Because sharing these stories and appreciating their sacrifices is one of the most important parts of the match, I'm going to create a separate post for each of the vignettes here. Below the vignette I'll give a brief description of the shooting stage so anyone can get an idea of how we gave competitors just a glimpse of each situation. If you have stage video or pics it would be great if you'd add it as well!
Stage 1: VALLEY OF DEATH
Najaf, Iraq (Doe Valley) 2007
In the late morning of 29 January 2007, SFOD-A 563 (C Co, 2nd Bn, 5th SFG (A) was contacted by local police Chief to accompany his SWAT element to a small compound just north of Najaf, Iraq where earlier in the day the local police attempted to arrest a suspected militant leader and was met with heavy gun fire. Six Iraqi police were killed in the initial contact. When SFOD-A 563 and Hillah SWAT (an elite, USSF-trained element) developed a quick plan to surround the compound in order to arrest the militant leader and his followers. During movement to the compound SFOD-A members observed armed personnel staging on a dirt berm about 300m north of the convoy of 2x USSF vehicles and 10x SWAT pickup trucks. On direction from the TM SGT the convoy made a left flank and drove north toward the berm. With all 12 vehicles on line moving toward the berm, the armed personnel retreated from their positions and seemingly fled. 30 seconds later the vehicles reached the dirt berm and USSF and SWAT quickly dismounted in pursuit. Instantly the dismounts began receiving heavy amounts of small arms fire. To everyone’s surprise the armed personnel had not fled, but had fallen back to secondary fighting positions about 50 meters further north of the berm. At the time, 2x US Army Apaches were overhead receiving heavy gun fire as well, but waived off continued contact.
After several hours of exchanging gun fire with the (Jaish Jena, “Heaven’s Army” militant cult. Two SFOD-A members devised a plan to take out a heavily fortified machine gun nest and RPG firing position that had the left flank of the USSF/SWAT element pinned down. The hasty plan would have one USSF operator “Gravy,” and 30 SWAT members lay down suppressive fire while the other USSF operator “Groucho,” would engaged the nest with a shoulder fired rocket. On the order to fire, the 2 Green Berets and 30 Hillah SWAT members moved to the top of the dirt berm to take out the nest. Immediately upon cresting the berm the element received a tremendous amount of small arms. As dirt flew up from an RPG explosion into their faces and rounds snapped past their heads the 2 USSF operators were suddenly abandoned by their partners. During the exchange the Groucho’s anti-tank weapon miss-fired, re-cocking the weapon, he stood back up to engage the enemy fighting position. Gravy was shot, the bullet impacting the side left side of his helmet. Covering Gravy, Groucho took aim he paused to ensure the rocket would clear the berm he was standing on, then looked down to ensure his footing. In that instant Groucho was shot in his helmet by a 7.62mm round from about 40-50 meters away. Luckily his helmet was enough to keep the round from penetrating his skull. After falling face down in the dirt, the Green Beret got up and began engaging the enemy with his rifle until it was expended, transitioning to his pistol. He engaged the enemy until the Detachment’s Medical Sergeant saw the damage and blood on his helmet, pulling him back to cover to contact MEDEVAC and coordinate Close Air Support.
After reports of two USSF operators being shot in the battle reached the Task Force, air assets from all over theater were diverted to support 563. Fast movers and A/C-130 support was utilized for the next 24 hours to destroy fighting positions inside the compound that approximately cover about a square kilometer. Gravy and Groucho were both stitched up and continued to fight for another 30 hours. They engaged enemy personnel, identified targets for Terminal Guidance Operations, and conducted detainee operations. The Special Forces Detachment Alpha controlled a total 42 coalition aircraft, emptied or “Winchester” two AC-130s gunships’ of ammunition, and was credited with 300-400 EKIA.
Test your presence of mind and physical prowess when confronted with adversity. Play hurt, and finish the fight.
Honor the commitment of Groucho* and Gravy* (who are back in the fight)
Stage brief: Begin below the berm. On the buzzer, load your rifle and make three hits each on the three targets in front of you, FAR to NEAR (to simulate an advancing enemy). Then move to the next hole with your finger OFF the trigger and do the same. Move to the third hole and do it one more time. Engage your safety and leave your rifle pointed downrange, climb the hill, and hit five pistol targets. Reholster your pistol, retrieve and clear your rifle, and call in the medivac on the radio you find there. Any questions? (answer questions) Ready? [BEEP – hit them on the head and splash with water to simulate the bullet strike to the helmet]
Competitor calls medivac
RO answer on radio: AFFIRM, MEDIVAC ETA 2 MIKES, SITE IS SECURE. MOVE TO COWBOY TOWN/SHADDADI; FORWARD OPERATING BASE IN CONTACT
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