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Hammerhead Six

How Green Berets Waged an Unconventional War Against the Taliban to Win in Afghanistan's Deadly Pech Valley

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Hammerhead Six

By: Ronald Fry, Tad Tuleja
Narrated by: Ronald Fry
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About this listen

 The incredible story of the Green Berets' "hearts and minds" counterinsurgency in Afghanistan's notorious Pech River Valley, told by the unit commander who led Hammerhead Six.

In 2003, the Special Forces soldiers entered an area later called "the most dangerous place in Afghanistan." Here, where the line between civilians and armed zealots was indistinct, they illustrated the Afghan proverb: "I destroy my enemy by making him my friend."

Captain Ronald Fry recounts how they were seen as welcome guests rather than invaders. Soon after their deployment ended, the Pech Valley reverted to turmoil. Their success was never replicated. Hammerhead Six finally reveals how cultural respect, hard work (and the occasional machine-gun burst) were more than a match for the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

 Afghan & Iraq Wars Armed Forces Military Military & War Special & Elite Forces World War Middle East Solider
All stars
Most relevant
Interesting and informative insight into how an unconventional war could be and should be undertaken. The most important aspect is understanding the ordinary people just want to live in peace but when pushed into a corner will, if they are given the opportunity, come out fighting. It's such a waste of lives, time and money when the hearts and minds approach is shunned by the body count merchants. After the experiences of Vietnam and Irag it saddens me that the military leaders in the United States refuse to learn.

Enlightened Approach

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Great story of a never to be forgotten history.
When do politics wake
up. They had it right and did the right thing

How it could be

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One of the very best books I have read. Having read what the Red Bearded Commander managed to accomplish through care and protection over against gung-ho bravado it was not surprising that the follow up tours were more of the usual bullets, collateral damage and resentment, that's what the politicians want, it pays the bills. Awesome accomplishments from the professionals though and what they achieved. Brilliantly written with humility.

There is another way

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A refreshingly unconventional story of soldiering with an emphasis on cultural deference and understanding that offers up an alternative vision for how the most recent war in Afghanistan might have been 'fought' and 'won'. Well written and very well-read. It took me a chapter or two to get into but is well worth the credit.

Outstanding

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A fantastic account of the realities of what is required for deconfliction between differing cultures.

Outstanding, insightful, humble and moving!

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