Brad Colbert
| Brad Colbert | |
|---|---|
 Colbert giving a speech in September 2012 | |
| Nickname | Iceman |
| Born | 1974 (age 39–40) |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Rank |
 Master Sergeant |
| Unit |
1st Reconnaissance Battalion British Royal Marine Commandos |
| Battles/wars |
|
| Awards |
 Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal |
Brad Colbert (born 1974) is a United States Marine, best known for his platoon's role in and perception of the 2003 invasion of Iraq which was featured in a series of articles in Rolling Stone by Evan Wright. Wright was an embedded reporter who rode in the backseat of Colbert's vehicle during this time until his departure on May 4, 2003. Wright later expanded these articles into the book Generation Kill.
Career
A U.S. Reconnaissance Marine, Colbert is nicknamed the "Iceman" by his colleagues, for his ability to stay calm in battle and his overall military competency. During the War in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for valor for his role in taking out an enemy missile battery.[1] In the Iraq War, his platoon, the 2nd Platoon of Bravo Company of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, was often at the spearhead of the initial invasion, with his team, of which he was team leader, often on point.
For his efforts during the Iraq War, Colbert received a combat meritorious promotion to Staff Sergeant and went on to serve two years with the Royal Marine Commandos.[2] He was later promoted again to Gunnery Sergeant and served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant of H&S Company of 1st Recon.[3] He served two additional tours in Iraq and left the Reconnaissance community in 2010.[4]
As of October 2012, Colbert is a special skills operations chief at the Army’s airborne school at Fort Benning, Georgia.[5] He is responsible for "making sure that Marines who attend the program receive the necessary skills and meet their requirements. He also regularly leaps from C-130s to reinforce proper jump techniques."[citation needed]
Personal life
Colbert is a speaker on post-combat stress issues for the Heroes and Healthy Families organization.[4][6]
In popular culture
- In the HBO mini-series based on Evan Wright's 2004 book, Generation Kill, Colbert is portrayed by Swedish actor Alexander Skarsgård.
References
- Notes
- ↑ Wright (2004), p.22
- ↑ Wright (2004), p. 351
- ↑ "Raider Report". 1st Recon Bn Association. May 2008.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "'Iceman' aids others with post-combat stress". Marine Corps Times. October 14, 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
- ↑ Hall, Kuande (July 9, 2012). "Airborne! Taking a leap for a more capable Corps". Marines Magazine. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
- ↑ Young, Joshua (November 2, 2012). "I MEF Marines attend leadership awareness conference". Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. Retrieved 4 September 2013.
- Bibliography
- Wright, Evan (2004). Generation Kill. Putnam Adult. ISBN 978-0-399-15193-4. OCLC 54826116.