In 1999,Mitchell graduated with a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School after completing a thesis titled Strategic Leverage:Information Operations and Special Operations Forces.[7][8] In the 2008-09 academic year,Mitchell attended the Harvard Kennedy School as a National Security Fellow from the United States Army War College.[9]
In 2014,Mitchell was a member of the Obama Administration's National Security Council as the director for counterrorism;[14][24] he held that position until January 2015.[25] While director,he was criticized for threatening families,including Kayla Mueller's,with criminal penalties for attempting to negotiate a ransom for the release of their children.[15] When the Obama Administration relaxed the American policy against ransom payment in exchange for hostages in June 2015,Mitchell criticized the change.[26]
Awards and decorations
Mitchell has received several awards and decorations including the following:[6]
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major Mark E. Mitchell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 3d Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during the period of 25 to 28 November 2001. Major Mitchell distinguished himself while engaged in combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom. As the Ground Force Commander of a rescue operation during the Battle of Qala-I-Jang Fortress, Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, Major Mitchell ensured the freedom of one American and the posthumous repatriation of another. His unparalleled courage under fire, decisive leadership and personal sacrifice were directly responsible for the success of the rescue operation and were further instrumental in ensuring the city of Mazar-e-Sharif did not fall back in the hands of the Taliban. His personal example has added yet another laurel to the proud military history of this Nation and serves as the standard for all others to emulate. Major Mitchell's gallant deed was truly above and beyond the call of duty and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), the United States Army, and the United States of America.
1 2 Quade, Alex (August 4, 2014). "Shock U.S. Army admission: Obama freed Taliban 'psychopath' in Bergdahl trade". Washington Times. Retrieved November 2, 2016. Army Col. Mark Mitchell, director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council, is a Green Beret who helped capture Mullah Mohammad Fazl in the early days of the war in Afghanistan.
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