Dave Lotus Active Duty
Officer Candidate, Detachment Commander
Specialty
15A
Position
Detachment Commander
Unit
3rd Combat Aviation Detachment Headquarters
Status
Active Duty
Time in service
2 years, 23 days
Time in grade
4 days
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S3 - Operations - Force Improvement Group
- 11B2H - Instructor
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| Jul 9, 2025 | Attended Land Navigation Course 25-05 as Instructor | |
| Jun 8, 2025 | Attended Land Navigation Course as Instructor (Class 25-04) | |
| May 31, 2025 | Attended Air Assault School as Co-Instructor (Class 25-02) | |
| May 22, 2025 | Force Improvement Group: Hired as Instructor (11B2H) | |
| May 10, 2025 | Attended Land Navigation Course as Instructor (Class 25-03) | |
| Apr 13, 2025 | Attended Airborne School as Jumpmaster (Class 25-02) | |
| Apr 6, 2025 | Attended Land Navigation Course as Instructor (Class 25-02) | |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Graduated Alpha Company Annual Rifle Requalification's (ACARR) #25-00 | |
| Mar 9, 2025 | Graduated Advanced Radio Communications Course (Class 25-01) | |
| Mar 2, 2025 | Attended Air Assault School as Co-Instructor (Class 25-01) | |
| Jan 25, 2025 | Attended Airborne School as Aviation (Class 25-01) | |
| Jan 11, 2025 | Attended Land Navigation Course as Instructor (Class 25-01) | |
| Dec 15, 2024 | Attended Air Assault School as Aviation (Class 24-04) | |
| Dec 1, 2024 | Attended Airborne School as Pilot (Class 24-03b) | |
| Nov 17, 2024 | Attended Land Navigation Course as Instructor (Class 24-04) | |
| Oct 12, 2024 | Attended Land Navigation Course as Co-Instructor (Class 24-03) | |
| Sep 29, 2024 | Attended Air Assault School as Aviation (Class 24-03) | |
| Aug 12, 2024 | Graduated Squad Designated Marksman Course (24-01) | |
| Jun 22, 2024 | Attended Air Assault School as Aviation (Class 24-02) | |
| Jun 18, 2024 | Time in service: 11 months | |
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Award
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| Jul 6, 2025 | Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) |
Award Document
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM). Awarded: Jul 6, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jul 6, 2025 | Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-FIG) |
Award Document
Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-FIG) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-FIG). Awarded: Jul 6, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jun 8, 2025 | Combat Action Badge (CAB3) |
Award Document
Combat Action Badge (CAB3) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Combat Action Badge (CAB3). Awarded: Jun 8, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jun 8, 2025 | Overseas Service Bar |
Award Document
Overseas Service Bar Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Overseas Service Bar. Awarded: Jun 8, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| May 4, 2025 | Good Conduct Medal (GCM) |
Award Document
Good Conduct Medal (GCM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM). Awarded: May 4, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| May 4, 2025 | Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM) |
Award Document
Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM). Awarded: May 4, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
April will be the busiest month we will have this year by far, with 13 events in total. Jager and Lotus rose up to the difficult task by attending 9 events each. This helped leadership with rifle requalifications, OSUTs, and creating a flowchart for the new Land Navigation. This month S3 also introduces a Quality Assurance system. After the test running the QA sheet, students during the month of April said only great things about Lotus and Jager. With this positive feedback ,Leadership continued to lean on these two to spearhead all requalifications and will continue to hold these two to the highest standards. These two show the highest amounts of professionalism, Integrity, initiative, organization, and most importantly for this DMOS Charisma. By showing all of these important skills, they're being awarded the JSCOM to show how hard they worked during this difficult month, and also show the other members of S3 that going above and beyond what is asked of you gets noticed by soldiers in the unit and leadership.
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| Feb 2, 2025 | Good Conduct Medal (GCM) |
Award Document
Good Conduct Medal (GCM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM). Awarded: Feb 2, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jan 5, 2025 | Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-FIG) |
Award Document
Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-FIG) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-FIG). Awarded: Jan 5, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jan 5, 2025 | European Campaign (ECM) |
Award Document
European Campaign (ECM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the European Campaign (ECM). Awarded: Jan 5, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jan 5, 2025 | Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) |
Award Document
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Awarded: Jan 5, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dave Lotus has shown exceptional heroism during Operation Northern Lights while operating the UH-72B Lakota. On five separate occasions, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dave Lotus, while operating a light reconnaissance helicopter defeated five medium to heavy enemy attack helicopters in aerial dogfighting while only utilizing the mounted .50 cal machine gun. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dave Lotus skillfully piloted his UH-72B through both intense enemy anti-aircraft and enemy helicopter fire while conducting aerial dog fighting and received little to no damage to the UH-72B. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dave Lotus is the first recorded 3rd Infantry Division's Ace pilot. Additionally, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Lotus filled in as the Detachment leader for the period of roughly month without fail or issues during Operation Northern Lights. He showed great dedication and support to the unit during this time by managing, delegating, and supporting the unit by acting as the Detachment leader. Over the period of the operation, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dave Lotus’ actions saved countless friendly ground unit’s lives, friendly equipment as well as denial to enemy air support and enemy reinforcements to key strategic locations. His efforts directly led to the success of 3rd ID in a peer on peer level fight and exceeded all expectations from leadership within the unit. His exceptional courage, aerial prowess, and unwavering dedication to mission accomplishment under extreme adversity reflect great credit upon himself bring a great credit to himself, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade and the 3rd Infantry Division.
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| Jan 5, 2025 | Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM) |
Award Document
Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM). Awarded: Jan 5, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
The Chief’s expertise and professionalism made him the top 1 Range Safety Officer in FIG for 2024. His 17 attendance points reflect his consistent presence and support.
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| Jan 5, 2025 | Senior Aviator Badge |
Award Document
Senior Aviator Badge Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Senior Aviator Badge. Awarded: Jan 5, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jan 5, 2025 | Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) |
Award Document
Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). Awarded: Jan 5, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Dec 8, 2024 | Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) |
Award Document
Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM). Awarded: Dec 8, 2024 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
11B1H (Range Safety Officer) - The Chief is always available to help when needed, both in OSUT as a RSO and as a pilot in FIG Courses that uses helicopters. Not only that, the CW3 also surpassed the attendance requirement by 4 showing great commitment to FIG.
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| Oct 7, 2024 | Good Conduct Medal (GCM) |
Award Document
Good Conduct Medal (GCM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM). Awarded: Oct 7, 2024 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Oct 6, 2024 | Air Medal (AM) |
Award Document With Valor "V" Device
Air Medal (AM) medal with Valor "V" Device. Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Air Medal (AM). Awarded: Oct 6, 2024 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
During Shaping Effort, Both CW4 Dio and CW2 Lotus were piloting the OH-72B “Stalker” performing their routine task of scouting out enemy locations as well as protecting 3CABs Cargo birds. During one of their Scouting run on OBJ Reindeer, both the CW4 and CW2 took fire from multiple Manpads at very close range. CW4 Dio, sitting in the Camera seat successfully located 2 Manpad missiles giving quick and decisive nodge orders to CW2 Lotus. As they banked and dived, CW2 Lotus, the Pilot realized 2 more Smoke trails coming straight at them, without hesitation and panic the CW2 performed another hard evasive maneuver inches above the ground where the last missile impacted the ground and send shrapnel into the helicopter heavily wounding both crewmen. Despite injuries both made a successful landing at the airfield without loss of an airframe. Both Soldiers quick thinking resulted in the subsequent completion of the Operation as well as neutralization of any and all AAA targets within the AO. These soldiers are the perfect example of what it means to fly within the 3rdID.”
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| Oct 6, 2024 | Soldier's Medal (SM) |
Award Document
Soldier's Medal (SM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Soldier's Medal (SM). Awarded: Oct 6, 2024 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Sep 8, 2024 | Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) |
Award Document
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). Awarded: Sep 8, 2024 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
For outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to 3CAB and 3rd ID Milsim for the past six weeks. During the past six weeks, CW2 Lotus has stepped up at every opportunity to lead the entire element in the absence of leadership during unit held events. Over this period, CW2 Lotus served as the 3CAB element leader for a total of four missions, four flight drills, and a Ceremony all while conducting a dual leadership role of 3-17 Cav and maintaining a 100% attendance over this period. While serving as the acting leader of 3CAB over this period, CW2 Lotus has conducted coordination and communication between 3CAB, Company, Griffins, and Widowmakers at a higher than expected level, planned and managed an entire element, and acted as the representative for 3CAB through all of these events without issue or complaint. CW2 Lotus has shown to all leadership in 3rd ID that he was more than ready to face the challenge and that he earned the recognition of this medal. His achievements while serving in this position is a true example to all members in the unit of what an outstanding leader looks like. CW2 Lotus's knowledge, expertise, and dedication to success are in keeping with the highest military traditions and reflect great credit upon himself, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, and the 3rd Infantry Division (Realism unit).
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| Sep 8, 2024 | Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) |
Award Document
Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) Officer Candidate Dave Lotus The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM). Awarded: Sep 8, 2024 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
Chief Lotus and Warrant Officer White demonstrated great performance in FIG operations recently. By helping FIG run OSUTs and also for being pilots in FIG courses, they are always available to help. For the month of August the two Warrant Officers also attended 4 times above the minimum attendance requirements. Their exemplary performance reflects great credit upon themselves, Force Improvement Group and the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit.
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| Aug 4, 2024 | North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal (NATO) |
Record Text
Awarded the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal (NATO)
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| Jun 29, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Troy | |
| Jun 15, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Bloodstone | |
| Jun 1, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Sandstone | |
| May 18, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Granite | |
| May 4, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Geode | |
| Dec 8, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Santa's Delivery | |
| Dec 1, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Silent Night | |
| Nov 17, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Cookie Fortress | |
| Nov 10, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission SnowAngel | |
| Nov 3, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Candyland | |
| Oct 20, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Snowstorm | |
| Oct 6, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Frostbite | |
| Sep 22, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Stoneless Kingdom | |
| Aug 25, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Roman Empire | |
| Aug 11, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Aztec | |
| Aug 10, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Fall of the Soviet Bloc (Ranger) | |
| Aug 4, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Summer Siege | |
| Jul 7, 2024 | Operation Unified Dawn - Altis: (Joint Operation) | |
| Jun 30, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Tower Heist | |
| Jun 16, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Castle Breach | |
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Rank
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| Jul 6, 2025 |  |
Promotion |
Promotion Document
Certificate of Promotion TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of Dave Lotus I do promote them to Officer Candidate in the UNITED STATES ARMY to grade as such from the date of Jul 6, 2025
You will discharge carefully and diligently the duties of the grade to which promoted and uphold the traditions and standards of the Army. Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Oct 6, 2024 |  |
Promotion |
Promotion Document
Certificate of Promotion TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of Dave Lotus I do promote them to Chief Warrant Officer 3 in the UNITED STATES ARMY to grade as such from the date of Oct 6, 2024
You will discharge carefully and diligently the duties of the grade to which promoted and uphold the traditions and standards of the Army. Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| May 5, 2024 |  |
Promotion |
Record Text
Promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2
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| Oct 8, 2023 |  |
Promotion |
Record Text
Promoted to Warrant Officer 1
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| Aug 17, 2023 |  |
Promotion |
Record Text
Promoted to Warrant Officer Candidate
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| Jul 8, 2023 |  |
Promotion |
Record Text
Promoted to Private First Class
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Unit
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Position
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| Jul 6, 2025 | 3rd Combat Aviation Detachment Headquarters | Detachment Commander |
| May 22, 2025 | S3 - Operations - Force Improvement Group | 11B2H - Instructor |
| Feb 5, 2025 | 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment | Section Commander |
| Jan 29, 2025 | 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, Section Headquarters | Section Commander |
| Aug 29, 2024 | 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment | Flight Leader |
| Jun 4, 2024 | 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment | Flight Leader |
| Jan 13, 2024 | 2nd Battalion, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion | Flight Leader |
| Jan 12, 2024 | 2nd Battalion, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion | Army Aviator |
| Oct 8, 2023 | 3rd Combat Aviation Detachment Headquarters | Army Aviator |
| Aug 11, 2023 | 3rd Combat Aviation Detachment Headquarters | Aviation Crew Chief |
| Jun 18, 2023 | 3rd Combat Aviation Detachment Headquarters | Crew Chief Trainee |
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Qualification
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| Apr 3, 2025 |  Qualified with Rifle (M4A1): Expert |
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| Mar 9, 2025 | Advanced Radio Communication Qualified |
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| Aug 12, 2024 | Squad Designated Marksman Qualified |
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| Mar 26, 2024 | Qualified with Rifle (M4A1): Expert |
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| Nov 17, 2023 | Land Navigation Qualified |
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| Oct 15, 2023 | Combat Lifesaver Qualified |
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| Oct 8, 2023 | 153A Rotary Wing Aviator Qualified |
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| Jul 8, 2023 | Qualified with AR (M249): Sustained Fire |
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| Jul 8, 2023 | Qualified with Rifle (M4A1): Expert |
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| Jul 8, 2023 | Qualified with AT4 (M136): Expert |
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| Jul 8, 2023 | Qualified with Pistol (M17): Expert |
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| Jul 8, 2023 | Qualified with GL (M320): Expert |
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| Jul 8, 2023 | Qualified with Grenade (M67): Expert |