Inside a firefight on a mountain
Sixty troops from the 101st Airborne suddenly found themselves surrounded by Taliban in the middle of the night at Combat Outpost Marga, a dusty patch of dirt in the heartland of the insurgency in eastern Afghanistan. With Taliban rockets, mortars and grenades slamming into the base, the men used every weapon they had. At the same time, six of the soldiers were at a lone observation post on top of a steep mountain just outside the gate. Thirty more Taliban crept up the mountain and overran them. The soldiers survived by shooting, running and tumbling down the mountain as they ran out of ammo. The deeply shaken soldiers give their first hand account of this extraordinary tale of war and survival ... and walk the ground with CNN's Barbara Starr just a couple of days after the fight.
Yes there should realize the opportunity to RSS commentary, quite simply, CMS is another on the blog.
First of all Thank you for the informative blog. Is there a RSS feed for this so i can keep in touch I will for sure keep in touch with your blog. Be Back soon.
dick...".... we handed margah cop and op over along with fob boris and guess what ........? never and i say never did we get over ran were there possible attempts ... yeah sure but we had that bad larry locked down..... and as far as the whole story with the mrk 19 jamming what the hell man ive been around plenty of mrk19s and guess what ive never ever seen one malfunction more than once in arow it just doesnt happen..... that could have been a part of not paying attention when we RAKKASANS gave you our battle space and gave YOUR guys classes on weapon systems you should have already known how to use but anywho glad youre all safe and a bunch of talib is dead...... you guys had huge shoes to feel rippin with the RAK and youve done your best but dont ever think that a moh is needed for gettin over ran"
dick..Im in the company you gave this battlespace to. I was also here in this same battlespace in 2008. I can assure you of all the units that have been here, the RAK has been the most f#*ed up off all of them. Even the local population has told us this. You can run your mouth all you want, but the work your unit did (actually, failed to do) is nothing at all to be proud of. It is December now, and we are still trying to clean up this mess you left us. Thanks.
The bottom line is claymores weren't set up ideally if at all. People were sleeping. Crow systems were not being used (although they break and may have been down). But to say the RAK handed that place over to you all f'd up is not the case. When I got there not one hesco existed and no ECP existed which is partially the reason we or hit with a VBIED that made it's way into the COP in march '10. But it also happened because we made some mistakes and surprise surprise the ANA in the towers weren't paying attention probably blowing each other. I can admit when we didn't do things perfectly but we defended that place with superior firepower and sticking to the basics of a strongpoint defense. The locals there are never going to be won over so don't use the argument that the locals told you we were F'd up...that's insane. With the border so close they will never fully commit to us so it is simply a kinetic fight at margah and basically a waiting game until we can all leave there. Good job killing all those dudes but don't act like you guys were better than anyone else that held that place.
Rakkasan, all I have to say is, as a member of Bravo Battery, 1st platoon, 1st Fire Direction Center (FDC) 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, I saw the record of fires left behind by the Rakkasans and the state the you left FOB Boris was left in shame and disgrace and the air of unbecoming a soldier was felt and seen everywhere. The locals and Afghan National Army said you were a joke, and as part of the unit which replaced you with Fox Company, 2nd 506th Infantry Regiment at both COP Margah and FOB Boris, we were surprised that the general incompetence didn't lead to both positions being overrun. Indirect attacks were an everyday event and suicide bombers were always trying to penetrate onto Boris. Thanks for the constructive comments.
Wow, these guys deserve to be treated like heroes. My cousin fought his way through 3 Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. My other uncle who's a gunny went through the same thing...they both said that it was something that you never forget. God bless America and keep our troops safe!
Laura and Jenna made it through the War in one piece. Those good little Bush girls. Unlike alot of working class youngsters. These rich bums are just disgusting .
Get out your Maps. Draw a north-south line connecting our FOB"s. That line is the route of a proposed (big-inch) Pipeline. After it"s built, we"ll have to protect it. Get used to the Idea.
November 25, 2010
Halo , Paintball , High School , and Enlistment . Military service with a pay check .
As the mother of a soldier at COP Marga, I am glad that things worked out well. It could have been much worse. Im very proud of my son and the rest of the guys. Please keep all service men and women in your prayers.
It is significant that the majority of attackers in this case were foreigners ( foreign to Afghanistan ). While the Afghans may not be completely against the Taliban, most of them are for a stable Afghanistan with citizens desperate for mere survival. Most Americans don't realize this but many of the strict authoratarian social customs are not from the native cultures of Afghanistan. Many Afghans don't like being beaten up for smoking a cigarette, watching a movie or being flogged for shaving. Anti-American rhetoric and propaganda can go only so far. This war is winnable and it is not "endless" either. We may never get a formal surrender from Al Qaeda but we don't really have to have a formal surrender from Al Qaeda. We just need to have a stable Afghanistan that is somewhat comparable to its neighboring countries.
Usama bin Laden went on record stating that in his opinion, the American soldier was a coward. I bet he is not so vociferous about that opinion now while he is being sheltered by sympathetic Pakistanis but it's only a matter of time until he is blown-up.
Obama is not withdrawing troops from Afghanistan because he knows now is not the time to do it and that is consistent with what he has been saying all along. The W. Bush administration did the country a great disservice and nearly set the true war on terrorism into a fatal tailspin by the 10 year billion dollar snipe hunt in Iraq.
It"s $10 Trillion .
I wish I were there to stand beside all of you. As I can't be, I keep a candle lit, a prayer in my heart, and an eye on the news. May God Bless All of You.
1. War is business. War keeps the country making money. Money keeps the country a world power. Make no mistake, we could've killed Bin Laden within minutes during sept 11 2001. Then we couldn't justify the congressional spending (to american big business) of billions of dollars ove the last 9 years. make no mistake, it's not oil, it's not democracy, it's not religion, it's not revenge. It's $$$$$.
2. We can't let other countries just do what they liek. we can't be nice and allow people to just live as they wish. They will eventually invade us to take what we have, then we will be fighting enemy's in your precious 1 acre backyard. Pick up a history book, ra-tards. The human race is an ugly place.
And to follow along with everyone elses posturing comments;
I'm right
No, i'm right,
You're racist,
No, you're racist,
My god is real,
My dad can beat up your dad!...
Sheep.
No my God is real
Marghah is a tough place, and it sad to see that the boys are still fighting it out hot and heavy at Marghah three yrs after I left that area. I never fought there, but I routinely provided resupply escort to Marghah after the weekly/monthly fighting at the COP. I hope the Afghan Border Police were there with our guys, because I did not see any comment on ANSF fighting. It was difficult to get ANSF to occupy that area with US forces in 07 due to local hostility no matter how much road construction, village improvements, and winter supplies the coalition and Afghan forces provided to the locals due to the short distance across the border to a Taliban controlled Pakistani town.
The fact is:
Marines trained to attack and kill are deployed so thin that they have to sit inside of a remote base and let the enemy control the countyside. This is Viet Nam without the jungle.
The fact is:
All the enemy has to do is sit and wait, mine roads and launch small attacks designed to pin us in place .
The fact is:
All the enemy has to do is sit and wait till Obama starts the previously announced withdrawal.
Everything you just said is BS.
Everyone naively thinks that the goal is to win here.
Our forces are supposed to be "almost" over run every time they are attacked. This force strategy is by design. Why else would Prez Bush leave a back door out of Tora Bora for Bin Laden to walk through.
Why would Prez Obama delay and then undercut Gen Stanley McChrystal's requests for enough troops to win.
Our ill equipped and undermanned forces have just enough to tread water and that's it. But this is by design. Here are now in 2010, 9 years after 9/11/2001.
Our brave men and women will follow good orders that win wars quickly or bad ones that do not. They have been set up to fail at worst, tie at best.
The troops just have to suck it up and realize they are mere pawns in a larger game.
Keeping bases in former soviet territory and maintaining control over the oil region, FOREVER! is far more important that winning quickly and leaving. This is a corporate war, and by design, they never end.
I am proud to say I am friends with one of those six men. I can only imagine the other five men in that outpost are as gnarly as my buddy, and all I can say is Haqqani's puppets or whomever better get use to carnage. Thank you guys!
may God give you restful sleep and a less eventful tour.
The thing about all this that most people dont really take the time to understand is that it doesnt matter who or what started this conflict. It was 9 years ago.There is nothing that anyone can do about it now. We fight to protect a free minded people. They fight to protect their way of life. Whether you agree with me or not is not the point. Both sides are fighting for what they believe in. Iraq and Afghanistan started way before Sept 11 2001. But that is the day the started the end of tyranny.
C"mon kid , wake-up .
Huh? Please define "victory" in the context of this "fight", and tell me in complete detail how the "winner" will be determined, and what is each side's desired outcome for when the "fight" is over, and please explain how all of the involved parties will know and agree that the "fight" is over?
My son was on of the 6 brave soldiers that was at the observation post that night, and during the fire fight, he saved his buddy life. That happen because the army properly trains their soldiers for all type of senarios. Even if you keep your weapon properly maintain, it can still jam. So Gunny, you can keep your ill thought out remarks to your self. Instead of critizing the army, especially the 6 soldier on the observation post that night, you should be praising them. When it comes right down to it, it sounds like maybe your a little jealous of the army.
My son was one of the 6 and was injured. He was 9 when the trade center was hit and is serving his country willingly now years later. After reading some of these post I am amazed at the lack of understanding in that we all have a difference of opinion, but the fact remains they brought the war to us and killed thousands on American soil. Regardless of your opinion he is half a world away shedding his blood for you to be able to have your opinions, so here is mine, I've served my country and now my son is. I am proud of my son and realize he is not just talking about doing something about keeping our freedom but is living it so others might not have to lose loved ones again. God bless him,our troops,our country,and you whatever your opinion is.
David,
Please thank your son for me. I appreciate him very much! Did you see that Petraeus visited them earlier this week? What a wonderful acknowledgment from their leadership.
He"s getting paid. Go BS someone else. Dad .
Patrick, please thank your son for me. What they do on a daily basis is amazing!
Daniel..very wellwritten
They didn't look "deeply shaken" to me. Looked quite clam and confident actually.
this is where my husband was and is.... me & my daughters miss him soooo much 🙁 thank god hes ok
Great job! Were proud of you soldiers. Sounds like the Sgt did his job.
ok so really a medal of honor is what some people think they deserve ......... absolutely not .... we handed margah cop and op over along with fob boris and guess what ........? never and i say never did we get over ran were there possible attempts ... yeah sure but we had that bad larry locked down..... and as far as the whole story with the mrk 19 jamming what the hell man ive been around plenty of mrk19s and guess what ive never ever seen one malfunction more than once in arow it just doesnt happen..... that could have been a part of not paying attention when we RAKKASANS gave you our battle space and gave YOUR guys classes on weapon systems you should have already known how to use but anywho glad youre all safe and a bunch of talib is dead...... you guys had huge shoes to feel rippin with the RAK and youve done your best but dont ever think that a moh is needed for gettin over ran
them – element of suprise 130 troops 80 KIA
US – suprised, 6 man detachment isolated from FOB, 5 WIA none KIA.
all I have to say is HAHA.
I don't know the fighting practices but why wasn't the OP defended by claymores and razor wire (concertine) to keep them away? I know those things can be defeated but they would certainly slow them down and keep them from being over manned or buy some time. the OP seemed to be too lightly defended to put 6 lives out there. what say you?
im proud of you john you finally managed to make a post without saying right wing even once go get your cookie
It is a shame that any one on either side has to die because of the Right Ring Crazies that are in all the Countries!!! We should make Them be the ones to fight the Wars since They are the Cause for Them... It is a shame the Bravest of the Young Ones are the ones being sacrifices because of Them!!!
why do they continue to set up bases in the valleys and the low ground? very poor planning you always use the high ground. easier to defend and you aren't setting yourself up for a fight.
OK General !
I suspect their attackers learned how to use the MRAP system because Pakistan's Inter Service Intelligence ( Pak CIA ) trained them how to use the MRAP systems and the ISI was trained to use the MRAP by the US Government. I wonder why the news media hasn't done a better job of explaining to Americans how the USA's "friends" e.g. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are more than happy to stab us in the back.
nobody should be fighting over this at all....the only thing that needs to be going on is prayer you should be praying for these soldiers safety and safe return home!!!
You want them to give-up their careers ? Don"t know what"s-up do ya .
Folly pure and simple. Get out of there and stop being the world's failed cops.
Sure puts a "crappy" day of meetings and traffic into perspective. Bless their hearts...
God was watching over these soldiers and they did a great job-thank you all.
Moral of the story,our troops are game Taliban.Under the worst conditions,we still wip your asses.These troops deserve the Medal of Honor,every one of them.
U don"t get THE MEDAL when forced to retreat Ace.
this was their best effort to remove our outpost?! HAHAHAHA!!!! 80 of them dead.... ZERO AMERICANS
These soldiers deserve our utmost respect and appreciation for the actions they willingly perform, day in and day out. I am proud to be an American and proud to be a member of the armed forces of the finest nation in the world.
If nothing else, I urge you all to support the heroism, honor, bravery, and distinction that these men and women exhibit every day.
Lord you have said that you listen when your servant pray.....please lord Bring all of us out from this on going troubles in this planet !!! Especially be with the Great people who protect us day and night ..still so young...but have given up their spring time and have gone to take the front line to save our lives !!! Protect them lord under your mighty wings !!! May you heal the wounds of the parents of fallen heroes as they were the voice for voice less and behalf of the weak !! you have said you bless them and will remember their good deeds. Thank you My lord!!! Be their Shield always !!! during Battles.
November 6th 1.20pm post is not mine .*****
BLEDSORE..WAR IS NOT AGAINST AFGHAN CIVILIANS. ONLY AGAINST AL QEADA AND ITS SUPPORTERS.
Good job troopers. Glad you made it. Where were your mortars & artillery? Did the rules of engagement allow it? If so one would hope that we smoked those thugs. Take care guys!
What a nightmare, literally, being attacked and having his Mark 19 jam ... twice.
God Bless Our Troops,Thank You Boys
I'm with you,ronnyz.YABBA-DABBA-DOO!!! Now,let's fight to our heart's content!!!
Johndro,are you and ronnyz really that naive or are you just trying to be funny? This war is no good and anybody with half a brain knows it!
It is the truth that Osama began the war, but US needs to reconsider her policy in Muslim countries; remove all military bases in Muslim countries, do not support corrupt regimes and kingdoms in Muslim countries, find a solution for Palestinian conflict, make at least a Muslim country permanent member of UN security council. Then I am sure Muslims themselve will fight Al Qaeda and other terrorist networks.
Muslim Boy...your Idea is good. Yet why not many Muslims stand against al qaeda and not just face death ?They can still give a voice like you do or even bigger way. I heard Palestine and Israel are having peace talks about their problem.
>engage with the Mk19
HAHAHAHHAHA, OH WOW
how did we get overrun again?
Who's the right-wing freak who keeps on vomiting his ignorance under my call name? I have no use for this war and I want everybody to know it!!!
I have read and re-read the comments here and can confidently state that you have used seven different names to post your drivel and have even stooped low enough to hijack other peoples names, what a cowardly creep.
Are you refering to me,Phunnie boy? But what about that creep who used my name to vomit his right-wing mumbo-jumbo,trying to glorify this useless war in the posts above? I'll reiterate the fact that we should not be in Afghanistan.
You (not the person who's name you hijacked) are exactly who i am referring to. Either stick to your own name or stop posting comments you spineless coward.
Have you ever heard of OPSEC CNN? Seriously? Who the hell needs to be a spy when all you have to do is watch cnn. Yeah, lets give out information about how many are on patrol. What's worse is they make our troops sound weak. I have a \brother over there right now. I can promise you that my brother (army) sure as heck isn't shaken from an attack. No he's MAD, not shaken.
Thank you for giving more fuel to the terriorists. I would really prefer my husband and brother coming home safe thank you very much.
My son is with the 101st and was at this COP during this attack. If you cannot support this war, please support these men who are selfishly giving of themselves to protect our way of life.
Amen Mom.
Please thank your son for his service from All us Charlie Company Vets.
The Score of: "Band of Brothers" 30 / "Band of Fools" 0 fully demonstrates who's trained and prepared.
God Bless you, your son and family. Lord, Please bring them all home safely.
CURRAHEE !!!
C/2/506 RVN 1970 – 71
All this right-wing bla-bla-bla that you keep spewing here is starting to get awfully old and corny! We actually have no right to be there in the fist place!
How right you are,John. I totally agree.
Green Hornet, thanks so much for your kind words. My son was in 5th grade on 9/11 and I would never have expected him to be in Afghanistan fighting so many years later. It was his choice to join the Army and it's not like they asked him where he wanted to go. I am so proud of my son and support him in his choices.
John and USMC Forever, if you can get our boys home with your opinions, please make sure my son is home for Christmas.
Soldier's Mom, we support you 100%+. We are part of the 101st Family also. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS.
I Pray To GOD every Day that GOD watches over Those brave enough to fight for the rights of Man Kind!!!
They are so busy hating Our President... That They don't have time to Pray for Our Troops!!! They don't care that They are better off today with Obama than They were when Bush was President!!!
the people who fought this battle were all 18-25 yrs old, and as for the rest ...if we didnt have all these squared away nco's and incredible officers leading the way we woulda walked out with more than just 5-6 lightly injured
I'm surprised that in an age of digital and cell phone cameras, there was no photo's of the aftermath. Plenty of arms, old shoes and debris but no photo's of bodies.
Could this story be the next Hollywood blockbuster !!!!!!
Do You really think They would show the dead Bodies on the News??? What do You think it was a Sci Fiction Movie???
Larry Kegal (US Army) Good post sir.
DID NOT POST NOVEMBER 6TH AT 1.27PM
But I did. George Patton has the right idea. This country has been taken over by right-wing fanatics and that's why we're at war!
NOVEMBER 7TH AT 2.18 TH I DID NOT POST.
What happens at that time??? I'm always sleeping!!!
Thank you my God for saving the men who went to defend their countrymen and all other innocent from merciless suicide bombers!! Thank you so much God!!!!Thanks a million and more!!!!!
I believe Osama began Afghanistan war, not Bush. Taliban didn't surrender Osama to US that's why US invaded and began the war. Osama and his colleagues kills Muslim more than non-muslims; they destroy Muslims' school, mosques and cause alot of damage to Muslims. So, Taliban and Al Qaeda deserve such a reaction.
I agree with you,Muslim boy. President Obama has a vendetta against the Muslims and that's wrong!
John, are you the village idiot? Someone makes a perfectly rational comment and you spew this?
If you want to make a point heard then try to make rational comments.
It is funny how Bush and Carter started the Wars but Obama is the one that hates Muslin!!! The funniest part is the Tea Party thinks He is one of them...
Great post Collin-give em hell 101st.
Here's another ignoramous! No wonder this country's going down the tubes!
It's a good thing that you were not under my command,Old Sarge. We don't like right-wing fanatics and that's why we fought Germany during WW2!
You nailed it,George. Thank you.
I think You are to Young to have fought in WWII in loan be Patton!!!
May the LOrd keep you safe,blessed and always have his angel watching over you all... In Jesus name !
So what did this accomplish,next to nothing .We invaded another foreign nation of hundreds of millions where we kill a few dozen every week to insure the profiteers of this corrupt conflict here and abroad ,continue to make hundreds of billions.
Whether what your syaing is true or not the troops are there and fighting. We should support our troops no matter what mess there are in. The politics are another matter but god speed to those soldiers.
agree with you Jeffrey..May God be their shield till they coma back home!!!
I not only support the Troops fighting now... But I also protest so That They will still have a place in the Future!!! I have talked with Veterans that fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan!!! They need the Help from Those that fought in WWII, Korea and Vietnam Wars... Thank GODS Us Vets watch out for each other!!!
F U Mr. Davidson.
Will you cut the Tea Party lingo,Collin? I find still their language revolting although their candidates scored big in the recent elections. Moreover,Mr.Davidson is right and you know it!!!
Good posting,Mr.Davidson. You nailed it no matter what these right-wing idiots say!!!
Mr. D:
Don't you realize so long as our "Band of Brothers" are there, Osama and his "Band of Fools" won't be here.
Obviously you've never put your life on the line for others so they could live or known the comerraderie.
The umbrella of safety and our way of life is protected by those courageous men and women. WAKE UP.
CURRAHEE !!!
I think we were invited into the country as a part of a multi national peace keeping force to rid the country of the facist Taliban and give their legitimate government an opportunity to establish itself and a security force to protect its citizens. I would hardly call this an invasion.
Served two tours with 101st... Great division and great friends made there. God bless our troops, stand behind them and be proud of their service
I served 2 1/2 years in the 185 Armor and 3 Years in the 143 Evac Hospital so what does that prove???
Big Up Marines. Its good to the heart that no life is lost on the part of Patriots. Hell to the terrorists. Lots of love from Nigeria.
Will you kindly stop with the right-wing mumbo-jumbo,sabaajayi? It gets awfully corny!!!
God bless the troops, I hope they all come home safe to their families, and to those that do not, I pray your families gain solace and thank them for both your and their sacrifices. Having said that, there is no justice in this war. We lost less than 20,000 people in 9/11 to an organization that at the time had less than 5,000 members. Now we have two wars that have seen the deaths of over 120,000 civilians (IE non combatants that never did us wrong). Is the rage of their surviving families any less justified than ours?
120,000 ? All caused by NATO / US forces ? How many civilians killed by the terrorists ? MILLIONS !!!
Unfortunately you are misinformed.
If you support them, then go live with them. Go join the "Band of Fools".
Will you quit trying to disinform us,Green Hornet? Besides,aren't you afraid there are a lot people here ignorant enough to believe you? I am!!!
My son is also in the 101st at a COP; just not that one. God Bless our men and women in Uniform! Currahee! Air Assault! HOOAH! Godspeed to you all.
Will you just stop with that right-wing mumbo-jumbo,Kathy? It's getting awfully corny!
You are vermin to criticize a lady for being proud of her son. My son is also in the 101st and those were his men on that observation post. We are all proud of them and those who serve.
Way to go 101st! My sister is in the 101st.... just disappointed CNN doesn't do a bigger story on this.
Good fight, Stay safe as posible folks, don't ever give up.
Wow...some of you are unbelievable! Hats off to the troops fighting a war in a god forsaken area. Maybe we don't need to be there but America needs to continue to stand behind out brave men and women who live this everyday. Why? Just look around you! I have a son in the 101st who is combat infantry. I can't be any prouder. Also, don't forget these boys and girls during the holidays. Send them a little something to let you know we care and we are thinking about them. The 101st...the best. The Band of Brothers! Light them up boys!!
What of bunch of right-wing mumbo-jumbo!!! Did any of you graduate from high school? Contrary to your posts,there is no glory in this obscene war!!!
Agree 100%. The war is stupid. There seems to be people thinking we are not behind the soldiers which I believe everyone is. It's the desision-makers or higher ups, if you will, and the decisions they are making that people oppose like staying in this unwinnable war. We cannot use a soldiers death to gain confidence in our leadership's choice to stay in this war. Why lose another soldier? They are killing themselves, take a look at what happened to the mosques in Pakistan. Everybody is behind the soldiers not losing their lives. The war must stop and that does not mean we are not behind the soldiers and their families.
Bledsoe,
do you understand that this war hapened because liberal people like you were in the whitehouse when Bin Laden first tried to topple the world trade center and failed? What did he do about it? He shot a couple tomahawk missiles and that was it. Clinton was too scared to have any other country dislike him that he sacrificed the safey of all Americans. He allowed Bin Laden to regroup and come up with a better plan to bring down the World Trade Center. Going to war is not fun and is not glorious, however, at times its necessary and Afghanistan was/ and is a necessary war. Just be happy that men and women have given their lives so you can post your unrealistic views on this blog.
A weasel like you would probably know nothing of glory and honor. My son currently serves in the 101st. The men on that outpost were his men. He is just now catching up with his unit and will be out at Margah in another month or so and will rotate in and out of there and FOB Boris.
The first question in our catechism asks "What is the cheif end of man?" and the answer is "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever". As a Christian solider my son's sole purpose in life is to glorify God in all that he does. He is also honoring his parents in the way he conducts himself whether at home or on the battlefield in Afghanistan. He is in the military because he believes this is the life that God has called him to. He believes he is defending his country and his family and ridding the world of those who would destroy our freedoms if given the chance. We hope we see him again and cherish every e-mail, letter or call we receive because we know that any one of them could be the last on this side of heaven.
Glory is what awaits those who have put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for we will all die and none of us really has much of a choice of just how that will happen. Where will you spend your eternity.
So proud of these guys, not draftees as we were back in the Nam.
Charlie Company, 2nd Btn., 506th Inf. The Black Spade Battalion.
Osama it's the Finals......Come out and play
CURRAHEE !!!
Is that you Ernie Beatty,spewing your right-wing ignorance under my call-name this time? I'm Green Hornet and I am ashamed of what we're doing over there where we definately don't belong in the First place!!!
Green Hornet, Im currently in Charlie Company 2-506th. It changed about two months ago from Charlie to Fox. These are my friends and it pains me to think that there are people out there who just dont understand what we go through.
where do you get the idea that vietnam vets were all draftees ?
* 4 airplanes.
Use more mines on the mountain.
Hey just a pointer that the United States doesn't deploy mines because of the risk to civilians after the conflict is resolved. Thank God none of the Americans were hurt. The sergeant on top of the hill was heroic, he should expect to get some serious medals for his actions.
Gen. Petraus did pin a Silver Star on the Sargeant. You can catch that story on Clarksville Online which carries a lot of good articles on the 101st. You don't make CNN I guess unless it is the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Way to go 101 st. I lost a son , one month and one day before his 20th birth day with the 82nd Airborn.
GOD BLESS AMERICA. I fly the American Flag in my back garden here in south Wales. I do wish I could come out and relieve you. Ferrall&Rose (Rebel&Redcoat)
I am so sorry for your loss. The 82nd and 101st have sufferred alot on this campaign. My son is there with the 101st now. Great outfits and I know you are proud of what your son stood for. I am! My heart goes out to you.
Muslim boy.............Thank God for you. It is very good to talk the truth .
FerrallW Black........take care Sir. you gave your precious one to save the country and its citizen. I am in tears as I am not strong like you. My son is also in the Military.
I'm sorry for the Sacrifice Your Son did for You and Your Country!!! But their is nothing better than giving Your life to help others... I lose a lot of My Brothers making that Sacrifice!!! I wonder why I was one that was able not to join Them... I feel guilty because of it!!! You should feel better that He gave His life for what He believed and the Brothers He fought with... Sure things would be better if There wasn't any War!!! But the World isn't that way... So We need People like Your Son to help make it that way!!! He is With GOD for what He did... Because GOD Loves Those that fights GODS causes...
If bush never started this war there would be many more terrorists planning and carrying out attacks against the western world with many more innocent live lost!
Dan.in Lafayette.. you are correct. President Bush had no other choice than giving back to the attackers with a language they understand. These al queda is operating under the sick moral of Bin . Only God should decide about the non believers. Not bin or his pets.
If Bush really wanted to do that He would have kept the Troops in Afghanistan instead of starting the Iraq War!!!
Terrorists will get in this country no matter what.. if you had a family member in this stupid war you would think different.
If Bush had never started this war, these soldiers could be with their families and not having to fight for their lives for no reason.
Ted, stfu, Bush started the Iraq war, not the Afghan war, Osama did, and these guys signed up to fight and kick some ass, at 80 dead, I think they did some damage, Keep it up boys!
MAK, stfu, Bush started both Iraq and Afghanistan war. I'll even say our Congress joined the bandwagon. When did Osama become the President of the United States? When did Osama become a member of Congress? Stop drinking tea from the tea party too much and pay attention to your politics before you make stupid comments.
no Tamade stfu, im pretty sure bush didnt use two planes full of civilians and destroy the world trade center that resides in Afghanistan. no mother****** osama bin laden coordinated and successfully attacked the world trade center, not once, but twice. bombed our embassy in Africa, killed 17 sailors in Yemen. please spare me the "bush is evil and started this war" retoric. bush acted on a terrorist attack that was worse than pearl harbor. Pearl harbor started wwII. bush prevented WWIII.
While the President can call for war, only Congress can make a declaration war. Didn't you all take a US government class in high school?
Mak-Thank you! Bush did not start the war in Afghanistan. UBL attacked us first and had been plotting his attack for years.
Will you cut it out,MaryM? There is no glory in this obscene war nor is killing any great accomplishment. Let's just get out of there and give the country back to the Afghans!!!
Whoever won the last election was left with what Bush started whether it be the failing economy or the wars going on right now. Obama had to continue what Bush started or he would be called weak for his entire term and al Quaeda would've used that to theri advantage.
MAK, Bush started the Afghanistan war shortly after the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks. We've been there for longer than we've been in Iraq. Don't take my word for it go look in *any* news archive.
Get your facts straight, please.
Wow! Do you idiots not realize MAK said OSama, NOT OBama?? He is saying Osama made a devastating attack on US soil which started a war, Bush (thankfully) stood up for us, and our country. Obviously Congress agreed with that decision.
Tamade: Bush only started the Iraq War... It was Carter that started the Afghanistan War!!!
No War: Bush Sr didn't finish Desert Storm and because of that Bush Jr went back in!!! If Obama wouldn't have finished what Bush Jr started in Iraq both wars there would have been useless... Not Obama has to finish the War that Bush Jr should have finished if He didn't start the Iraq War We didn't need in the first place!!!
Check your facts sir! Bush didn't hijack 4 airplanes and try to commit mass murder with them. This is a war that they want. They want to blood on non muslims or they want the world to convert to their form of islam, thats why they bomb their own mosques! They glorify death so I say we give them death from the air, land and sea and we dont stop untill the thought of attacking our country, our allies and our way of life is inconceivable! So shelf your ignorance and thank a veteran the next time you come accross one!
Bush did it, God bless our Troops. And maybe not Bush but what about that creepy little penguin of a vice president, he must of had something to do with it.... noone can prove anything because big brother has grown too strong. War Vets deserve respect and thanks, but americas government has been stooooopid the last ooo 70 years or so. two cents sukka.
USAENJOYINAFGHANISTAN
let them enjoy for another two decade, so they can be well trained for killing people at home ha ha
Mnementh: I wish You would learn Your History right before You try to say anything!!! Bush Jr did not start the Afghanistan War because of 9/11... It was started by President Carter!!! If Bush would have kept the Troops there instead of starting the Iraq War it would have been over a year after He stowed the Election...
Steve: The only reason Congress agreed was that Bush and Cheney lied about the Weapons being there!!!
The part I don't understand is!!! The way the two buildings feel... You think it would have feel top to bottom!!! Not from the bottom to the top instead... That is the part I don't understand!!!
feel=fell
Ted. Our Soldiers is an all volunteer force and knowing and willing to fight on the behalf of the afghan population that suffered greatly under the Taliban rule. They are prepared to be from their families and their families are prepared as well. These Soldier can say they stood up for a group of people and ultimately effecting their life and their children's life.
They sacrifice themself to serve others rather than themselves. That is what makes our Soldiers so unique compared to Average American Citizen.
You wanna bet,chris? Some of them are young and still believe war is fun and games. They need to be taught that war is horrific and without any glory or romanticism,especially the unnecessary ones like the one we're fighting now!
VERY GOD POST CHRIS. THANK YOU.
Chris, as a soldier I agree with you 100%. Bledsoe also has a point. Soldiers are not routinely taught the horrors of war. Some do think it's fun and games. But BLEDSOE, they figure it out the hard way, first hand, on the ground.
They wouldn't understand that because They never been in the Military!!! They are to busy finding a way to stay out of the Service... Israel is the only Country that has the right idea!!! Every one in Israel has to be in the Arms Service when They become 18 teen Years old... That doesn't matter if Your Rich, Poor are what religion!!!
My son is a second, soon to be first lieutenant with the 101st and will be at COP Margah in the very near future. In fact some of the men involved were his platoon, he has just not caught up with them yet as he was late in arriving in Afganny Land. In response to Bledsoe, these young men are all well aware that war is not fun and games. They know it is serioius business and why they are there. They are all well trained volunteers and take their jobs very, very seriously.
Mr. Campbell:
God Bless you and your family.
Please thank your son from us old guys who understand. So long as the "Band of Idiots" continue to play with us over there, they won't be over here. We have tremendous respect for those guys. Not draftees as we were. They chose to be in harm's way to sustain our very Blessed way of life and defeat evil.
CURRAHEE !
2nd Plt., Charlie Co., 2nd Btn. 506th Inf., 101st Abn Div. (Ambl), Republic of Vietnam 1970-71
Ted,I totally agree with you. Thank you.
Bedso: Is that what You really think We joined the Service for??? Sure We matured will we were in the Service!!! But it didn't mean it was because We were immature... I know I and My Friends joined because We wanted to help Our Country!!! In 1967 I wanted to go to Israel and fight over there too... There was a lot of Jews that was in the Service that wanted to do the same thing!!! But They refused to let us...
Bush accepted Bin 's invitation . I think Bin did not know Bush will pay an attention to his invitation and send lots of gifts to his buddies and him. Party is still not over.
And we could all be happy and no puppies or kittens woudl ever die, and all would be right with the world! 😀 Where did you learn this crap? Do you realize that the world is NOT a nice place all the time?? Do you know there are people here with me right now (Deployed to Afghanistan) who want you & your family dead for no reason??? Where do people get the idea that -no one else- wants to force their ideas onteh world? You stand up for what you belive.... and you stand up for those you belive in, or you are not worth much at all. Don't like the US's foreign policy? vote, Don't like that most people disagree wtih your opinion? move. Dont come here whining.
EXACTLY. People never cease to amaze me. The article is about soldiers. Whether or not you agree with this war is not to be discussed here. It is to praise the soldiers for giving us a few less terrorists to woryy about. Get over yourselves and thank these soldiers!!!
Your right about Bush taking the Troops out of Afghanistan to start the Iraq War!!! They would never been able like they are fighting us today... We almost had the War won back then!!! That is the problem... The Presidents and Congress didn't listen to their Commanders on the front lines!!! Otherwise We would have won both the Korean and Vietnam Wars both... The only ones that fault the Wars right were was WWII, Desert Storm and now Iraq and Afghanistan!!! Because the Presidents listen to Their Generals...
Bush started the Iraq war not the Afghanistan War!!! If He would have left the Troops in Afghanistan instead of taking Them to Iraq... This Country and Afghanistan would have been better off today!!! I personally think if Bush wouldn't have stolen the First election 9/11 would never have happen..,
why doesnt your hero the ghetto prez pull the troops out if bush got us there ?
Amen to that Ted, don't see Bush's princess daughters enlisting. It is time to bring out troops home!
These guys deserve a Medal of Honor
God bless the heroes and have them return safe to their families.
Hooaah!!
YABBA-DABBA-DOO!!!
The Army lads did a good job, but a Medal of Honor for any of them? No. They did exactly that, thier job.
Your Mk-19 wouldn't jam if properly PM'd and taken care of. And if you let them get to your MRAP you already let them get too close or had a poorly setup LP/OP in the first place.
I agree with you on the MOH thing right now. We don't know what will come out of the LP/OP portion. The MRAP was at the main FOB. There's no way they had it up the mountain. As for the MK-19, I suspect they will find out in pretty short order if it was a malfunction or a maintenance problem. Right now, I think that's 50/50.
Right on Gunny, you tell them. B/C I'll bet my measly salary against yours that you or any of the Marines you were responsible for ever had a weapons malfunction, EVER! The MK-19 wouldn't jam if properly PM'd??? It's the most jamtastic weapon in any of the services' inventory!!! I am sure everybody here would love to here of how every one of your "patrols" went with out any speed bumps in them at all. Botom line, things happen in the heat of combat that just can't be controlled no matter how much you do preventive maintenance and how many times you conduct your PCC's and PCI's (Pre-Combat Checks and Pre-Combat Inspections for those not familiar with military acronyms).
Gunny,
weapons still jam, even with proper pm. I don't think you're really were or are a Gunny.
Roger That
More right-wing bla-bla-bla. It never ends. CURRAHEE!!!
Are you kidding me? PM'd properly? No Gunny I know would ever make this statement. You're a fake!
They are the only ones that deserve the Medal Of Honor!!! They are doing the hard part to make things right there including the training...
Marine GySgt is more right than wrong ..and yeah he reads just like a gunny ...
Really Gunny? Since the 19 will jam just to do it and since you are not on the ground there, save your armchair generaling and when the Marines are perfect then you can talk out of the side of your neck, those troops did a hell of a job breaking out and making it back. And you know ,we as the ground pounders are put in places and situations that are not perfect but we have a job to do and that is why they pay us the big bucks. And yes I am on ground in the 101st and yes I know these troops and yes they did a hell of a job for a bad situation and remember Gunny Mr. Murphy is always there especially at night under fire, been doing these since '85 and I have fumbled a time or too.
gunny you are so right......it doesent sound like they were that ready how the hell do the taliban get that many people around them jn that open country anyway god bless them...i was a grunt and a member of 1st force recon in Nam...so i may be a little dated but cmon man who set up the lp/op they really must do it different
Gunny, to me it seems like somebody with real world experience would consider the real probability that the weapon jammed several times because the soldiers did not have a supply of LSA ( that's special lubricant for the grenade launcher ). Considering the soldiers fight for their lives with these weapons and understand the importance of maintaining them I personally consider it more likely that logistics failed to deliver. So think twice before you impune those soldiers.
Doug – You are wrong about the MRAP, and have clearly never been out here to COP (not FOB) Margah. They'll find out soon enough if there was negligence to blame with the MK19, but I'm not in a position to speculate.
Ya doug the MRAPs were up on the OP it wasn't exactly a mountain. And yes after they abandoned the foreign fighter did use the weapons systems on them before the OP the foghters and the MRAPs were destroyed by a danger close mission
I have talked with the Army National Guard that will be going there in Dec. for Their 4th Deployment!!! May GOD keep watching over Them as They protect those needed protection...
Hey people,I didn't post that sorry comment above. Some jerk keeps on trying to discredit me!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORDS OF SUPPORT. MY HUSBAND IS IN 4TH AT THE 101ST. HIM AND HIS BROTHERS WERE ALL FIGHTING THE RAGE. TO ANYONE BASHING HEROS ON HERE- HAVE SOME RESEPCT, GOOD MEN DIED THAT DAY, PEOPLE LOST THEIR SONS, BROTHERS, HUSBANDS, GRAND KIDS AND FATHERS.
get your facts right,,, i was there and only taliban died that day
my older brother is in the 101st and deployed you damn right every one of the soldiers deserve a medal. Bring our troops home safely, god bless
The Sergeant did receive the Silver Star from General Petraus and others were decorated. You still might be able to pick up that story from Clarksville Online which carries good coverage of the 101st.
Do you know what that is . You don"t get it when forced to retreat- geeze ...
Do you know what that is ? You don"t get when it forced to retreat... geeze .