recruiting push in 2005-2006, USAREC achieved over 100% mission during the War on Terror.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
AGCM (4th Award); Awarded for good conduct during the years 2004-2007 3 year period.
Best Friends
All of Those of B CO 1-41 INF during my time there.
Best Moment
Seeing my wife and baby Caden upon my redeployment back to Kansas from Iraq in JUN 2005.
Worst Moment
Seeing those in my unit being injured and killed during combat operations in Iraq and leaving the unit so soon upon redeployment.
Chain of Command
SFC Capone (Platoon Sergeant)
Other Memories
B CO, 1-41 INF, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division. This was my 2nd time serving in the 41st infantry Regiment and 1st AD. Deployed with the unit for OIF II (2004-2005) in Baghdad, Iraq and attached to 2-14INF, 2nd BDE, 10th Mountain Division.
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
ARCOM (1st award); for combat service in Iraq, OIF II 2004-2005, Task Force 2-14 INF, 2nd BDE, 10th Mountain Division (Baghdad, Iraq).
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments
ARCOM (2nd Award);PCS award for achievement/service while serving with 1-41 INF, 3rd BDE, 1st Armored Division and Fort Riley, Kansas from 2004-2005.
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Description
OSR (2nd Award); Awarded for overseas service in Kuwait and Iraq during 2004-2005 in support of OIF II.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
AGCM (3rd Award); Awarded for good conduct during the years 2001-2004 3 year period.
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determine... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determined MoreHide
Comments
GWOTEM; Awarded for my 1st tour in Iraq in 2004-2005 OIF II.
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined. MoreHide
Comments
GWOTSM; Awarded for service during the War on Terror.
Best Moment
Meeting my wife, getting Married and having most of my platoon there at the wedding in AUG 2003.
Worst Moment
Leaving, looking back I wish I would have stayed.
Chain of Command
SFC Woodruff (Platoon Sergeant)
Other Memories
I arrived to the unit just a few months prior to their official activation at Ft. Lewis, WA in APR 2003. C CO, 3-21 INF, 1st BDE, 25th Infantry Division.
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
AAM (8th Award); ETS award, For service to Fort Lewis, Washington and 3-21 INF BN, 1st BDE, 25th Infantry Division during 2002-2003.
Description The 2003 invasion of Iraq lasted from 19 March to 1 May 2003 and signaled the start of the conflict that later came to be known as the Iraq War, which was dubbed Operation Iraqi Freedom by the United The 2003 invasion of Iraq lasted from 19 March to 1 May 2003 and signaled the start of the conflict that later came to be known as the Iraq War, which was dubbed Operation Iraqi Freedom by the United States (prior to 19 March, the mission in Iraq was called Operation Enduring Freedom, a carryover from the conflict in Afghanistan). The invasion consisted of 21 days of major combat operations, in which a combined force of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Poland invaded Iraq and deposed the Ba'athist government of Saddam Hussein. The invasion phase consisted primarily of a conventionally fought war which concluded with the capture of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad by American forces.
Four countries participated with troops during the initial invasion phase, which lasted from 19 March to 9 April 2003. These were the United States (148,000), United Kingdom (45,000), Australia (2,000), and Poland (194). 36 other countries were involved in its aftermath. In preparation for the invasion, 100,000 U.S. troops were assembled in Kuwait by 18 February. The coalition forces also received support from Kurdish irregulars in Iraqi Kurdistan.
According to U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the coalition mission was "to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, to end Saddam Hussein's support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people." General Wesley Clark, the former Supreme NATO Allied Commander and Joint Chiefs of Staff Director of Strategy and Policy, describes in his 2003 book, Winning Modern Wars, his conversation with a military officer in the Pentagon shortly after 9/11 regarding a plan to attack seven Middle Eastern countries in five years: "As I went back through the Pentagon in November 2001, one of the senior military staff officers had time for a chat. Yes, we were still on track for going against Iraq, he said. But there was more. This was being discussed as part of a five-year campaign plan, he said, and there were a total of seven countries, beginning with Iraq, then Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iran, Somalia and Sudan." Others place a much greater emphasis on the impact of the 11 September 2001 attacks, and the role this played in changing U.S. strategic calculations, and the rise of the freedom agenda. According to Blair, the trigger was Iraq's failure to take a "final opportunity" to disarm itself of alleged nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons that U.S. and British officials called an immediate and intolerable threat to world peace.
In a January 2003 CBS poll, 64% of Americans had approved of military action against Iraq; however, 63% wanted Bush to find a diplomatic solution rather than go to war, and 62% believed the threat of terrorism directed against the U.S. would increase due to war. The invasion of Iraq was strongly opposed by some long-standing U.S. allies, including the governments of France, Germany, and New Zealand. Their leaders argued that there was no evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and that invading the country was not justified in the context of UNMOVIC's 12 February 2003 report. On 15 February 2003, a month before the invasion, there were worldwide protests against the Iraq War, including a rally of three million people in Rome, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ever anti-war rally. According to the French academic Dominique Reynié, between 3 January and 12 April 2003, 36 million people across the globe took part in almost 3,000 protests against the Iraq war.
The invasion was preceded by an air strike on the Presidential Palace in Baghdad on 19 March 2003. The following day, coalition forces launched an incursion into Basra Province from their massing point close to the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border. While the special forces launched an amphibious assault from the Persian Gulf to secure Basra and the surrounding petroleum fields, the main invasion army moved into southern Iraq, occupying the region and engaging in the Battle of Nasiriyah on 23 March. Massive air strikes across the country and against Iraqi command and control threw the defending army into chaos and prevented an effective resistance. On 26 March, the 173rd Airborne Brigade was airdropped near the northern city of Kirkuk, where they joined forces with Kurdish rebels and fought several actions against the Iraqi army to secure the northern part of the country.
The main body of coalition forces continued their drive into the heart of Iraq and met with little resistance. Most of the Iraqi military was quickly defeated and Baghdad was occupied on 9 April. Other operations occurred against pockets of the Iraqi army including the capture and occupation of Kirkuk on 10 April, and the attack and capture of Tikrit on 15 April. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and the central leadership went into hiding as the coalition forces completed the occupation of the country. On 1 May, an end of major combat operations was declared, ending the invasion period and beginning the military occupation period.... More
People You Remember Deployed in support of OIF II from AUG 2004-JUN 2005 with 1-41 INF BN which deployed and was attacheDeployed in support of OIF II from AUG 2004-JUN 2005 with 1-41 INF BN which deployed and was attached to 2nd BDE, 10th Mountain Division and under 1st CAV Division and later 3rd Infantry Division. Awarded CIB in DEC 2004 for combat actions in Baghdad, Iraq.... More
Memories
Promotion board near end of deployment for Staff Sergeant. Rough deployment throughout Baghdad.
Description The 2003 invasion of Iraq lasted from 19 March to 1 May 2003 and signaled the start of the conflict that later came to be known as the Iraq War, which was dubbed Operation Iraqi Freedom by the United The 2003 invasion of Iraq lasted from 19 March to 1 May 2003 and signaled the start of the conflict that later came to be known as the Iraq War, which was dubbed Operation Iraqi Freedom by the United States (prior to 19 March, the mission in Iraq was called Operation Enduring Freedom, a carryover from the conflict in Afghanistan). The invasion consisted of 21 days of major combat operations, in which a combined force of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Poland invaded Iraq and deposed the Ba'athist government of Saddam Hussein. The invasion phase consisted primarily of a conventionally fought war which concluded with the capture of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad by American forces.
Four countries participated with troops during the initial invasion phase, which lasted from 19 March to 9 April 2003. These were the United States (148,000), United Kingdom (45,000), Australia (2,000), and Poland (194). 36 other countries were involved in its aftermath. In preparation for the invasion, 100,000 U.S. troops were assembled in Kuwait by 18 February. The coalition forces also received support from Kurdish irregulars in Iraqi Kurdistan.
According to U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the coalition mission was "to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, to end Saddam Hussein's support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people." General Wesley Clark, the former Supreme NATO Allied Commander and Joint Chiefs of Staff Director of Strategy and Policy, describes in his 2003 book, Winning Modern Wars, his conversation with a military officer in the Pentagon shortly after 9/11 regarding a plan to attack seven Middle Eastern countries in five years: "As I went back through the Pentagon in November 2001, one of the senior military staff officers had time for a chat. Yes, we were still on track for going against Iraq, he said. But there was more. This was being discussed as part of a five-year campaign plan, he said, and there were a total of seven countries, beginning with Iraq, then Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Iran, Somalia and Sudan." Others place a much greater emphasis on the impact of the 11 September 2001 attacks, and the role this played in changing U.S. strategic calculations, and the rise of the freedom agenda. According to Blair, the trigger was Iraq's failure to take a "final opportunity" to disarm itself of alleged nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons that U.S. and British officials called an immediate and intolerable threat to world peace.
In a January 2003 CBS poll, 64% of Americans had approved of military action against Iraq; however, 63% wanted Bush to find a diplomatic solution rather than go to war, and 62% believed the threat of terrorism directed against the U.S. would increase due to war. The invasion of Iraq was strongly opposed by some long-standing U.S. allies, including the governments of France, Germany, and New Zealand. Their leaders argued that there was no evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and that invading the country was not justified in the context of UNMOVIC's 12 February 2003 report. On 15 February 2003, a month before the invasion, there were worldwide protests against the Iraq War, including a rally of three million people in Rome, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ever anti-war rally. According to the French academic Dominique Reynié, between 3 January and 12 April 2003, 36 million people across the globe took part in almost 3,000 protests against the Iraq war.
The invasion was preceded by an air strike on the Presidential Palace in Baghdad on 19 March 2003. The following day, coalition forces launched an incursion into Basra Province from their massing point close to the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border. While the special forces launched an amphibious assault from the Persian Gulf to secure Basra and the surrounding petroleum fields, the main invasion army moved into southern Iraq, occupying the region and engaging in the Battle of Nasiriyah on 23 March. Massive air strikes across the country and against Iraqi command and control threw the defending army into chaos and prevented an effective resistance. On 26 March, the 173rd Airborne Brigade was airdropped near the northern city of Kirkuk, where they joined forces with Kurdish rebels and fought several actions against the Iraqi army to secure the northern part of the country.
The main body of coalition forces continued their drive into the heart of Iraq and met with little resistance. Most of the Iraqi military was quickly defeated and Baghdad was occupied on 9 April. Other operations occurred against pockets of the Iraqi army including the capture and occupation of Kirkuk on 10 April, and the attack and capture of Tikrit on 15 April. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and the central leadership went into hiding as the coalition forces completed the occupation of the country. On 1 May, an end of major combat operations was declared, ending the invasion period and beginning the military occupation period.... More
People You Remember 2nd tour to Iraq, Deployed in support of OIF 09-11 and was stationed in Balad, Iraq from SEP 2009-JU2nd tour to Iraq, Deployed in support of OIF 09-11 and was stationed in Balad, Iraq from SEP 2009-JUN 2010. Was a part of 4th BDE, 1st Infantry Division. Stayed at FOB Paliwoda and JBB until redeployment, no combat action this deployment except one RKG-3 grenade attack on my convoy in Aziz Balad on 30 DEC 2009.... More
Memories Meeting John Cena and other WWE stars, reenlisting for "indef", and Seeing General Odierno on ThanksMeeting John Cena and other WWE stars, reenlisting for "indef", and Seeing General Odierno on Thanksgiving Day.... More
Best Friends
Jeff Wright (SGT) Raymond Nauman (SPC)
Best Moment
World Travels and adventures, New Years 2000 in Copenhagen, Denmark and becoming a leader, was promoted from Specialist to Corperal to Sergeant during my 3 years in Germany.
Worst Moment
Having to leave Germany in FEB 2002 and the days and months after 9/11/2001.
Chain of Command
Many during the 3 years (1999-2002).
Other Memories
Served with D, B, and C Companies 1-36 INF, 1st BDE, 1st Armored Division. Deployed to Kosovo with the unit from MAY-DEC 2000 (Operation Joint Guardian).
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments AAM (7th Award); PCS award for service to Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany with 1-36 INF BN, 1st BDE, 1st Armored Division from 1999-2002.(Downgraded from an Army Commendation Medal recommendation)... AAM (7th Award); PCS award for service to Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany with 1-36 INF BN, 1st BDE, 1st Armored Division from 1999-2002.(Downgraded from an Army Commendation Medal recommendation) MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Comments
NDSM (2nd Award); Awarded for national defense for the service qualifying period of 2001-present.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
AGCM (2nd Award); Awarded for good conduct during the years 1998-2001 3 year period.
Criteria The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated... The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated NCO professional development courses. MoreHide
Description
NCOPDR (1st award); For graduation of PLDC (Primary Leadership Development Course) at 7th Army NCO Acadamy, Grafenwhoer, Germany in MAR 2001.
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments AAM (5th Award); Awarded for outstanding achievement during the units CMTC rotation in Hohenfels, Germany in 2000 in prep for upcoming Kosovo deployment. 1-36 INF BN, 1st BDE, 1st Armored Division.... AAM (5th Award); Awarded for outstanding achievement during the units CMTC rotation in Hohenfels, Germany in 2000 in prep for upcoming Kosovo deployment. 1-36 INF BN, 1st BDE, 1st Armored Division. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
AAM (6th Award); Awarded for service during deployment to Kosovo in support of NATO-KFOR during MAY-DEC 2000. 1-36 INF
Criteria The Kosovo Campaign Medal is awarded to Service members who were bona fide members of a unit participating in, or be engaged indirect support of, the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of o... The Kosovo Campaign Medal is awarded to Service members who were bona fide members of a unit participating in, or be engaged indirect support of, the operation for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations or for 60 non-consecutive days provided this support involves entering the area of operations or meets one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat, or duty that is equally as hazardous as combat duty, during the operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in the area of operations; While participating in the operation, regardless of time, is wounded or injured and requires medical evacuation from the area of operations; While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area of operations in direct support of the military operations. MoreHide
Description
KCM w/1 bronze service star; For service in Kosovo during peacekeeping operations from MAY-DEC 2000 while assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division.
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Description
OSR (1st Award); Awarded for overseas service in Germany and Kosovo during my tour from 1999-2002.
On 10 June 1999, the UN Security Council adopted a detailed resolution that outlined the civil administration and peacekeeping responsibilities in Kosovo and paved the way for peaceful settlement of t
On 10 June 1999, the UN Security Council adopted a detailed resolution that outlined the civil administration and peacekeeping responsibilities in Kosovo and paved the way for peaceful settlement of the conflict and the safe return home of hundreds of thousands of Kosovo Albanian refugees and displaced persons. The resolution was passed under Chapter VII of the UN Charter which allowed the security forces to carry weapons to protect themselves and use force in carrying out the resolution's directives. The resolution "authorizes member states and relevant international organizations to establish the international security presence in Kosovo" as set out in the military agreement between NATO and the FRY. That peacekeeping operation was meant to enforce the cease-fire, demilitarize the KLA and other Kosovo Albanian groups, and establish a secure environment for the return of the refugees.
The force had a unified NATO chain of command under the political direction of the North Atlantic Council in consultation with non-NATO force contributors. The NATO countries were united that in the absence of the NATO Joint Guardian force at the core of any international security presence in Kosovo, the refugees would not return and the other NATO objectives would not be met. A NATO force at the core of an international security presence was regarded as the magnet to attract the refugees back. In the absence of a NATO force with American participation, it was the view of the US Government that it was unrealistic to think the Kosovar Albanians would disarm the KLA, something of great interest to Russia. The US believed that if NATO forces deployed, the rationale for the Kosovar Liberation Army having an armed force to protect itself against Serbs would disappear. The Rambouillet envisaged something like 2,500 Serb military and 2,500 police for a year, though with the commencement of Operation Allied Force NATO required all of those forces going, in views of the probability that the Kosovar Albanians would not come home to a situation where those same forces remain at their posts. NATO envisaged the standing up of thousands of Kosovar Albanian police, including possibly people from the KLA, who would be trained by the international community and could serve police functions.
NATO did not contemplate a partition of Kosovo. It had been unofficially suggested that one possible solution was a de facto partition of Kosovo whereby the Russians would patrol the north, the mineral-rich areas, and NATO would patrol the south.
Before Allied Force began operating, NATO had plans to put in a peacekeeping force of 28,000 people. Of that, 4,000 people would have been Americans. By mid-May 1999 NATO had reassessed its Op Plan for the Joint Guardian mission to see to what degree they would need reinforcement beyond the level that was originally foreseen for the KFOR [Kosovo force] international security presence in Kosovo. NATO had 16,000 troops deployed in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia trained for their mission as well as dealing with the enormous refugee inflow. Certain reinforcements from the UK and from Germany were arrived as of mid-May.
The NATO pre-deployment in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was conducted to be in a position to move very quickly into Kosovo to set up an initial military command structure and an initial infrastructure to get the basic functions going. The goal was not only for other NATO troops to come in quickly but also for the transition authority and for the humanitarian relief organizations, which in the very early stages would need a great deal of military back-up, to establish themselves by the time the NATO core element was on the ground in Kosovo.
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People You Remember Deployed in support of Operation Joint Guardian-NATO-KFOR 2A Peacekeeping mission from MAY-DEC 2000 Deployed in support of Operation Joint Guardian-NATO-KFOR 2A Peacekeeping mission from MAY-DEC 2000 with 1st BDE, 1st Armored Division, 1-36 INF... More
Best Friends
Roberto Moran (PFC) Jeff Wright (SPC)
Best Moment
The road trips while off duty!! Also, getting promoted from Private to PV2 to Private First Class to Specialist. Had much fun in this unit and had great leadership from old school NCOs from the Vietnam era through the Gulf War era.
Worst Moment
Task Force XXI (advanced warfighting expiriments) in a non-deployable Division.
Chain of Command
SFC Ocasio (Platoon Sergeant)
Other Memories
A CO 1-22 INF, 1st BDE, 4th Infantry Division, This unit activated and replaced 3-41 INF and 2nd Armored Division in FEB 1996.
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
AAM (4th Award); Awarded for outstanding performance during units CMTC rotation in Hohenfels, Germany. 1-36 INF BN.
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
AAM (2nd Award); Awarded for participation in a Task Force XXI excercise. (impact award) 3-66 Armor BN, 1st BDE, 4th INF Division.
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
AAM (3rd Award); PCS Award, for service to 3-41 INF/1-22 INF 1st BDEs of 2nd Armored Division & 4th Infantry Division, at FT Hood, TX from 1995-1999.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
AGCM (1st Award); Awarded for good conduct during the years 1995-1998 3 year period.
Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments
AAM (1st Award); Awarded for achievement while supporting the units Expert Infantryman Badge competition in SEP 1997, 2-8 INF BN, 1st BDE, 4th INF Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
Criteria The Superior Unit Award may be awarded during peacetime for outstanding meritorious performance of a difficult and challenging mission carried out under extraordinary circumstances. The unit must disp... The Superior Unit Award may be awarded during peacetime for outstanding meritorious performance of a difficult and challenging mission carried out under extraordinary circumstances. The unit must display such outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks as to set it apart from and above other units with similar missions. The award is not given for operations of a purely humanitarian nature. MoreHide
Description
ASUA (1st award); Awarded to my unit (1-22 INF BN) in 1997 for outstanding performance in the Task Force XXI AWE (advanced warfighting expiriment at FT Hood, TX and FT Irwin, CA
Other Memories
Learning how to use an ATM machine for the first time and receiving my first LES pay stub as a Private in 1995 with a take home pay amount of about $750.00 for the whole month.
Best Friends
All my fellow Privates of 4th Platoon "Mad dogs"
Best Moment
Being one of only three guys in my platoon to shoot and qualify "expert" on the M-16 Rifle. In those days only iron sights were used.
Worst Moment
Getting stung like hell by multiple bees during a rest water halt during the 12 mile foot march. I finished the march but in great pain. Some of the Drill Sergeants were also not pleased because during my swatting actions they yelled at me to come over to them and when I did they too were stung as they yelled at me to get away from them.
Other Memories
Graduation was great, my mom was proud and I was glad she was able to be there to attend. Unlike the current Basic Training graduations of today, I graduated in my Class A uniform.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Comments
NDSM (1st Award); Awarded for national defense during the service qualifying period of 1990-1995.
Criteria The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military ... The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military Occupational Specialty identifier based on civilian or other-service acquired skills, the ribbon is awarded upon honorable completion of four months active service. Only one award of this ribbon is authorized, even if an individual completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training. MoreHide
Description
ASR; Awarded for service in the U.S. Army
Other Soldiers worked with within the 2nd Brigade's sister Infantry Battalions; 1-17 INF and 4-23 INF.
Being selected for Borrowed Military Manning and given a job with the Department of Public Works on base in the furniture/appliances office within the housing department. Also, conducting duties as the 2-1 INF BN LNO (Liason) for the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division during February 2015 Expert Infantryman Badge Competition.
Being placed in the Battalion S-3 (Operations) again though the job was very temporary.