Classification note: This document is not classified. All names, dates, times, locations, and units have been changed and the operation name, Dark Anvil, is fictional. The classification S/ACCM (Secret /Alternative or Compensatory Control Measures) is listed as an educational device. ACCM are security measures used to safeguard classified intelligence or operations when normal measures are insufficient to achieve strict need-to-know controls and where special access program (SAP) controls are not required. Documents with classified information must be protected.
Enclosure 1: Narrative
As a non-promotable sergeant serving as a squad leader, a Staff Sergeant position, Sergeant Rock performed beyond expectations throughout OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. He exhibited outstanding leadership and bravery during more than twenty combat missions and patrols in the "Sunni Triangle", the most volatile area in Iraq. Due to his proven performance and abilities, he and his squad were regularly selected to be the platoon's main effort. His technical and tactical expertise and advice was routinely sought by more senior non-commissioned officers. He demonstrated strong leadership and sound judgment on missions ranging from executing raids on enemy strongholds to providing personal security for the commanding general. His decisive actions on multiple objectives contributed to mission accomplishment and ultimately helped bring all of his Rangers home alive.
(S/ACCM DARK ANVIL) During OPERATION GO-GO GADGET, Sergeant Rock's direction resulted in his squad's first enemy KIA and played a vital role in the success of the mission. During the unexpected and intense firefight that took place, more than a dozen foreign fighters maneuvered around a city block on the roofs of the surrounding buildings. The enemy was engaging exposed coalition forces with small arms fire, hand grenades, and even resorted to throwing live mortar rounds off the roof tops in an attempt to evade capture. As the enemy inflicted multiple casualties on Task Force 33 personnel, Sergeant Rock kept his men calm and alert. They maintained their blocking position to prevent the enemy from entering or leaving the objective area. As one foreign fighter armed with an AK-47 and grenades exited the target building near his blocking position, TF 33 personnel engaged the enemy but failed to hit him, causing him to flee. While TF 33 rounds being fired at the terrorist were impacting around his battle position as the fighter ran straight toward his position, Sergeant Rock exposed himself, took aim and killed the enemy. His brave actions served as an example to the other members of his squad. Sergeant Rock then organized and led his squad to clear the enemy. His quick decisions, courage, and superb marksmanship ensured mission accomplishment and the safety of his comrades.
(S/ACCM DARK ANVIL) Again on the night of 2 March, Sergeant Rock demonstrated exceptional leadership in the midst of a rapidly escalating firefight. Without warning, the platoon was called to immediately move to and secure a vehicular crash site. Sergeant Rock had his squad loaded on vehicles and en route to the crash site in less than five minutes. He quickly established a security perimeter around the crash site, organized litter bearers, and began the search for sensitive items. After transporting personnel to the hospital, his squad moved out to quickly plan and execute OPERATION GENIE with TF 33. As TF 33 personnel assaulted the second objective of the operation, hostile fire erupted from an adjacent building. As the fire erupted, an armed Iraqi suddenly burst through an open gate in front of Sergeant Rock's blocking position and raised his weapon in the direction of TF 33 personnel. Sergeant Rock's M249 gunner did not hesitate to engage and eliminate the threat. Over the course of the night, Sergeant Rock's squad secured a vehicle crash site, assisted in the evacuation of six Ranger casualties, and executed a combat operation consisting of two separate objectives and killed one enemy foreign fighter. His performance and leadership throughout the course of this tumultuous night were outstanding and were equal or superior to the actions and leadership expected of a more senior squad leader.
(S/ACCM DARK ANVIL) Often, the platoon was tasked to execute combat operations with little notice. Despite exceptionally short time constraints which left Sergeant Rock limited time to brief his squad and conduct rehearsals, he was able to quickly communicate the mission critical information to his men and ensure that they were properly prepared to complete the mission. His squad's actions during these operations were an example to the unit. Notably, during OPERATION IRON CROSS, the original target set contained seven separate objectives. In addition to the seven planned objectives, HUMINT sources generated multiple new targets en route. This resulted in the platoon being tasked to clear three new target objectives with no knowledge of where they were or what they looked like. Despite this lack of information, Sergeant Rock led his squad exceptionally well. His squad served as the assault element on every objective. Sergeant Rock's squad's ability to successfully accomplish any mission given is a direct reflection of his leadership and skill.
(S/ACCM DARK ANVIL)Sergeant Rock's actions and those of his squad were a vital part to the platoon's high rate of success during combat operations throughout Iraq. They were always assigned the most difficult missions within the platoon. His squad was always at the point of the spear on the battlefield and took the appropriate actions necessary to ensure mission success. He exhibited courage, an exceptional ability to make sound decisions under extremely stressful conditions, and superb leadership that helped save lives.
Classification note: This document is not classified. All names, dates, times, locations, and units have been changed and the operation name, Dark Anvil, is fictional. The classification S/ACCM (Secret /Alternative or Compensatory Control Measures) is listed as an educational device. ACCM are security measures used to safeguard classified intelligence or operations when normal measures are insufficient to achieve strict need-to-know controls and where special access program (SAP) controls are not required. Documents with classified information must be protected.
