US Army Green Beret in Afghanistan 2001–02 Book Review

By Rachel E. Veres

Book Review

Osprey’s US Army Green Beret in Afghanistan 2001–02 chronicles Green Beret operations and swift toppling of the Taliban regime – in just 49 days! – during late 2001.

Following a brief introduction, Leigh Neville dedicates the first half to Green Berets’ training, appearance and equipment – with the second focusing on Operation Enduring Freedom’s early stages and aftermath. Interweaving personal (and sometimes humorous accounts) into text, Neville propels readers right into the campaign.

For example, Afghan militia forces heard of the “American death ray” and were eager to see it in action as the Green Berets targeted Taliban positions with air support. As one ODA (Operational Detachment Alpha) member revealed in a later interview, “Due to the altitude that the aircraft was flying with the laser-guided munitions, when it dropped its ordnance the bomb was falling for a minute and half to two minutes. If you timed it just right, as the laser target designator is engaging [the] enemy position, you let your Northern Alliance commander take a look through the laser target designator. He sees it going, but he doesn’t see the bombs fly into the target. He hears that chirping noise from the laser target designator and then the enemy position explodes. They believe that we have the death ray, and this was a myth we were willing to perpetuate.”

Illustrator Peter Dennis’ color artwork, campaign maps and over 50 photographs augment the publication. And a bibliography and glossary wrap things up.

Another highly recommended title in Osprey’s “Warrior” series!

My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!