2019 Legion 9/11 Memorial Run N Gun: Sept 7-8, Park City, KY

**Matt in TN** · 09-10-19, 15:39

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

**Matt in TN** · 09-10-19, 16:06

Stage 2: JUST DOING MY JOB
Shaddadi, Syria (Cowboy Town) 2017

On 16 February 2016, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched an offensive to capture the strategic city of al-Shaddadi and the surrounding countryside, with a force of about 6,000 fighters and a few, embedded USSF advisors. SDF forces attacked mainly from two axes, from the Abdul al-Aziz Mountains and from the al-Hawl area, advancing towards Shaddadi from the northwest and the northeast. With advice and assistance from accompanying USSF, SDF forces captured 48 villages and hamlets in a matter of days. Over 79 ISIS militants were killed, and another dozen wounded in the clashes.

USSF, and Coalition Forces quickly established a foothold in the strategic location, with an inner perimeter to protect its Command and Control node and an outer perimeter manned by the SDF, who would rather die than risk a Coalition wounded in their fight to defeat ISIS. Despite this, two specially selected Green Berets, K and J, named JEDBURGHs in honor of WWII heritage, remained “outside the wire,” to embed and integrate with the SDF’s Command and Control and provide real-time coordination and ground truth to the Command element. However, wounded but not defeated, ISIS attacked the newly established Forward Operating Base with 8 suicide bombers and a force of over 22 militants. K and J quickly assessed the situation, hastily retrieved additional grenades and ammunition, and raced to the contact on and SDF vehicle to support the crumbling SDF defense. Operating in tandem, they provided suppressing fire for each other and unknown SDF to bound between fighting positions and engage the suicide bombers before they could breach the inner compound. K, realizing an enemy attempt to break through, used multiple grenades to disperse the enemy, allowing J and the SDF to finish the fight. They continued to pursue the enemy and then coordinate Close Air Support, resulting in multiple Enemy KIA. Countless SDF and Coalition Force casualties were prevented as a result of their actions. While K and J both received valorous awards, they asked not to be named here, simply saying “I was just doing my job.”

Be prepared to work as a team, adapt to your situation, close with and destroy the enemy.

Stage brief: Begin in the back of the truck. On the buzzer, load your rifle and make three hits on the far target while driving forward. Dismount the truck to the right and perform a successive bounding maneuver with a real live Green Beret as your partner to move through two cover positions into the barn. Once in the barn, lob a grenade out the window (RO throws a grenade sim to provide an actual explosion), then exit and neutralize all targets, and call in an airstrike with the radio you find there. Any questions? (answer questions) Ready? [BEEP]

Competitor calls in airstrike

RO Answers On Radio: DARK6 is RIFLE, break contact and move to support 555, .5k West at cave complex from your position. Abu Jas’m standing by with target packet.

**Matt in TN** · 09-10-19, 16:16

Stage 3: HOSTILE UNDERGROUND
PAKTIKA, AFGHANISTAN (the CAVE) 2011

Eastern Afghanistan often pitted U.S. troops against waves of insurgents who attacked from bunkers and caves. Enemy networks use subterranean caves and tunnels to avoid aerial and satellite detection, as well as provide protection from various munitions. On June 22, 2011, American forces had to be reinforced several times during the two-day firefight in southeast Afghanistan's Paktika province. The sole U.S. fatality in the attack was Army Master Sgt. Benjamin A. Stevenson, a highly decorated member of one of the Army's special mission units, and previously of 5th SFG (A).

In the Paktika raid, U.S. and Afghan troops attacked an insurgent encampment under cover of darkness last week, killing nearly 80 foreign fighters -- mostly Arabs and Chechens brought into Afghanistan from Pakistan. But as they searched the site in the daylight, they were attacked by two more waves of insurgents who came out from underground bunkers and caves. Additional U.S. forces were called in several times as reinforcements as the firefight stretched on.

The target of this raid was a camp full of fighters from the so-called Haqqani network, responsible for many recent attacks in Afghanistan and is closely tied to al Qaeda. The presence of so many foreign fighters among an insurgent group that typically relies on local Afghan and Pakistani populations indicated a High Value Target, or enemy combatant of high importance.

MSG Benjamin A. Stevenson was 36, from Canyon Lake, Texas, on his 10th tour of duty in the war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq when he was killed.

In this stage, test your ability to keep your cool and engage threats in a constrained, low-light environment.

Stage brief: Role Player Outside Cave: Al Queda’s head commo guy is in there with great intel. Hand me your rifle and go get him!

Stage brief: On the buzzer, move forward WITHOUT USING ANY LIGHT (stage is dimly lit with green chemlights) while manhandling your POW in front of you as cover and neutralize all enemy targets. There are no friendlies in the cave. Any questions? (answer questions) Ready? [BEEP]

In the back of the cave is a stash of weapons (two RPGs, a Dragunov, and an AK) surrounding an 8" x 10" sign that says "Enemy radio frequency: 154.620 MHz" This information should have been noticed and recorded for later use.

**Matt in TN** · 09-10-19, 16:25

Stage 4 (10k Only): TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
NORTHEASTERN SYRIA (CLUBHOUSE) 2019

At 6-foot-5, Jon was a towering warrior, and physically intimidating even without a Green Beret and a chest covered with medals. But to those of us who served with him closely, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Farmer was more than a decorated soldier, more than six overseas combat tours, more than a giant. He was a leader, a mentor for those who wanted one, a "Viking" who was as generous with his knowledge as the huge hugs, which he was known to offer freely. He was truly a warrior-philosopher, a paragon of his profession, and—above all—a good man.

He was a friend, a father-figure and to many, a legend.

For most of his career he was an engineer sergeant for Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha, whose motto is "Taking Care of Business," according to teammates. Farmer took care of business, but he also took care of others. There are no words to describe his character and his impact on so many people's lives.

While many missions involve secrecy Green Beret’s like Jon are willing to put their lives on the line for their country, no Green Beret will leave another behind. When the suicide bomber struck and the call went out, the closest support happened to be Jon’s Command Team. Both the Task Force Commander and Jon’s Battalion Commander immediately responded to the scene, without hesitation moving on foot to render aid.

The Soldiers of the Legion share fond memories of Jon, as a testament to the warrior profession and as a man of character.

In this stage, assess the situation, react immediately. Remember Jon during the stage, and after the match.

“Often, for undaunted courage, Fate spares the man she has not already marked.”
-a Viking proverb

Stage brief: On the buzzer, advance up the hill and locate your team-mate who was just injured in the blast (arty sim fires while competitor advances up hill). Drag him (a 180lb Rescue Randy) to cover, and neutralize 5 pistol targets. Proceed down the hill to the helicopter (wobble platform) neutralizing pistol targets along the way. Mount the helicopter and neutralize three rifle targets in the woods.

**Matt in TN** · 09-10-19, 16:31

Stage 5 (10k Only): MARLOW’S MARAUDERS
SOUTHEASTERN SYRIA (RED BARN) RECENT* 2019

In Southeastern Syria, Special Operations Detachment-Alpha (SFOD-As) continue to pursue the remnants of the Islamic State. They will not tire, they will not falter, and they will not fail. The reward of persistence, planning and preparation is an unfair fight for the enemy.

The delicate balance between these three aspects of operations is tempered with training and specialized techniques. Retaining information, attention to detail, and applying that information appropriately to any operational environment is the key to success. Whether a simple link up between forces, or crucial intelligence to complete the mission, or the cognitive application of training.

Through careful reconnaissance, observation, planning and preparation, a team from 3rd BN, 5th SFG (A) found such a success in a cornered and hostile enemy, fleeing members of the disintegrating Islamic State. Through careful, but hasty application of precision fire this contact resulted in over 40 enemy killed in action.

Use attention to detail, stay mentally sharp, and retain information under pressure to shoot the most effective course of fire. The mind is the best weapon.

Stage brief:* Begin with your rifle unloaded on the deck. On the buzzer, engage the far target (645 yds) with two rounds from the long rifle (provided). Retrieve and load your rifle, and hit all the rest of the targets (20 in total, ranging from 100 to 340 yds) one time each. A far target miss can be made up with your rifle. Any questions? (answer questions) Ready? [BEEP]

**Matt in TN** · 09-10-19, 16:39

Stage 6 (10k) or 4 (5k): THE SHARKMEN
GAZA VALLEY, AFGHANISTAN (Powerline cut) 2014

In the days following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the Defense Department sent two teams of Army Special Forces soldiers to Afghanistan to bring down the Taliban. Years later, SFOD-A 5125, the “Sharkmen,” named for their ability to conduct underwater infiltration, continued the missions that generations of the Legion conducted before, in Gaza Valley, Afghanistan.

09 Jun 2014, the Team was conducting a high-profile, multi-day mission when they came under fire by enemy forces in large numbers. Scott Studemend, Weapons Sergeant, and five other Green Berets were killed after an incorrect grid was passed for a bomb drop. 2, 500lb bombs landed nearly exactly on their position. Prior to that, the men were engaging at distances of 200 to 500 meters to allow the remainder of the team to maneuver against overwhelming numbers of enemy forces.

Maximize use of cover, keep your nerve and don’t forget anything important.

Stage brief: On the buzzer, shoot the numbered targets through the corresponding ports, in the order of the enemy radio frequency. Any questions? (answer questions) Ready? [BEEP]

A VTAC board is set up with numbers assigned to 6 different ports, and six targets are scattered across a hillside from 100 - 300 yds with a number next to each. The competitor must make a hit on target #1 through port #1, and so on until they complete the 6-digit radio frequency they should have seen in the cave. No target distances are given, but there is a range card (with distances to telephone poles, rock outcroppings, and a road) on the VTAC Board.

There is also a 7th target marked with a #15 jersey they were told to watch for as an HVT during the morning shooters' briefing. Recognizing that and making the hit would remove 20 seconds from the shooter's stage time.

**Matt in TN** · 09-10-19, 16:45

SFC William M. Bennett is remembered by colleagues as a man of contradictions: a fitness buff who enjoyed a good cigar, a challenger of authority who respected decisions he disagreed with.

Master Sgt. Jeff Mason said Bennett came across as cocky when they first met, but he soon learned: “Bill not only talked the talk, he walked the walk.” Bennett spoke his mind, but his loyalty was never in doubt, Mason said.

During a firefight on Sept. 12, 2003 in Ramadi, Iraq, Benet was involved in intense urban combat, conducting constant raids against extremists, some of whom we now know as Al-Qaeda.

The fight was brutal, pre-dawn, and after a dry hole the assault force encountered a well armed enemy with prepared fighting positions. Still, to a man the Team kept the momentum and despite its losses, eliminated the threat.
**
In this stage test your ability to observe critical details, apply them, and demonstrate your ability to ‘put it all together, regardless of contradictions.

Stage brief: On the buzzer, search the last three bays to find and neutralize the HVT using only your pistol with a single shot to the CENTER of his head. The number of the house the HVT is hiding in was given in order along the trail. Any enemy you find while searching MUST be neutralized. If you are shot while searching you must CRAWL to finish the stage – Green Berets never give up. Any questions? (answer questions) Ready? [BEEP]

6 small houses were set up in the back corners of three pistol bays, each marked with a 4-digit "address" using the digits 1, 2, 3, and 4. On the trail between stages 2 and 3 were signs with these four digits on them, with about 100 yds between each sign. If you noticed and recorded the order of those numbers, you had the address to the HVT and only had to make one shot to the head to finish the stage. If you entered the wrong house, you might have to neutralize 3 bad guys, see 3 good guys, or be hit with a 50 cal machine gun simulator and have to crawl for the remainder of the stage.

**Matt in TN** · 09-10-19, 16:52

And the final mental test: establishing bona fides. In the morning safety briefing shooters were told if they saw a man in a red hat, they should approach him and make up a reasonably natural sounding sentence using the words "licorice" and "red" to establish their bona fides and good things will happen.

Two of these guys (for redundancy) were located between stages 6 and 7 (or 4 and 5 if doing the 5k), and if you established your bona fides correctly they simply said "Get in the back of the truck" and gave you a ride to the next stage.

More than half the competitors walked/ran right by them and never engaged. Some even talked to them directly, but failed to notice the red hats or remember the correct words.