In 2007 General David Petraeus authorized the Battlefield Promotion Program to recognize and promote Soldiers for extraordinary performance of duties while serving in combat or under combat conditions. To qualify for a battlefield promotion, Soldiers must be serving in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom. Recently, Lieutenant General Charles H. Jacoby Jr. , the 1st Corps Commanding General, Multi-National Corps-Iraq (MNC-I), authorized battlefield promotions for two Soldiers of Task Force (TF) 3-3 Air Defense Artillery (ADA), the first for the 11TH ADA Brigade in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

     TF 3-3 ADA, the “I STRIKE” battalion, is currently deployed to Iraq providing counter-rocket, -artillery and -mortar (C-RAM) protection for Coalition Forces on multiple forward operating bases (FOBs) throughout Iraq. While all the Soldiers of the battalion execute combat operations in an austere environment daily, the chain of command selected two Soldiers for battlefield promotion, an exceptional honor.

     Newly promoted Specialist (SPC) Eric Cifuentes of Echo Battery, 5-52 ADA (E/5-52 ADA), from Gaithersburg, Maryland, was the first Soldier to receive the honor of a battlefield promotion in his unit. He enlisted in the Army as an Avenger Crewman and is currently serving as a Base Defense Operations Center Battle Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) in defense of Camp Victory Iraq. He is responsible for ensuring that early warning is provided to all members on the FOB for any indirect fire threat, and assists in the mobilization of Coalition response (US Forces of Iraqi Police) to positively identify threats. This position is normally held by a much more senior NCO. He was nominated by his chain of command for his “can do” attitude and stellar performance while serving under combat conditions. For his hard work and devotion to duty he was promoted from Private First Class (PFC) to SPC.

     SPC Cifuentes said, “It hasn’t dawned on me yet… about the significance and honor of my battlefield promotion.  I am just glad that I was given the opportunity to deploy to Iraq.  I enlisted in the Army to serve my country in combat, and here I am.”

     Another newly pinned SPC, James Gray, also from E/5-52 ADA and originally from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, received the second battlefield promotion of the battalion. He enlisted in the Army as an Avenger Crewman but is serving as a Counter-Rocket, -Artillery and -Mortar (C-RAM) Engagement Operations Center Battle NCO. As a young PFC, Gray executes the daily combat operations of a more senior NCO position, Gray is responsible for ensuring the friendly protection of coalition aircraft by clearing the air space prior to firing 20 MM cannons, and intercepting any inbound indirect fire threats. PFC Gray displays maturity and zeal which has made him one of the most indispensable Soldiers in his battery. For the afore mentioned reasons and many more he received a battlefield promotion to Specialist.

     SPC Gray Said “it feels good to do my part and defend my country in its time of need.  I am the first person in my family to serve in combat.”

     SPC Cifuentes and SPC Gray have been serving together since basic training and have always challenged each other in their daily performances. They expressed their gratitude for the support of all their battle buddies, NCOs, and Officers who mentored them along the way. They specifically wished to single out, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Marshall and Staff Sergeant (SSG) Gaines, their platoon sergeants, while with TF 3-3 ADA.

     Captain (CPT) Douglas Simmons and First Sergeant (1SG) Robert Navarro, make up the command team for E/5-52 ADA , and make Soldier care their daily priority. Simmons and Navarro worked for months to ensure that Cifuentes and Gray were properly recognized.

     CPT Simmons summed up the efforts as these two Soldiers as, “…essential to the counter-rocket, -artillery and -mortar fight here at Victory Base Camp.  These Soldiers literally have thousands of lives in their hands daily, and deal with tangible threats that cause battle damage every day.”

     1SG Navarro added, “…I know these Soldiers have saved lives through their individual efforts. The protection these Soldiers provide literally allows me to sleep at night, knowing I will wake up the next day.”

     The Task Force Commander, LTC Randall McIntire, stated “This is one moment out of my 20-year career that I will distinctly remember. This is the first time I had the honor to experience something like this with my Soldiers, and I could not think of two better Soldiers to have earned these distinguished promotions.”

     This unique moment was celebrated amongst fellow Soldiers within TF 3-3 ADA in an equally unique place. They all gathered on a scenic patio overlooking Saddam Hussein’s former palace, the Al-Faw Palace and “Victory Lake” on the Victory Base Complex, a place where other American Soldiers fought valiantly six years prior.

     I Strike!