Pete Buttigieg, a prominent figure in American politics, often highlights his military service as a defining aspect of his background. For many seeking to understand his credentials and experiences, a key question arises: What Did Pete Buttigieg Do In The Military? This article delves into his service record, drawing from military documents to provide a detailed account of his role as a Navy intelligence officer in Afghanistan. Understanding his military service offers valuable insight into a significant chapter of his life and career.
Key Role in Afghanistan Threat Finance Cell
Military documents obtained by news outlets shed light on Buttigieg’s deployment to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Significantly, he served in the Afghanistan Threat Finance Cell (ATFC) in Kabul from March to September 2014. This assignment placed him in what the military designated as “an imminent danger pay area,” highlighting the inherent risks of his location. During this period, Buttigieg was still serving his first term as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, showcasing his commitment to both his civilian and military duties.
The ATFC played a crucial role in the broader mission in Afghanistan. Its primary objective was to “identify and disrupt Taliban, Al-Qaida and other insurgent financial support networks in Afghanistan.” Buttigieg’s work within this cell was focused on cutting off the financial arteries that fueled terrorist activities. His responsibilities extended to representing the ATFC in “high level briefings.” Furthermore, the documents reveal he “coordinated intelligence sharing and targeting deconfliction” methods with a variety of organizations, indicating a collaborative role in sensitive and strategic operations.
“Outside the Wire” and Convoy Security Details
While Buttigieg’s role in ATFC was primarily intelligence-focused, his public statements often refer to experiences “outside the wire.” In his book “Shortest Way Home,” and on the campaign trail, he has spoken about the 119 times he went outside the secure base as a vehicle commander on convoy security detail in Kabul. This aspect of his service highlights a contrast to the image of an intelligence analyst solely working behind a computer.
Serving as a vehicle commander meant leading convoys in potentially dangerous areas of Kabul. This role involved significant responsibility for the safety of his team while navigating the unpredictable environment of the city. Buttigieg himself has emphasized the element of trust and reliance on his fellow service members during these missions, stating, “We learned what it is to trust one another with our lives.”
Not Direct Combat, but Real Dangers Faced
It is important to note that military officials who reviewed Buttigieg’s records for news outlets indicated that his role did not involve direct combat. This is supported by the fact that he did not receive a Navy combat ribbon, which is typically awarded for direct engagement in combat. However, to equate the absence of direct combat with a lack of danger would be inaccurate.
Buttigieg’s own writings vividly describe the ever-present threats he faced in Kabul. He recounted the constant vigilance required against roadside explosive devices and the need to be alert for potential threats in the city. He described the routine of preparing for each convoy, “chamber a round in my M4, lock the doors and wave a gloved goodbye,” before venturing “outside the wire and into the boisterous Afghan city, entering a world infinitely more interesting and ordinary and dangerous than our zone behind the blast walls at ISAF headquarters.” His descriptions highlight the psychological and real dangers of operating in a conflict zone, even outside of direct combat engagements. He detailed being trained to look for “known signs that we were about to get blown up,” such as “a suddenly empty neighborhood” or “a nervous-looking lone driver of a vehicle with a heavy trunk load,” demonstrating the constant state of alert required.
Training and Background as an Intelligence Officer
Pete Buttigieg’s path to becoming a Navy intelligence officer began with his reserve training at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago. His background prior to military service played a significant role in his direct commission. Having worked as a consultant at McKinsey and as a Rhodes scholar, he possessed a unique skillset that was valued by the Navy. According to Thomas Gary, a senior petty officer at Great Lakes, Buttigieg “fit right in” with other accomplished civilians who were also training to become officers.
Before deploying to Afghanistan, Buttigieg underwent further training at Camp McCrady outside Fort Jackson, S.C. This training was specifically designed to prepare “dirt sailors” – Navy personnel assigned to Army-style roles in combat zones. This preparation was crucial for his deployment and his role in convoy security, equipping him with the necessary skills to operate effectively in a land-based combat environment.
Motivation for Deployment to Afghanistan
By 2013, Buttigieg had achieved the rank of lieutenant, making deployment a likely prospect. However, unlike many reservists who deploy with their units, Buttigieg deployed individually. His writings suggest that he actively sought deployment to Afghanistan during his mayoral term. He stated he “made sure my chain of command knew that I would rather go sooner than later, and would rather go to Afghanistan than anywhere else.”
His motivation was rooted in his professional expertise and prior experience. As a specialist in counterterrorism, Buttigieg viewed Afghanistan as “the best place in the world to practice my craft.” Furthermore, he had developed a connection with the country from his time as a civilian advisor at McKinsey. This combination of professional interest and personal connection drove his desire to serve in Afghanistan.
Medals and Recognition for Service
For his service in Afghanistan, Buttigieg received standard military decorations awarded to personnel serving in the war on terror. These included the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, recognizing his service in a combat zone; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He also received citations for his rifle and pistol marksmanship, indicating proficiency in weapons handling. These awards are typical for those who served in a support or intelligence role within a theater of conflict.
Conclusion
In summary, what Pete Buttigieg did in the military was serve as a Navy intelligence officer, primarily in Afghanistan. His role in the Afghanistan Threat Finance Cell was critical in disrupting terrorist financing, and he also undertook convoy security duties that placed him in harm’s way. While not engaged in direct combat, his service was in a dangerous environment and contributed to the broader mission in Afghanistan. His background and training prepared him for this specialized role, and his deployment reflects a commitment to service that extends beyond his civilian political career.
