[Gordo2]

I would start with your unit's admin section to check on the status of any previously submitted awards, and ask if the command would support submission of a new award if one wasn't submitted originally.

If you are starting from scratch:
- Ask your admin for refs to CAR criteria; you are correct - IED's can rate the CAR, as long as you can show that the unit/personnel took "appropriate action"- set up perimeter D, rapid response to wounded, etc.
- I don't recall for sure, but I think there was a grace period to allow for submission of past incidents that rate under the newer criteria (criteria was updated in ~2006). You may be outside of the window.
- Write ups for the CAR generally include an account of the incident including specific actions take by the individuals that are recommended for the award.
- I would also ask if they have a copy of an IED CAR write up from your unit that you could use as a reference.

Be prepared to take on most of the burden of preparing the write up yourself (by now the unit probably doesn't have anyone who can provide a first hand account of the incident) - it can be a lot of work gathering the required details, but if its important to you and your troups, it will be well worth it.

Best of luck,

Gordo