Pete Hegseth’s military service includes two primary combat deployments where he served in direct leadership and operational roles. His records indicate that he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) during his service in Iraq, which is specifically awarded to infantry soldiers who personally engaged the enemy in active ground combat.

Below are documented examples of his combat experience and actions from his time in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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1. Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq, 2005–2006)

While serving with the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment (101st Airborne Division), Hegseth held multiple roles, including Platoon Leader at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Falcon in Baghdad and later in Samarra.

• Direct Combat Leadership: His officer evaluation reports from this period describe him as a “battle-proven leader” who led his platoon through five months of continuous combat.
• Offensive Operations: He planned and executed air assault raids and missions to clear insurgent activity around the Baghdad sector.
• High-Value Target (HVT) Raid: In one specific engagement, Hegseth led an air assault raid that resulted in the capture of an Al Qaeda in Iraq cell leader.
• Defense of FOB Falcon: He was responsible for developing and maintaining the sector defense for his platoon during a three-month period of sustained insurgent attacks on the base.

2. Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan, 2011–2012)

Hegseth deployed to Afghanistan as a Captain with the Minnesota Army National Guard, serving as a senior counterinsurgency (COIN) instructor and operations officer.

• Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Lead: During an insurgent attack in October 2011, Hegseth led a Quick Reaction Force to secure a site and assist in the recovery of casualties. His evaluators noted his “personal courage” and “calm under fire” during this event.
• COIN Training: He was also credited with redesigning the counterinsurgency guidebook for NATO forces and training international students in tactical operations within a combat theater.

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Summary of Combat Credentials

His service record includes several medals that distinguish his combat service from standard meritorious service:

• Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB): Awarded for active engagement with the enemy in ground combat.
• Bronze Star Medal (2): He received two Bronze Stars—one for his service in Iraq and one for his service in Afghanistan. While these were awarded for “meritorious service” rather than “valor” (which would include a “V” device), they reflect his performance in a designated combat zone. +1
• Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB): Earned during his initial deployment to Guantanamo Bay, demonstrating mastery of infantry skills prior to his combat deployments.

Note: There has been some online discussion regarding the lack of a “V” (Valor) device on his Bronze Stars. In the U.S. Army, a Bronze Star without the “V” device is a common award for officers of his rank (Captain/Major) for successful leadership and mission accomplishment during a combat deployment.+1

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