What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 12:44:22 -0400

I can't say I'm surprised that this is all happening. Right now I'm just sad and frustrated.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Aug 16 at 2021 1:03 PM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:03:35 -0400

I'm there with you

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 16 at 2021 1:11 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:11:01 -0400

Look, what happened in Afghanistan was always going to be what happened. Had we been there one year, ten, twenty or a hundred, we still would have arrived right here..
Unfortunately it was a foregone conclusion. At no point was the Afghan National Army ever going to be what we wanted it to be.
Our military is a product of our values, our population, our history, our budget, our executive priorities etc...
The ANA can only be what it's going to be based on it's own organic values, desires, population, objectives, etc...
If you're angry that Trump made the agreement with the Taliban, or that Biden adhered to that agreement, don't be. It doesn't affect the inevitable outcome.
This is not our issue. This is their issue.
I know we're used to throwing enough bombs at a problem to get what we want, but despite all the bald eagles, apple pie and flag waving, sometimes we don't get what we want. That's life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 1:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:14:23 -0400

SSG Carlos Madden I have to agree that I am not surprised that the Taliban is taking back over, but I am surprised as the speed in which they did it. However, we have to remember that for the past 20 years they were taking pop shots at us and hitting us quickly and retreating ... they were doing this to see our capabilities.. they were doing this to train for this moment. Afghanistan has been a winless war for more that just the U.S., many have tried and all have failed. There is an ideology that can not be beaten into submission nor ignored. I fear for what the next generation will have to deal with... I am sitting by the phone, waiting for the NOD. Very sad times we are in...

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Aug 16 at 2021 1:23 PM

1stSgt Nelson Kerr — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:23:32 -0400

Sad and remembering 1975

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Aug 16 at 2021 1:39 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:39:26 -0400

I don't have the words to express my thoughts at the moment.
That's a lie. I sure do.
But it's likely better that I don't.

Response by TSgt Chuck Mankin made Aug 16 at 2021 1:47 PM

TSgt Chuck Mankin — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:47:57 -0400

I'm pissed and feeling betrayed by the government. I never dreamed we'd end up with another Vietnam.

Response by SSG William Jones made Aug 16 at 2021 1:50 PM

SSG William Jones — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:50:43 -0400

I can't adequately express my feelings about this right now. The applicable descriptors haven't been introduced into our lexicon as yet‼️

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 16 at 2021 2:07 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 14:07:48 -0400

As I lost a friend in A'stan there is a very bitter "For What?" feeling. I haven't talk to his sister yet and I'm not sure I will bring it up but guessing she's wondering the same or something similar.

20 years - lives lost and trillions of dollars - only to end up giving T'man better equipment and training via ANA. I give it 5 years before this come back around - God forbid dirty bomb - via Iran and or P'Stan.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Aug 16 at 2021 2:32 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 14:32:41 -0400

It doesn't matter who was in office, it always was going to be a sh#tshow when we left. Mainly because we lack the will at the upper levels to actually defeat radical Islam. My concern and shock, though, is after all the blood sweat and tears that we have spent over there trying to build the ANA, ANP et al, how quickly they turned turtle. They didn't even really put up a fight. Makes you question why we were there for so long. My hope is this serves as a reminder (although I am sure it won't because we have had plenty of others) that when we engage our troops it needs to have a clear and concise mission with well defined goals. If you can't meet those requirements, then don't get involved or do a 30k foot campaign with a lot of bombs.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 16 at 2021 2:34 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 14:34:58 -0400

I mean, Obama did it to Iraq. There was no doubt Biden was on course to do the same in Afghanistan. It has become eminently clear that Democrat politicians cannot be trusted with foreign policy. Frankly, my only surprise, so far, has been that we haven't lost a handful of American lives at this point, repeating Obama and Clinton's horrendous handling of the Benghazi situation. Over the course of the last decade we have officially lost any and all progress made in the middle east since 2001, and, in the blink of an eye, told all of our allies that we refuse to stick to our obligations. Biden has signed the death warrants of thousands by precipitously pulling out of the country, putting American lives at risk, as well. Most of the administration should be announcing resignations immediately, to include himself, the Sec of State, the SecDef, and the CJCS. What is occurring right now is a travesty, orchestrated entirely at the hands of a weak, cowardly, and intellectually vapid administration more concerned with moronic and deleterious domestic policies than protecting the nation and it's partners around the world from murderous terrorist groups. If the members of this administration don't resign, they should be impeached or whatever is necessary to remove them from their positions. They simply cannot be trusted at this point.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 16 at 2021 2:45 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 14:45:11 -0400

$2 Trilion thrown hat crooks like DeVoss and her Brother and given Mercenaries. They never had one bit of support from the Pashtuns. Thousands of prisoners were murdered in our name. It left a stain on everyone it touched. Other than hunting Bin Laden, we had no business there

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 4:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 16:45:12 -0400

They didn’t want their freedom bad enough from oppressive rule with two decades top tier military training and equipment to be over run my militia.

I’m mean at least north Vietnam was supported by developed countries with organized military in order to topple the south

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Aug 16 at 2021 4:56 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 16:56:14 -0400

It's been a heavy day for many of us. With all the negativity in the news, I couldn't be more proud of my fellow veterans who answered the call when we needed you the most. Regardless of the final outcome, your service mattered and I'm proud to call you my brothers and sisters.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Aug 16 at 2021 5:30 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:30:04 -0400

I feel betrayed. Our politicians broke an accord with their Soldiers - 20 years of my buddies getting killed, losing limbs to IED's, and the mental scars most of us Infantrymen have to bear by the things we saw, and had to do, and for what? Bin Laden and Saddam have been dead for years, why the fuck were we there afterwards? why the fuck did we pour billions of dollars into those shitholes of a third world country when we ALL KNEW the enemy was going to take it all back when we left. fuck hearts and minds - kill em all and let allah sort em out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 6:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:10:32 -0400

A lot of mixed feelings, for sure. The only way to prevent this would have been for us to stay there forever. The Taliban have been sitting back waiting for this day, and we can point the blame at our elected officials for emboldening them all we want, but at the end of the day all we did was push them back into the caves for the time being. We never went in there with the will to completely wipe them out. As a result, here we are having wasted 20 years, thousands of American lives and trillions of American dollars.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Aug 16 at 2021 6:12 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:12:43 -0400

20 years of blood and treasure down the drain. Thanks trump.

Response by Sgt Samantha Jee made Aug 16 at 2021 6:13 PM

Sgt Samantha Jee — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:13:08 -0400

I'm frustrated, angry, and sad. I knew this was going to happen, but I had hope.

Response by CPT Edward Barr made Aug 16 at 2021 6:18 PM

CPT Edward Barr — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:18:01 -0400

I can not say it any better than SFC Michael Hasbun. However, like Vietnam, Korea and similar wars/conflicts; wars of attrition, hit and retreat/return ground taken, or peacekeeping never has, and never will work. Wars are only (relatively) successful, when full occupation is achieved, and a new government put in place. Then, the occupying force remains, until the culture has changed to allow for and put in place a government chosen legally by the people of the country. Still, a viable military force mu also be in place to ensure that government can be sustained.

Response by CPL Chris Palmberg made Aug 16 at 2021 6:19 PM

CPL Chris Palmberg — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:19:12 -0400

I was telling a friend recently, theocratic societies are very difficult to replace. Simply put, when the penalty for defection is literally HELL, excommunication, etc., an occupying force will be hard pressed to make way towards a different approach to government. The tribal society of the region makes thing even worse, because they are patriarchal, meaning that the eldest male makes the rules for the household. Regardless of how effective the Hearts & Minds programing has been on teens and young men, they'll still defer to the wisdom of the patriarch, who has spent 30+ years under European occupation being told (first by the Soviets, then by NATO) that they're dim witted cave dwellers who don't understand how people need to be governed.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 16 at 2021 6:19 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:19:58 -0400

looks like those people we were feeding, equipping and training for the past 20 years were the Taliban. makes sense

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Aug 16 at 2021 6:21 PM

CW5 Mark Smith — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:21:13 -0400

I didn't deploy to Afghanistan. But I did a tour in Iraq and Vietnam. History repeats itself. Saigon Part II.

Response by 1SG Timothy Trewin made Aug 16 at 2021 6:22 PM

1SG Timothy Trewin — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:22:45 -0400

Honestly I am not affected as much as others might. I guess it's because I made peace with the fact that I knew this would happen many years ago. It sucks because of how many lives were lost for essentially a lost cause. I just pray that others find peace through this time.

Response by Col Mark Menotti made Aug 16 at 2021 6:24 PM

Col Mark Menotti — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:24:09 -0400

Response by LtCol Michael Niermeier made Aug 16 at 2021 6:26 PM

LtCol Michael Niermeier — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:26:08 -0400

I am really disappointed, betrayed and and angry. 20 years of Administrations had the opportunity to figure out a strategy that could adapt based on assessments of the capabilities of the government and evaluations of the police and army. After all this time, no one understands that Afghans respect strength. The Taliban wont respond to a few diplomats.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 6:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:31:01 -0400

Disgust.

Response by SSG Steven Dowell made Aug 16 at 2021 6:34 PM

SSG Steven Dowell — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:34:41 -0400

I just hope both teams have fun.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Aug 16 at 2021 6:36 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:36:58 -0400

I feel like the GWOT is the millennial generations Cold War, and that Iraq and Afghanistan is their Vietnam.

I feel as though the Bush administration dropped the ball here. Instead of 130k troops in Iraq, those 130k should have been partnered with the 100k already in Afghanistan, and we should have marched from the western border, and killed every fucking military aged male in that fucking country, and then exported a bunch of Americans to come in and occupy Afghanistan.

Barring that I feel that after Osama Bin Laden had been found and killed, we should have immediately pulled out of Afghanistan.

The American people, even conservatives, do not have the stomach for what needs to be done.

We should contract with Venezuela for their oil, and make it so that we are oil free by 2040.

Then tell Saudi Arabia to get fucking bent. Put out a warning that another attack on the US, or its citizens is going to result in the complete annihilation of Medina via Fuel Air Explosives. And if that doesn't work, a second Nuclear attack on fucking Mecca's Kabaa and make the Hajj impossible for generations. With coordinated strikes in Tehran and other Moslem capitals in every fucking country.

They want to live by stone age laws, let's send 'em back to the stone age.

I am fucking done with this shit.

Response by SSG Robert Smith made Aug 16 at 2021 6:39 PM

SSG Robert Smith — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:39:36 -0400

We didn't understand how the society worked there when we went. I believe that we did a good thing there and completed our mission. We did need to pull out but it should've been better organized than the way it was done.

The culture in Afghanistan is much different than ours and we really didn't appreciate it. I only say that because we tried to make a government like ours which wouldn't work in this situation. We tried but it still wouldn't work. But as I said we did complete our original mission which was to take the war to the people who attacked us on 9/11, but we just couldn't leave the area in a total mess, which we ended up doing now.

As I originally said it should have been better planned than with what happened.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 16 at 2021 6:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:40:39 -0400

In a sense I feel bad for enlisted folks because army officers’ military education is often more robust. At the MAJ level some of us go to the Combined General Staff College to study the global, strategic, and theoretical characteristics of war. I am not bright, so the implication is I am slow to pick up on new concepts and ideas, but once it is imbued in my memory, I have a good understanding. We were exposed to several paradigms or models relating to war. I like the paradigms in my head.

Carl Von Clausewitz, an 1800s military theorist, opined wars often have three key elements, and I will indulge in our Revolutionary War to show you the paradigm and the nexus of what transpired in that war. The relevance. The three components are:

- THE PASSION OF THE PEOPLE: Americans helped the military by supporting it in various ways to include joining the military.
- MILITARY ACUMEN: It was a long war but our military knew how to fight and win eventually.
- GOOD GOVERNANCE: Americans in general accepted the legitimacy of the Continental Congress.

I don’t think Afghanistan had any of those three components. I am just guessing but I thought perhaps a 400,000 person military would give 15,000 Taliban a good fight. Once I read about the Afghan military personnel surrendering in droves, running away, and cities falling like dominos; I pretty much concluded the Taliban would win. With relatively small numbers, the Taliban easily captured large cities which tells me they were probably not defended or were not defended well. The Germans had around a million men trying to capture Stalingrad but failed to capture the city due to Russian military staunch resistance. The Russians fought like devils, the Afghan army obviously did not fight hard.

I knew Afghanistan was doomed solely on the basis the Afghan military ran away like little girls. We tried to train their military for 20 years and look at the pathetic product we got in return. It tells me their military has deep fundamental problems. The first one is they acted like a dead fish instead of a real tiger.

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Aug 16 at 2021 6:40 PM

CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:40:47 -0400

Frankly, I'm pissed to the max! It's another Vietnam! All of the death notifications, memorial ceremonies, funerals, dying and dead Soldiers I have stood over have all been in vain! ANY military member who votes for ANY democrat needs to be "taken behind the woodshed" and receive some "on the spot correction!" Bite-Me Biden and his cabinet, as well as the "stars" sitting in the Pentagon need to be retired immediately! They have signed the death warrants of every Afghani who helped us over the last 20 years! I guess it goes with the whole "kinder, gentler world" B. S.

Response by CPL Paul B. made Aug 16 at 2021 6:41 PM

CPL Paul B. — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:41:02 -0400

I understand what happened happened, still doesn't mean it's going to sit good with me. I kinda feel like my service there was for nothing. What I'm holding onto is that I at least impacted one life.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Aug 16 at 2021 6:41 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:41:15 -0400

It Sucks big time

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 6:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:44:30 -0400

I’m glad I’m not there and it isn’t my problem anymore. I wish the best of luck for you still in and have to deal with the failure of policy makers

Response by SPC Daniel Cahill made Aug 16 at 2021 6:49 PM

SPC Daniel Cahill — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:49:05 -0400

Kabul 2021 ... This is not Siagon!!!! ... Biden administration blunders!!!

If you are sad about the comparison of the fall of Afghanistan and Siagon many years ago (I keep hearing/seeing that scenario being portrayed...

Not as sad as it is for our Afghan allies who supported and worked with us who are now on lists in Taliban hands awaiting torture and beheadings underway and to come... you have no idea what that reality is about... and it is not on the fake News of ALL NEWS OUTLETS ...
.
That is the reality that easily could and should have been prevented by this corrupt current U.S. Administration and leadership. They are trapped throughout Afghanistan ... and I may add there are still thousands of foreigners that worked with us in Afghanistan still TRAPPED throughout Afghanistan!!!!

Blaming previous administrations for the hideous situation in Afghanistan doesn't change the truth about facts today discussed hereinabove ad infinitum.
.
Don't pivot away and open your eyes, ears and mind to the devastating way this is being handled and the lives and deaths and misery that this is and will continue to cause...
.I spent 5 years in Iraq and 3 years in Afghanistan (8 years / 8 tours) continuously.

It's not about how we get in or if and when we would leave ...

IT IS ABOUT HOW WE LEFT AFGHANISTAN!!!

What have the social media "keyboard warriors" (trolls) done?

Our government, military, media and corporations are focused on fake Critical Race Theory, fake Social Justice Marxist propaganda and indoctrination to our youth, our population and our military...

We/they were asleep to the real threats in the world while our borders are open letting God knows who is among them as well as Taliban takeover of Afghanistan!

They (Muslim Islamist extremists) will be back to the U.S. in the future! We must fix our government!!!

Response by LTC David Brown made Aug 16 at 2021 6:49 PM

LTC David Brown — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:49:58 -0400

I am sickened! This is a huge blunder with many facets that are going to effect US international diplomacy for decades. Right now China is telling Taiwan you cannot depend on the US to sustain you, the same message is being given to Hong Kong. China is recognizing the Taliban. They see a client state. It is a mess.

Response by SGT Felicia King made Aug 16 at 2021 6:51 PM

SGT Felicia King — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:51:21 -0400

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-rumsfeld-democracy-in-iraq-was-unrealistic/
It’s unfortunate and sad because you think of the remaining Afghan citizens left in the country. But it’s not altogether shocking; it is mostly what you would have expected when the U.S. finally leaves. It is good to know that the U.S. officials made accommodations to send some of the many (and their families) that worked side by side with the US military to Fort Lee to go forth with their citizenship.
The cbs article link is from 2015, former Defense Secretary Rumsfeld speaking about Iraq, but still very relevant to Afghanistan. It is good to help other countries, but you cannot force your own democracy on that country. There will still be foreign aid to Afghanistan, however not in military form.
Many are saying that the past 20 years of sacrifice is all for nought. However, thinking of the many that were saved I don’t consider anyone’s sacrifice taken for granted. There are no victories in war; you can only hope that good will come out of it and lessons be learned. In the US Civil War, many died by the sword because of the blood spilled by the lash. But the country was better for it, and the sacrifices of all those that died are still to be honored today. Many even commented how it was eerily familiar to when the US left Saigon.

Donald Rumsfeld: Democracy in Iraq was "unrealistic"

The former defense secretary once dismissed problems in Iraq by saying "freedom's untidy"

Response by PO3 Steve Mulvihill made Aug 16 at 2021 6:54 PM

PO3 Steve Mulvihill — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:54:10 -0400

Tired of this Bullshit! Sending our troops over for nothing! Same crap over and over again. If the politicians are not going to have us win a WAR, stop sending us over for their own personal glory and gain. Set a line and leave them alone. If they cross the line eliminate them. No more American blood shed for some low life politicians that are playing chicken with our lives. Send them to the border and exterminate the drug trafficker's and the sex criminals. Do something for this country instead of enriching people who who are traitors and cowards.

Response by MAJ Sheldon Smith made Aug 16 at 2021 6:57 PM

MAJ Sheldon Smith — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:57:07 -0400

I am sad for the Afghans who helped us and now fear for their lives. I am angry for the birthdays, school events and life milestones of my children that I missed because I was doing a job I though was worthy of the sacrifice. During my two deployments in that nation. I remember feeling during the first one in 2006-2007 that Afghanistan was the forgotten war. I remember in my second deployment in 2009 feeling that the surge that began that year would stabilize things and give the Afghan people a fighting chance (knowing in the back of my mind that the nation would never be able to survive with a western-style government without significant international support). I knew the mission there would eventually draw down, but thought it would do so in a responsible manner — but it didn’t. This situation (along with the current and previous Administration) have done a great deal to damage our image among our global partners. Personally, I have to struggle with the fruitlessness of my efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Response by Sgt Jim Belanus made Aug 16 at 2021 6:57 PM

Sgt Jim Belanus — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:57:26 -0400

Had feelings this would happen when we went in there. Afghanistan has done this over the centuries. The Russians didn't fair any better than we did

Response by Marciano Galarza made Aug 16 at 2021 7:00 PM

Marciano Galarza — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:00:09 -0400

Words aren’t enough to fully express how I feel…. It’s just sad that so many of my military brethren died in Afghanistan and for what? Billions of dollars spent in this country and all so that the enemy can take it all in a WEEK!

Response by SSG Brian L. made Aug 16 at 2021 7:00 PM

SSG Brian L. — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:00:11 -0400

It was always going to happen however.... remember when the previous administration suggested we leave Syria? Where is the proportional outrage that existed for our Kurdish allies? Also on NPR today they mentioned all the neighbors having open borders so that refuges can escape which I whole heartedly agree with and that European countries need to come up with a plan... where is the same sentiment from Muslim countries? Like when one person offends the prophet and it becomes Jihad to protect Muslim brothers from being offended? Seems like there should be some country looking to help and protect their brothers ... but I guess that doesn't suite them either.

Response by CSM Thomas Ray made Aug 16 at 2021 7:04 PM

CSM Thomas Ray — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:04:05 -0400

The end result with the Taliban taking over was bound to happen, the exit strategy was a cluster. When I came home from Viet Nam, I was asked what did I think was going to happen and I said it would be a short time before the North took over the country, counter to what the state dept. and senior officials were saying. The situation here is the same, if they had asked the people actually on the ground they would have been told a different story. The end result is the US looks weak and the creditability has sunk to a new low. The real winners in this are China and Russia that never left their embassies and were left alone by the Taliban, having already brokered a deal before the withdrawal.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 7:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:11:02 -0400

The Afgahnistan Armed Firces do not wish to better their country. If they did, they wouldn't cower and basically piss away 20 years of training and equipment. They used us for their own financial assistance and lack the discipline and morale within the ranks to turn this around. Its too late. Many American and Nati lives list just so they could hand the country back over to the Taliban. This is disgraceful and honestly quite embarrassing. If this pull out of our Forces was years in the planning, then it was planned poorly. Could've gradually done it over a good year and not start an immediate dumpster fire. As far as the Afghanistan citizens go, I wish them the best of luck and the balls to take back their country. But I feel that even as early as it is in this garbage fire, there is no turning back and the Taliban does not give a crap about honoring any part of their deal. It's just a matter of time until we see another significant terrorist attack on U.S soil. Sad, sad, sad.

Response by PFC Melissa Torres made Aug 16 at 2021 7:13 PM

PFC Melissa Torres — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:13:26 -0400

I’m so disappointed- I am worried about the 3k plus troops going over there right now. Mostly I’m disgusted. How irresponsible of a president, this is shameful! Those poor families!

Response by SP5 Jack Woodburn made Aug 16 at 2021 7:15 PM

SP5 Jack Woodburn — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:15:47 -0400

I am beyond furious and enraged by the gross incompetence of how this entire matter has been handled. Heads in the White House, Congress, the Pentagon and the intelligence community should roll. We've been lied to for many years about the changing "mission." I love our country, but I'm coming to despise my government of both political parties.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Aug 16 at 2021 7:16 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:16:52 -0400

I am extremely disappointed and frustrated in the decision making process of the current administration in the handling of the withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Afghanistan. We all knew the day was coming, but I fell that there were numerous options available instead of just "cutting sling" on the Afghan Forces. That is how I see it. We cut sling on them. I am deeply saddened and upset to see the black flag of the Taliban flying over places where my Soldiers and I have fought. I do however take great solace in the fact that I served over there with some of the finest Soldiers that our Country produced. For me, I served over there for my Soldiers, their families, and then the People of Afghanistan. I feel that I did right by my Soldiers and their families. To the people of Afghanistan, I tried. My Soldiers tried. At the end of the day you need to try. And if you don't want to, then it is what it is.

Response by Brady Armistead made Aug 16 at 2021 7:20 PM

Brady Armistead — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:20:05 -0400

http://thepatriotstree.com/

The Patriot's Tree

An exploration of living American

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 7:23 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:23:32 -0400

It's complicated.

First, I still absolutely believe that we could have finished the job responsibly and well, but that leadership lost track of the goal. In addition, I have come to the conclusion that aggression in military officers, the higher up the chain one goes, is a trait that has been selected out by the civilian leadership as being undesirable. As a result the goals changed in order to cater to the traits that are seen as favorable.

That said, having abandoned a proper outcome, the destruction of the will or ability of Al Qaeda and the Taliban to resist, it has long since been time to leave. It would have been good to have had a plan, however.

Is anyone shocked that the ANA didn't fight? We built that army to be dependent on us. What's more, every time, in my experience, that the ANA was supposed to conduct an independent mission, they ultimately found a reason not to go. "We had no fuel," was a regular feature, which had the added benefit of implying that the failure was ours.

The prohibition on contractors is baffling. Even more so than building in a reliance on such personnel, even though it is the model we follow, to our detriment someday, as well.

Simply the timing of the announcement prior to the security of US and allied personnel is a major f**k up.

I spent three and 3/4 years in Afghanistan altogether. In 2003, we came in to a ghost town in Kabul. When left 18 months later, there were people in the streets and twice daily traffic jams as crowds of children moved back and forth to school. We went everywhere we wanted to go in Ford Ranger pickups. We lost no one to the enemy. Two years later, orders came down that only the new up armored HMMWVs were permitted outside the wire, it was too dangerous for thin skinned vehicles. We knew that we'd lost ground, but the previous deployment had us feeling that that was temporary. We lost one medic who ran to the gunfire to do the right thing. Three years after that, back again. Routes were routinely black. Only the newest MRAPs were allowed in most of the country and older ones stayed parked on the compounds. The towns were again ghost towns. We lost twelve Soldiers this time.

I knew it would have to be a multi-generational effort. I was prepared to do that and I still am. But not if the main purpose in being there is to try not to get anyone hurt, but to inflict the maximum damage on the ability of our enemies to war against us.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 7:28 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:28:11 -0400

Glad to have our troops out of Afghanistan.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 7:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:29:45 -0400

This is so heavy. Gives me anxiety actually. All those soldiers that died. All those families that lost loved ones, people that will never be the same again seems like it’s all in vain

Response by CPT Paul Whitmer made Aug 16 at 2021 7:29 PM

CPT Paul Whitmer — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:29:53 -0400

With the exception of some US-trained ANA Special Opns troops at Asadabad - I never had much faith in the capabilities of the ANA or ANP to stand up to the Taliban once we inevitably departed. You could see it in their eyes - we were just visiting - they had to live there. But - those SO guys in Asadabad (N2KL) - they were very good soldiers - I hope they survived or were evacuated.

Response by SSgt Dexter Dearth made Aug 16 at 2021 7:31 PM

SSgt Dexter Dearth — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:31:10 -0400

I put the blame firmly on the politicians, and the Generals that went along with their ill planned strategy. Politicians for ham stringing the military and the Generals for going along with it. Time for the high ranking generals to put up or shut up, tell the politicans no! it can't be done this way. Of course that's why you have to be a politican to make it to General. Hell, the lowest ranking private could have told you this would be the outcome 10 years ago. No way would I recommend anyone joing our military now, to much political correctness and BS vs WAR.

Response by Lt Col Michael Holmes made Aug 16 at 2021 7:33 PM

Lt Col Michael Holmes — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:33:43 -0400

I arrived in Afghanistan during the surge and it was clear to me a week into my tour that the Afghans weren't buying what we were selling. The Afghans I interacted/worked with had no shared commitment to a single/unified Afghan nation and they certainly didn't share our vision of implementing a western style of democracy. That said, there was a top-down push from senior leaders (civilian and military) to force-feed this notion that if we (DoD, DoS, etc) worked hard enough and if we were persistent, the tide would eventually turn (anyone remember the phrase "win the hearts and minds"?). if Afghanistan were a stock, I would have shorted it over a decade ago. Moreover, I think it is naive to think our senior civilian and military leaders didn't recognize this same reality, but regrettably, most simply didn't possess the will to act and if they did, they were likely quickly marginalized. So, to answer your question about how I am feeling....Equal parts pride in the level of effort put forth by our military forces countered by an overwhelming/crushing sadness of the lives lost or ruined.

Response by PO3 Tim Brown made Aug 16 at 2021 7:37 PM

PO3 Tim Brown — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:37:49 -0400

What a waist of lives, money and equipment. So now these people will come here. Bring unvetted family members.. Before this is over we will be attacked on our own soil by the terrorist the Biden are letting into the country. That cock sucker need to go! Vote Republican if you love American.

Response by PO2 Gary Riedl made Aug 16 at 2021 7:37 PM

PO2 Gary Riedl — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:37:55 -0400

Ron Paul was right decades ago, when he said we should get in, get it done, and get out. All military action should be like that But sadly, politics complicates things. Just…[See More]
Edit

Response by 1SG Frank Rocha made Aug 16 at 2021 7:41 PM

1SG Frank Rocha — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:41:02 -0400

We were only ever just treating symptoms and never the root cause. The only time we went after anyone of consequence in a true offensive was when we took out bin laden. If our political “leaders” (I use that term very loosely) had the best interest of Afghanistan, The United States, our troops and the success of our mission in mind they would have trusted our military leaders long ago and allowed them to pursue the taliban where they were. But not unlike Vietnam, they seem to have gone (and possibly still going) through an “age of Aquarius” of sorts where lessons learned and subject matter experts are ignored because they think they know better. It’s been reported that our current president ignored all his military leaders and over ruled them with this decision. Some politicians think they can just talk to our enemies and they’ll forget their evil ways somehow and be our good friends. We seem to be caught up in that type of effort right now. An attempt to appease our enemy. That doesn’t solve anything but cause us to move back. And when we hit a wall what then? Then it’s either fight or surrender. At that point there is no option for peace. I hope we can avoid that eventuality.

Response by HA Theodore Nevarez made Aug 16 at 2021 7:41 PM

HA Theodore Nevarez — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:41:18 -0400

All for nothing, God Bless to All

Response by SPC Ricky Dirr made Aug 16 at 2021 7:43 PM

SPC Ricky Dirr — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:43:57 -0400

Yeah man, I know we can't save em all, but, didn't them boys we trained, over the last 20 years, enjoy the freedom, "they had",
Enough to fight a little harder?
We die EVERYDAY FOR IT!! ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL!! GOD BLESS THE USA!! AND GOD BLESS ALL YOU!! MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!! MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON PAKISTAN

Response by Cpl Ken H made Aug 16 at 2021 7:44 PM

Cpl Ken H — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:44:55 -0400

All the lives sacrificed in the name of freedom for the past 20 years in Afghanistan...for what?

Response by SSG Robert Betty made Aug 16 at 2021 7:51 PM

SSG Robert Betty — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:51:19 -0400

I can't believe that it's happened twice first in Vietnam and now this saddens me all those young men and women that sacrificed their lives and their limbs to be said you can't win you can't protect and here I thought we were a superpower not I guess it's time to take action into our own hands and we know what to do all those old bastards better sitting in the Senate better start watching their jobs to vote is ready to go it's time for a new regime it's time for Americans to enjoy being Americans

Response by SP5 Ed Tasch made Aug 16 at 2021 7:52 PM

SP5 Ed Tasch — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:52:53 -0400

While I am saddened that the Taliban will take over and that there may be horrible atrocities committed, I think it is time to go. This war, like Vietnam, has served only to reward the military industrial complex. Corporations and politicians have gotten rich on the backs of our military.

Response by GySgt Robert Sutton made Aug 16 at 2021 7:53 PM

GySgt Robert Sutton — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:53:08 -0400

This isn't the first time this has happened. Different situations consistently on different scales. Whether it be a FOB being over run, Benghazi, or this debacle. It's the boots on the ground and the families at home that pay the price. Not politicians. Never policy makers. We don't get to agree or disagree, we just do what we are told. Following orders from those politically indoctrinated officers, not out of respect and an instant obedience to orders, but to the oath we give to the man or women to the left or right of us; to the subordinates that we promised to get back home. No denying this withdrawal was done against military advisement. Let the casualty count begin on the entrenched and incoming to this theatre. God bless them all and their families while the politicians eat popcorn and watch it all unfold on 80 inch televisions in the White House.

Response by PO2 Johnny Ashburn made Aug 16 at 2021 7:57 PM

PO2 Johnny Ashburn — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:57:23 -0400

This sickens my heart. So much American warriors lost in battle, blood spilled on foreign soil, many wounded, broken hearted families and the pain of memory in wars which many of us still suffer. I am in a word or two, totally disgusted with the president and his administration. He falsely claimed about being in war himself and it puts a sour taste in my mouth. I wish we could get rid of him and his admin. and get a real President who knows what he is doing. May God bless the memory of our fallen and those who still suffer.

Response by SGT E.W. Grover made Aug 16 at 2021 7:57 PM

SGT E.W. Grover — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:57:37 -0400

I don't have too many friends left. After Iraq I thought it couldn't be much worse. I personally feel my time in RC-S was pissed away. I now understand to some extent the frustration of Vietnam vets. Its been nothing but a good damned waste.

Response by PFC Ray Gibb made Aug 16 at 2021 7:57 PM

PFC Ray Gibb — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:57:52 -0400

I am completely frustrated over this.

This is another Vietnam, Fall of Saigon! We know that YES,Trump had downsized our COMBAT FORCES to 2,500, there was a complete withdrawal plan in place.

Lying Joe Biden said today, that "this collapse is all the fault of the previous administration! Trump had no plans for the withdrawal!" HOWEVER, we KNOW this is not true.

Even our "woke" military leaders told Biden not to proceed. Leave the numbers at 2,500 and get back to the Table. Extend if need be.

What is wrong with our Military Leaders? The have the Constitutional right to step in, place the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Several sitting Representatives, President of the Senate, Schumer and other sitting Senators, for Sedition, Treason, High Treason, Grand Larceny against the United States, Fraud to include, Postal, Telephone, Internet, and Television against the United States. This to hold them while they supervise a complete 50 State, 2+ Teratories forensic audit of the 2020 Election.

In the meantime, they also take Justice John Roberts into Custody for the same charges and additional due to his position. None of these people will have outside or even visitations from each other.

There cells will contain a single Sleeping pad on a cement slab, a toilet, a sink and shower, a table with two chairs (for when their Attorneys are allowed to visit.

IF the audit PROVES BEYOND A SHADOW OF A DOUBT, that Trump won, they will Temporarily reinstall him under the Constitution and guidance of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They will select a new Justice, all other Justices will then have to be resworn under the Constitution, by the head of the Joint Chiefs, once that is done, Trump will be resworn by the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. His Vice President would also be sworn.

President Trump will be eligible to run for 2024.

If the gutless Military Leaders, would TRULY WAKE UP, even with this loser in the Whitehouse!

They use the original SHOCK and AWE, HOWEVER after all civilians are relocated to a safe shelter; ready to move back home within 72 hours.

With all civilians particularly the kids and elderly, the President currently in hiding safe, we go in three four M.O.A.B.s, Thousands of Stingers, with 2,000 Heavily armed Soldiers following right behind taking prisoner ANYONE on the Streets. After 48 hours, US Army Corps of Engineers enter each city, and get their Infrastructure in place - at least for the new Government to take hold.

We would need to commit 2,500 of the highest trained combat forces, as would Isreal, Jordan, the UK, France, and other ALLY Nations. These forces will be Units of a blend of all nations present, so not all Americans, not all UK, not all Israeli etc.

On top of this we and our Allies will do support their building and structure their Government.

Work where each Tribes Teratories are States, with a basic CONSTITUTION but each state in many ways maintaining their current structure, and slowly adopt true democracy. We give them 24 months with trained negotiaters, trained instructors. We pull out completely, with an ENLARGED EMBASSY and more assets assigned but our Military concentrating on Strategies against Russia and China.

If our military would just read the law in the UCMJ - Uniform Code of Military Justice, as well as the US Constitution, this could be a real thing.

Oh! so there is no showing of Bias, IF, FOR SOME BIZARE REASON, we find no mass fraud, etc. and Mr. Biden is named the winner, he will remain behind bars with his VP our Interm President and the Speaker behind bars, making next in line VP.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 7:59 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 19:59:12 -0400

As a two time Afghanistan Veteran, I feel like we tried to make a difference over the past 20 years. It was hearts over minds even when getting shot at. We spent a lot of money, resources and lives trying to make a difference bit unfortunately it didn't work. Not because we failed but because some people are stuck in their ways. I fell sorry for those who risked their lives to help us and for those who wished us no harm. We need to strengthen our military and our borders and invest more money into ourselves for the next generations to come. When I say strengthen our borders I mean from terrorist, and those that want to do us harm.. Not from people looking to work and make a better life for their family. Just want to make that clear. It's a shame we couldn't save the good people of Afghanistan but at the same time we can't save everybody. We need to save ourselves as well.

Response by Sgt Andy Savvidou made Aug 16 at 2021 8:03 PM

Sgt Andy Savvidou — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:03:09 -0400

After watching the events in Afghanistan I think about the evacuation of South Vietnam when my Marine Helicopter squadron HMH-462. was sent in to evacuate Vietnam as the North Vietnamese rapidly advanced through the country as the US started a gradual withdrawal I reflect on the cost of American and allied lives. As a nation we need to remember that since the Korean war ,Vietnam and Afghanistan conflicts we will not achieve total victory in any war not since WW 1 AND WW 2 UNLESS WE FIGHT TO WIN, meaning Kick ASS and take names !! If Russia and China arms and supports our enemies they need to be held accountable !!If politicians wont hold those countries accountable then Don't ask our Military to fight with their hands tied and fight a defensive war !!

Response by Sgt William DeRoche made Aug 16 at 2021 8:04 PM

Sgt William DeRoche — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:04:41 -0400

I will never support another confrontation unless we have the draft.
Every family needs skin in the game so this never happens again
End game discussed ahead of time
Fight future wars as wars not police action such bullshit

Response by SGT James Bradley made Aug 16 at 2021 8:06 PM

SGT James Bradley — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:06:54 -0400

What a waste….. just like Vietnam!

Response by SPC David Batterson made Aug 16 at 2021 8:12 PM

SPC David Batterson — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:12:44 -0400

When a country doesn't want to fight for itself, it's totally moronic for the US to try to make them fight. We gave them $millions in weapons and equipment, excellent training, and watched them run and toss their weapons as the Taliban advanced. Shame on those cowards.

Response by TSgt John Brody made Aug 16 at 2021 8:15 PM

TSgt John Brody — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:15:42 -0400

I too am sad and frustrated.
Our leadership has utterly FAILED us and the afghan people.
Unless we take a multi-generational approach, we should just bomb countries that mess with us and leave ASAP.
The last 20 years has been for nothing.
This is our generations' vietnam.

Response by PO2 David V. made Aug 16 at 2021 8:15 PM

PO2 David V. — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:15:50 -0400

It is Viet Nam all over again. you cannot change these people they are still living in biblical times, I just feel sorry for the young children and the woman of the country.
David V.
Viet Nam Vet 68-69-70

Response by Lt Col J Maloney made Aug 16 at 2021 8:18 PM

Lt Col J Maloney — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:18:26 -0400

Just can’t wrap my head around how it happened, given 20 years of resources including troops, contractors, training, tools, equipment and Trillions of dollars. Speechless~

Response by SPC Fred Reese made Aug 16 at 2021 8:18 PM

SPC Fred Reese — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:18:50 -0400

We live in the greatest country (USA) BUT because of our form of government, who ever is in charge in Washington DC at any given time has not kept Treaties produced by some other years government. Just ask any American Indian Tribe. I pointed this out to my friends in Vietnam, Croasia, Mexico, ECT. The second issue (beside not having any honor in Washington DC Government) non of the officials in Washington DC have read what Thomas Jefferson wrote about Islam nor bother to find out why all Marines he sent in to fight Islam had to read the Quran. Sorry I lost my spell checker in 2020 after 57 years.
Fred

Response by SGT Richard Flores made Aug 16 at 2021 8:21 PM

SGT Richard Flores — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:21:56 -0400

Seeing all this unfold brings be back to watching the same thing happen in Iraq not that long ago.. I helped train Iraqi police officers on how to be the support for their community and a few months after we left they turned their guns over to ISIS..
it’s a tough time and it really does make me feel worse for my brothers that didn’t make it home, but I will never feel bad or regretful for my service and my time spent there.
This is not on us, we had to give them back the keys to their home at some point, and unfortunately they couldn’t handle it..

Response by CPT Khoa Pham made Aug 16 at 2021 8:21 PM

CPT Khoa Pham — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:21:57 -0400

We used to do airborne mission out of the c-17, now we see people falling off the c-17

Response by SGT Shina Collins made Aug 16 at 2021 8:23 PM

SGT Shina Collins — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:23:11 -0400

So I keep watching the trip count go up—1k; 3k;5; now I think we’re at six thousand we’re sending back in to secure things. The problem I have with this is over the past decade, training has shifted from wartime and fighter ready to critical race theory, lgbtq acceptance and dealing with repeal of DADT. I never gave two shits about what the person to my left/right did in his or her free time; so long as they had priorities straight when shit came down to it. I don’t care what your skin Color is or what you want to be called, but do your damn job when it matters most. Now, we have to twiddle our thumbs and wonder if people in the military even know what that job is!

Response by SPC Gerald Freed made Aug 16 at 2021 8:26 PM

SPC Gerald Freed — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:26:12 -0400

Did we not learn anything from Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq ??

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 16 at 2021 8:26 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:26:25 -0400

I am seeing some Taliban with American Rifles. I wonder if we trained them

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 8:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:27:33 -0400

Blood is on Biden's hands

Response by SPC Harold Decoteau made Aug 16 at 2021 8:27 PM

SPC Harold Decoteau — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:27:49 -0400

After Nam. I was not paying attention...We are not a stuiped people...but are sure are arrogent. This happened so quickly only tell me/us They the whole mid central government did not want us there.To low the constuary involved it wood have been a shitty mess...the next two levels up got paid off,promised safety and a new life..To let it happen.Simply everyone was tired and enough was enough... Basices. We where not One of Them .... either side...and I'm sure as shit looked shakie...we played both sides!

Response by SFC Curt Decker made Aug 16 at 2021 8:28 PM

SFC Curt Decker — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:28:05 -0400

I'm more than unhappy. I was a Drill Sergeant from 2002 to 2004 and most of the troops I trained went to Afghanistan. One of my troops was a recipient of the MOH. This hurts bad. What was all this sacrifice for? I retired in 2006 and still watch what was going on. These 4 star clown were telling the President one thing when another was going on. We should have been out of there 20 years ago.

Response by PO1 Mark McIntyre made Aug 16 at 2021 8:29 PM

PO1 Mark McIntyre — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:29:16 -0400

Biden is a traitor and war criminal. His entire administration should be hung

Response by MSgt Fred Spanier made Aug 16 at 2021 8:29 PM

MSgt Fred Spanier — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:29:46 -0400

I'm totally discussed with our Government, our very own President let us and the Afghan people down. We need to replace all of the current administration ASAP.

Response by SrA Eric Belko made Aug 16 at 2021 8:29 PM

SrA Eric Belko — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:29:54 -0400

Biden and his staff, who were involved with this decision, should resign, IMMEDIATELY?!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 8:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:30:24 -0400

Those here saying this was inevitable are deceiving themselves. There was nothing inevitable about what has, is, and will happen. I can say that so confidently because there was nothing inevitable about our withdrawal. We still have a military presence in about 150 countries around the world. We've been in Germany and Japan since WWII. South Korea since the armistice in 1953. The concept of long term occupation is not a new one to the United States. For the price of a few thousand service members stationed in Afghanistan we gained a valuable foothold into the country, and propped up a government that was objectively better than what came before it and what the Taliban offer by nearly every conceivable metric. Yes, it was corrupt. Yes, it had massive problems. It was still better than the Taliban. Now, with our abrupt catastrophe of a withdrawal we have thrown away every single benefit that we had gained by our presence. Every single life that was lost to get us to that point has now been lost in vain. My friends died for nothing, because their sacrifice was thrown away for absolutely nothing in return. This is the true tragedy, from the American perspective, of this whole cluster fuck. American men and women gave their lives, limbs, and sanity to be all thrown away for absolutely nothing in return. Those here willing to hand wave that fact away should be ashamed of themselves. Moreover, they should probably not be in uniform because they are unworthy of it.

Response by MAJ Douglas Dopp made Aug 16 at 2021 8:32 PM

MAJ Douglas Dopp — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:32:54 -0400

Every RVN vet understands what happened.

Response by SP5 Christopher Brock made Aug 16 at 2021 8:34 PM

SP5 Christopher Brock — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:34:22 -0400

Why be mad or discouraged when I was in Afghanistan I watched the Afghan army and Police train they didn’t take it serious, and not to mention they are allowed to quit when they want to, I also seen them join get the uniforms, then turn right around and give them to the Taliban…. People need to realize that Certain Countries aren’t built like the United States

Response by SPC David Roberts made Aug 16 at 2021 8:38 PM

SPC David Roberts — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:38:35 -0400

It was inevitable that it would fall when we abandoned it to the corrupt and useless Afghan Army. I read their commanders had arranged in advance to surrender in exchange for bribes. Surely our intelligence people could have known this if they had got off their lazy asses and did their jobs. Why didn't we at least get our friends out of there before we abandoned it? It's just like Vietnam. While our political and to military leaders are playing silly diplomatic and bureaucratic games, the other side was dead serious about winning a war.

Response by Cpl John Mckenrick made Aug 16 at 2021 8:39 PM

Cpl John Mckenrick — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:39:32 -0400

feeling frustrated and angry, again a mission unfulfilled, a senses of business unfinished, again

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 8:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:40:32 -0400

I’m pissed, we wasted all that time and money training the ANA and with in a couple months the bad guys take control. Freaking crazy!!!

Response by PO2 Thomas Hammond made Aug 16 at 2021 8:40 PM

PO2 Thomas Hammond — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:40:34 -0400

1. None of use vetran"s that habe had anything to do with any conflict in the middle east before 9/11 thought that the US would be in and out in the first or second gf war. They are fanatic's in the middle east and think biblical and nothing else! As the bible has a new testament, in the middle east, few have update the old biblical law's! Yiu can't change them unless you want to be there for ever! Whi what's thay? It deffinently would not be like Korea because thw Taliban would never give up period! The taliban is an all neq beast that hides amongst the peoples! As much as they are cowards, they know that america does not have the stomach for high collatral damage body count! So where foes that leave us the USA, because it's not about anyone of us, it's about each and everyone of us US citizen's! They want us all dead! Question do we leave them alone, knowing that they will bring it to our shores or do we as as nation come together and really be ok with unlishing our millatry on our enemy and stop worrying about what the world is going to say! It's heavy, but that's what serving is, heavy! Unlish the beast without constants, problem will be solved! Unlish the beast with constants and you got 20 years of wasted young american lives! Hey you deside!

Response by Sgt George Notarpole made Aug 16 at 2021 8:40 PM

Sgt George Notarpole — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:40:54 -0400

As a Vietnam Vet I remember when Thieu started pulling troops back from the central highlands and just knew that he could never regroup. Then Sen. Kennedy and a few other political idiots reneged on Congress' promise to resupply arms to South Vietnam, despite North Vietnam's violation of the Paris Accords by invading the South. It then became pretty clear that we just could not be trusted as an ally as our political winds keep shifting. And here we are again. I have yet to read of any heroic resistance by Afghan troops that as vets we could rally around. When you lose your country in less than a month after 20 years of training, there' not much left to respect. Yes, we should never have gone into Afghanistan. That's pretty clear. But 20 years?

Response by Maj Roger Wenman made Aug 16 at 2021 8:41 PM

Maj Roger Wenman — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:41:06 -0400

There goes Biden's second term. His foreign policy will be known as "Wheels up, Good by".

Response by SSG Glenn Etchart made Aug 16 at 2021 8:41 PM

SSG Glenn Etchart — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:41:12 -0400

If We would have kept Bagram Airbase and evacuated everyone from a more secure location. They could have chopper evac to there then flown out with C130's or whatever. But to evac that American's and contractors + those promised safety to the USA from center of town crazy. The worst planning and sacrificing of personnel and property. Having to send in troops to evac is counterintuitive and planners should be removed and tried for incompetence. The entire Biden Harris administration should be giving resignation to be removed from office or impeached. This should have been done off fighting season and on down low but SNAFU

Response by SPC Gerald Freed made Aug 16 at 2021 8:42 PM

SPC Gerald Freed — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:42:03 -0400

Did we not learn anything from Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq ???

Response by SSG Brad Moscou made Aug 16 at 2021 8:42 PM

SSG Brad Moscou — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:42:50 -0400

This is going to be a political meltdown. The military is just gonna be pushed aside in this and the politicians are going to use this as a jumping point for the agenda. It's been that way for over a hundred years. To be a pawn in a game means you only do what others need

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 8:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:43:01 -0400

I’m appalled. Yes, I agree with departing but it’s the way we departed and the betrayal we keep displaying that’s disheartening.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 16 at 2021 8:43 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:43:10 -0400

It stings but comparing Afghanistan to Vietnam is a bit off. The Vietnamese were fighting for their independence, we supported the corrupt side, and North Vietnam unified the country. Afghans are more interested in man love Thursdays, opioids, and having little responsibility. I respect Vietnamese, Afghans not at all. Take away our air power and the Vietnamese could hang with us; the Taliban not even close. imagine if the men who stormed Kabul Airport had picked up a rifle.

Response by 1SG Matthew Widner made Aug 16 at 2021 8:43 PM

1SG Matthew Widner — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:43:38 -0400

The US has not "won" a war since WWII. We have allowed politicians to profit from conflict while obstructing the military's ability to break our enemy's will to fight. I am not at all surprised that we lost this war. I knew the Taliban was simply playing the waiting game while the US and allies were playing the political correctness game. We should have left 15 years ago if we never had any intention to win. I am glad we are leaving now, but I believe the Biden Regime once again showed it is not qualified to run a fruit stand let alone plan an effective evacuation.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 16 at 2021 8:44 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:44:29 -0400

We should have left in 2001. We are terrible nation builders

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 8:45 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:45:01 -0400

We have been betrayed by our own government. They no longer reflect us. We didn’t miss birthdays, births, deaths, holidays etc etc just to be stabbed in the back by our own government.

Our oath says protect against enemies “foreign and domestic” as far as I’m concerned. Our whole government is a domestic terrorist cell.

Response by PO2 Sam Goforth made Aug 16 at 2021 8:45 PM

PO2 Sam Goforth — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:45:11 -0400

I served during Vietnam and lost friends and family members in that sorry political mess. Then I lost buddies who signed on as contractors in Afghanistan. As we used to say, deja vu or in this case it was more like BOHICA.

Response by SSG Pedro Sotelo made Aug 16 at 2021 8:46 PM

SSG Pedro Sotelo — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:46:59 -0400

Once again politics ruined people’s lives… This is how Korean, Vietnam and Iraq war vets feel! Let down by our politicians… but it is also our fault for keeping them in office. However, one thing I’ve learned from those that came before us is that we served for the brother/sister next to us and there is nothing that anyone can do to take that from us. So keep your head up and keep serving one another because that is all we really have!

Response by SPC Shannon Szukala made Aug 16 at 2021 8:49 PM

SPC Shannon Szukala — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:49:07 -0400

No surprised. Politicians fucked over veterans, now the Afghanistan people.

Response by SGT Wes King made Aug 16 at 2021 8:49 PM

SGT Wes King — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:49:23 -0400

I said last week I bet we have helicopters evacuating the US embassy just like Saigon 1975. I am an old Air Cav Vet from Vietnam and lost men there only to watch a few years later as we used chinooks and the Marines to try and save people from the roof of the embassy. I was sick about it then and I am sick about this now. I am also glad I was not trained by this SFC ? ammo specialist that thinks this was all a forgone conclusion. I have news for him President Trump didn't make an agreement with the taliban and Bidden and Harris bragged about their new exit plan that was going to happen on Sept 11th, then decided to change that to less memorable date a few weeks sooner. Trump wanted everyone out in May before the fighting season started but, based on facts on the ground at the tme. I pity the enlisted men who actually put their lives in harms way with the apparent fools that must be commanding them now. We should have been out of there many years ago but there is no excuse for such a dog and pony show to exit. This most certainly is our issue! This idiot commander in chief is going to get good men killed because he and the military leadership are more concerned about politics than they are about accomplishing missions. Same old sh-t new day!

Response by CPO James Barnhart made Aug 16 at 2021 8:50 PM

CPO James Barnhart — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:50:24 -0400

As a patriotic retired veteran, today I am ashamed to fly the Colors.
And, I feel bad about having that feeling. This just makes me sick to my stomach, is VERY sad.

Response by CPL Adam Pollard made Aug 16 at 2021 8:51 PM

CPL Adam Pollard — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:51:39 -0400

In my opinion we were there to keep them busy fighting military targets in their own country not civilian Targets in our country We were never there to free the Afghan people or anything like that anyone that

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 16 at 2021 8:51 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:51:47 -0400

So many lives lost or destroyed by injury/trauma. Hard to find the words right now…

Response by SGT Dc Townes made Aug 16 at 2021 8:51 PM

SGT Dc Townes — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:51:50 -0400

Very disappointed, but saw it coming years ago. Just the way it was done was sloppy. The Afghan army and president are a disgrace. Never negotiate with the enemy.

Response by PO3 Ligen Feller made Aug 16 at 2021 8:52 PM

PO3 Ligen Feller — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:52:28 -0400

#OperationEpicFail
#OperationEnduringFailure ....thousands 6ft under and 20 years in the making only to watch the Afghans fall-out from a C-17 and die rather than live under Taliban!
#OEF

Response by Sgt Mark Tallant made Aug 16 at 2021 8:52 PM

Sgt Mark Tallant — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:52:42 -0400

Joe Biden is weak. The minute the Taliban took the 1st city we should have reversed our exit. President Trump made it very clear to the Taliban that should they take any of the cities they did, we would reverse our exit and bring them extreme pain. Biden lacked the guts to take the moral stand necessary. Both Bush and Obama promised Afghanistan that America would not abandon them. The Taliban knew Biden was too weak to stand and fight. Shameful, embarrassing and dangerous display for China, Russia and N Korea to see. The outcome is pathetic. Biden will go down in history as the weakest and worst President of all time. I'm to old to re-enlist but I would tomorrow if America reversed its position.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Aug 16 at 2021 8:55 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:55:46 -0400

I was in Afghanistan between 04-05
They should have used Bagram Air base as a point of departure. The perimeter has been secured
By going to an international airport to make a run for it, you give up your flanks and rear.
It does not surprise me about how things unfolded there. I never believed the Afghan Army would fight there own people, I don't blame them. There government controlled nothing, the warlords of the different regions held the power on what would happen. We have the technology, they had nothing but time

Response by TSgt Ann Smith made Aug 16 at 2021 8:57 PM

TSgt Ann Smith — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:57:36 -0400

I wish I was active duty with a lot of rank to tell these military leaders HOW we should leave! Also, this is what we get when we leave military dismissions up to Civilian Presidents. They only weigh profits! 1) Establish a HUGE Afghan army, make it non-voluntary, at least for 10 years. Each person serves 3 years with pay. (Just like South Korea). 2) Establish a better transparent government where the US has a lot of say since we are fighting for them and funding them. Create better human rights laws. 3) Establish outer perimeters like "THE WALL" and at the markets too- pedestrians only, screeners, and Social Security type ID's for random scanning. If you don't have one, you can't move around. 4) Yeah, .. OK, we own 1/3 of their oil as payment for all this ISH!!! I think these are the things we missed to keep the terrorists out and establish a fighting force and strong government. We only sprayed them with raid- you gotta go get to the nest where they're born.

Response by SGT Jackie N Ferrell made Aug 16 at 2021 9:01 PM

SGT Jackie N Ferrell — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:01:54 -0400

The United States Invaded and Occupied Afghanistan for twenty years, it is time to give it back to the people of Afghanistan. JNF

Response by Maj Roger Wenman made Aug 16 at 2021 9:02 PM

Maj Roger Wenman — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:02:21 -0400

We should never leave anyone behind. Why was our withdrawal better planned?

Response by SGT Jesse Vidal made Aug 16 at 2021 9:02 PM

SGT Jesse Vidal — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:02:22 -0400

Just opens up a door you can't close. I never thought I'd see the day we would go through this again. Another defeat. Wars fought from the White House. So many lives lost. 20 years lost in 24 hours. Just makes me so so angry.

Response by MSG Carl Crump made Aug 16 at 2021 9:04 PM

MSG Carl Crump — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:04:38 -0400

Another Vietnam! So many lives seeves to save a people and a nation, for what? Heartless decision by our soft government. I was there! And I am embarrassed for all who gave some and those who gave their all. I am so sorry!

Response by TSgt Ann Smith made Aug 16 at 2021 9:10 PM

TSgt Ann Smith — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:10:04 -0400

All it would take now is for North Korea, China, or Russia to step in and HELP the Taliban and if you think we had some problems with terrorism here in the past ...Watch out! We should have ALWAYS had a permanent base there to keep our stronghold and just lessen the time the crybabies are deployed there. That place might be made out of desert but it is VALUABLE strategically. The further we can stretch our spying eyes on the rest of the crazy world-the better!

Response by SPC Gary Hallman made Aug 16 at 2021 9:13 PM

SPC Gary Hallman — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:13:27 -0400

As the wife of an Iraqi veteran, I am appalled at the lack of leadership and the miscalculation that may lead to mass casualties. 1. Why were the embassy and the visa holders not evacuated sooner? 2. Why are they sending in more troops when the goal is mass evacuations? This seems like a suicide mission to me. Reminds me of Benghazi and Clinton laughing about how few deaths there were; they were AVOIDABLE deaths! Biden has informed the media (and the Taliban) that all of the diplomats and Afghan helpers are held up at the airport. Why wouldn’t the Taliban take advantage of this information and claim victory over the US with a mass bombings? Let’s just give them our playbook. SMH. I agree with the withdrawal, but not the lack of coordination!!!! I am horrified of what may happen in the next 48 hours.

Response by Sgt Art Cocchiaro made Aug 16 at 2021 9:15 PM

Sgt Art Cocchiaro — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:15:52 -0400

It seems like the military leaders are being controlled too much by Politicians who really don't know what they are doing. It is getting too political. If we were going to pull out of Afganistan there should have been a real plan to leave with some military presence kept in service there. It seems evident that the Afgan Military was not trained enough and someone should have known they would not be capable of maintaining the requird service needed to maintain peace, before we left.

Response by SP5 Rex Bumgarner made Aug 16 at 2021 9:16 PM

SP5 Rex Bumgarner — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:16:34 -0400

I feel used & betrayed. We lost over 2000 lives there & many many who returned unwell. I know we should have never been there but that’s not for me to say. I was not there but I feel the way scrambled & ran leaving people who trusted us was wrong. Disgraceful! The original plan was an orderly wind down as Afghanistan was ready to hold the government & preserve the rights of people who depended on us. This whole thing creeps me out.

Response by MSG Carl Crump made Aug 16 at 2021 9:17 PM

MSG Carl Crump — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:17:15 -0400

Me neither. Such a shame.

Response by SFC Philip Warren made Aug 16 at 2021 9:18 PM

SFC Philip Warren — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:18:42 -0400

This is totally on Biden, yes Trump was correct on pulling our troops out. It was time to withdraw after 20 years however this was done a cowards way. This is Biden’s fall of Saigon albatross, he said that the buck stops here. He slapped all of the gold star families and all of the 20,000 plus injured veterans. We all deserve better from our elected leaders.

Response by SGT Lenise Hamilton made Aug 16 at 2021 9:21 PM

SGT Lenise Hamilton — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:21:03 -0400

JB did the right thing, meaning President Biden. It was long ago time for everyone to come home, America need to start taking care of their own, we can't continue to "Red Cross" for everyone, how about we start red-crossing in our own back-yard, let's protect our own now! Stop having a financial interest in other people"s countries. Enough is Enough! Focus now on the safety of America. And for those who feel like commenting on me saying JB! he's my home boy! Save the drama for your own momma!

Response by A1C Donald Siefferman made Aug 16 at 2021 9:22 PM

A1C Donald Siefferman — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:22:39 -0400

I have the same feeling as I did after the fall of Nam, sold out.

Response by SFC Nyla Newville made Aug 16 at 2021 9:22 PM

SFC Nyla Newville — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:22:41 -0400

Same here, all the good we did there for nothing what a waste

Response by CPO William Stoop made Aug 16 at 2021 9:23 PM

CPO William Stoop — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:23:35 -0400

Leave it to the WEAK DEMOCRATS that are ruining our Country and our dominance around the world... They're all USELESS especially the Brain Dead Duo that are supposed to be in charge. 2022 and 2024 Can't get here soon enough to vote these Rotten Bastards out of power once and for good. Stay Strong. Stoop out...

Response by SP5 Robert Dotolo made Aug 16 at 2021 9:24 PM

SP5 Robert Dotolo — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:24:07 -0400

It made me sick to my stomach when Vietnam continued after the late 60s.
Johnson,Westmorland, and Nixon knew it was over,yet every day more teenaged draftees were killed and maimed!
(There is a special place in Hell for people like that)
So we all know,for good or bad, this war is over for our soldiers. I didn’t want to see even one more American casualty.
There are young men alive today who who’s lives would have been wasted had this continued.
We, as American warriors should be proud of the good we did happy its done.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 9:25 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:25:04 -0400

I will echo the sentiment that this was the inevitable result of a full withdrawal without having first secured the trust of the populace. We are not unique in our ability to create our own enemies, but we seem oddly blind to it much of the time.

Response by SFC Jim Mergott made Aug 16 at 2021 9:27 PM

SFC Jim Mergott — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:27:22 -0400

It’s about dang time.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 9:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:27:25 -0400

Did anyone expect a different outcome? I'll admit that I didn't expect it this quickly but if you've ever deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, you probably knew that once we left, it would fall apart. I really hope the POTUS doesn't send troops back in.

Response by CPT Edward Barr made Aug 16 at 2021 9:28 PM

CPT Edward Barr — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:28:42 -0400

In my original post, I did not mention any personal involvement, but I feel like this thread is the right place. Please stop reading if graphic descriptions will bother you:
I have been thinking about my translator, a lot, the last few days. I have been thinking about how we learned he was one of the dead, after his parents ID him from the description of his clothing. I keep thinking about how I carried his body from the bed of a truck, to the tarp laid out for all who were killed by a homemade clay-more mine strapped to suicide bomber. I remember, when I held him as gently as I could, his brains still fell out of what little was left of his head, onto my boots. I remember, that I did not know it was him, until we received the news his parents had identified him by his clothes; and when I asked what the clothes were, it was at that moment I realized it was him I carried.
I also remember the conversations we had about America, his Emigrating to America, religion, education, etc. I remember how excited he was, to see how great his country would improve, and grow.
And now, I wonder what his parents are thinking about his sacrifice.

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Aug 16 at 2021 9:28 PM

SMSgt Roy Dowdy — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:28:43 -0400

Flew many an airlift downrange to Afghanistan carrying in troops and supplies. I was initially supportive of the mission to eradicate the Taliban and eliminate Osama Bin Laden. I often believed that once OBL was eliminated, the mission should have ended and withdraw our force. Any student of history realizes that while Pakistan supported the Taliban (permitting cross border access and safe havens, much like Cambodia/Laos with the NVA), the Taliban could sustain its operations indefinitely. A mission that put it all in perspective for me was an MEDIVAC mission I flew transporting a 28-year old 10th SFG sniper from Bagram with a fatal head wound back to Landsthul, Germany so his parents could be with him during his final moments. It was at that moment I knew the mission was more for the Contractors ($28.00 cases of water) and Flag-rank leadership punching their ticket for the next promotion. Regrettable waste of blood and treasure!

Response by SPC Walter Pritzlaff made Aug 16 at 2021 9:29 PM

SPC Walter Pritzlaff — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:29:54 -0400

I'm a Vietnam vet. We sacrficed "...our lives, our fortune, and our sacred honor..." ! in a wasted effort, both in VN and Afghanistan. The 50,000+ guys that died in 'nam and the some 2,500 men and women that lost their lives in these two sickening episodes did not do so in vain. They served in honor and you cannot take that away from them. But it was a price and a loss that did not have to happen. I am all for quick strike teams...If we are attacked or threatened, locate the enemy, get in en masse and kick ass and then get out. Leave these cultures to solve their own damn problems. Instead of killing people in the name of Democracy for god's sake, why don't we try to help countries such as Haiti, currently reeling from another massive earthquake? We need to take a good long look at our priorities. May God help us all. Walt Pritzlaff, VN Vet

Response by MAJ Ruby Stewart made Aug 16 at 2021 9:31 PM

MAJ Ruby Stewart — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:31:29 -0400

I can't stop thinking about the soldiers I lost (4) on a convoy enroute to Logar province when my convoy ran over a buried landmine. I can't stop thinking of all the schools we helped build, the roads we helped to improve...I can't stop thinking of the horrendous things that await the women and young girls. Mostly, I can't stop thinking of the Afghan translators that worked with us and their families.

Response by LTC Randy Dodds made Aug 16 at 2021 9:32 PM

LTC Randy Dodds — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:32:26 -0400

Afghanistan is now and has always been ungovernable. The Brits found that out in 1842, the Russians in 1989 and now we learned that bitter lesson as well. Nation building there was something that would never have succeeded. That said, it's not that we were never going to leave Afghanistan. That had to happen at some point. It was how we went about leaving. When a Pentagon spokesman was quoted as saying only three days ago, in essence, the ANA had the means to hold the Taliban at bay and now the Afghan government has fled, the ANA has disappeared and the Taliban are roving through the Green Zone says something about how epically wrong our intelligence was concerning the Afghan will to fight. I feel especially sorry for all those who worked with us over the last 20 years for it is they who are now most at risk. Heartfelt thanks to all those who served in Afghanistan and prayers for those still there helping in the evacuation.

Response by MAJ Ruby Stewart made Aug 16 at 2021 9:34 PM

MAJ Ruby Stewart — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:34:15 -0400

I can't stop thinking about the 4 lives lost during a convoy headed to Logar province. I can't stop thinking about the lives of the women and young girls and the horrible acts that await them. I can't stop thinking of the lives of the translators that worked with us. Mostly, I just feel exhausted. Drained. What the hell happened to the ANA? 300,000+strong. For what?

Response by CH (MAJ) Rod Reuven Dovid Bryant made Aug 16 at 2021 9:34 PM

CH (MAJ) Rod Reuven Dovid Bryant — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:34:51 -0400

I have been dealing with such darkness since 3:30 this morning. I have friends in Kabul who will loose their lives and their families lives. To tell them that there is nothing I can do to rescue them broke my heart. The lose and suffering brought on by the this careless and reckless decision will forever torment me. The blood of patriots have stained the soil with no result. God bless all who have served. We should have left that godforsaken country six months after the initial action.

Response by TSgt Ann Smith made Aug 16 at 2021 9:36 PM

TSgt Ann Smith — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:36:23 -0400

Agreed but why didn't we cry out though when Trump promised to do the same thing by May 2021- a full upheaval- the SAME plan.

Response by SPC Leslie Hanson made Aug 16 at 2021 9:44 PM

SPC Leslie Hanson — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:44:44 -0400

I’m disgusted. This government spat in the face of everyone who left something in that desert

Response by PO2 Jamye Sarah Pankiw Wagner made Aug 16 at 2021 9:47 PM

PO2 Jamye Sarah Pankiw Wagner — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:47:56 -0400

Deeply upset and like a failure. I deployed right after 9/11, my brother deployed shortly after me. We both lost friends. We both were injured. We both came back with some sort of a sense of accomplishment.

Now...I feel like everything we did was for not. I totally understand how Vietnam veterans feel.

Withdrawal was inevitable, but it should never have happened like this. This makes us look weak and incompetent.

Seeing this and hearing about it is actually making me feel ill. Probably because there's nothing I can do about it.

Response by SGT R Valentia made Aug 16 at 2021 9:49 PM

SGT R Valentia — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:49:25 -0400

Sad. All I can say.

Response by SFC Michael Whipple made Aug 16 at 2021 9:52 PM

SFC Michael Whipple — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:52:44 -0400

There are some mixed feelings about the Tali-heads taking over the regime in Afghanistan. Personally, I’m doing alright with it. Yes, I lost brothers over there. I’ve seen families crying over the loss of their loved ones. It’s not an easy pill to swallow. They did exactly what they planned on doing since 2001, run and hide, and wait for the prime opportunity to unclench their butts and show their faces. If we can get all American personnel out of there safely, then that’s a good plan. We should never go back to that country for anything. There is not one important item we use from them. Sanction any and all funds we may or may not have been sending them and leave them to their own devices. It’s done, we have their memories of our fallen comrades. Those men and women will live forever in our hearts and stories.

Response by SA Carisa Doughty made Aug 16 at 2021 9:54 PM

SA Carisa Doughty — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:54:21 -0400

Pissed, feeling betrayed, and disheartened. First to just up and leave with no thought of the American civilians they were leaving behind. Nevermind the Afghani people. For the past twenty years they were able to "breathe". Now our fucking weak ass President takes away their "oxygen". Unfuckingbelievable. I tell everyone now. I am a proud American and I love my Country. But this isn't the America I know anymore. So sad.

Response by PO3 Monica Zink Davenport made Aug 16 at 2021 9:54 PM

PO3 Monica Zink Davenport — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:54:32 -0400

As many have already so articulately commented, I am frustrated by this outcome. I agree with those who have commented that regardless of our actions we would end up right where we are at this point. There just hasn’t been a good solution for an exit strategy.

Response by TSgt Ann Smith made Aug 16 at 2021 9:54 PM

TSgt Ann Smith — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:54:34 -0400

Someone insinuated that Biden moved the date to August so that we'd be all cleared out and squeaky clean by the 911 anniversary. Gross! You think he did this so he can have a sweet 911 remembrance day under his belt? Totally in bad taste now. Backfired. He needs to forget ALL about a 911 ceremony now!

Response by TSgt Ann Smith made Aug 16 at 2021 10:02 PM

TSgt Ann Smith — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:02:55 -0400

Somebody got rich off of 911 and the war ( and I do mean American!)

Response by SSgt Jeri Foley made Aug 16 at 2021 10:05 PM

SSgt Jeri Foley — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:05:44 -0400

I support the President in his decision completely. What really pisses me off is all the civilians in the news that are quick to point out all the faults. How many times are they going to throw Biden under the bus before they have satisfied their blood lust? I cannot say that I support everything the President does but at least he had enough balls to make a very hard decision like this. And here are some more of my 2 cents - if one of the congress's grandchildren had been shot at one of the schools, do you think the gun laws would have changed? I am not against guns, but we all know that a lot of times the "bad" people ruin it for the "good" people. Just like this virus crap. Look what's happening now because the government is such a bunch of pussies that they couldn't mandate that everyone get the shot. Well, I hope the nonvaccinated are enjoying their "freedom" while their children get the virus and die. How's that working out for you?

Response by AN Ken Adams made Aug 16 at 2021 10:05 PM

AN Ken Adams — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:05:56 -0400

This is a political football. Remember Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and now Afgahnistan. We fight until the country gets tired and there is no advantage to the political indiviuals,and then we leave our equipment and pull out. Someone should be held responsible for the deaths of our personell while there, and now the deaths caused by going back. I'm proud to be a Veteran of the US Navy, but I feel sorry for my brothers and sisters that are serving now. It seem, they won't let us win a war!!

Response by SGT Jessica Mcdonough made Aug 16 at 2021 10:07 PM

SGT Jessica Mcdonough — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:07:13 -0400

I can't really describe my feelings except sadness when I saw this. I was there the first time we tried to leave and that didn't end well. I'm not sure of what we accomplished anymore, my fiance was killed 1 month before I got there and I have anger about that and it's come up again. We lost many good soldiers that year and for what? However, despite my fiance dieing and me taking over his spot, it's a year I would never replace. All the trauma and hardships that we went through only made me a stronger soldier. I could prepare my young soldiers with how it actually was. What I saw today on the news though breaks my heart for all the American Soldiers on those planes as I can't imagine how I would feel seeing that and for the people of Afghanistan running like it. Just heartbreaking for all involved.

Response by SP5 Pat Hughes made Aug 16 at 2021 10:07 PM

SP5 Pat Hughes — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:07:44 -0400

Same s--t show as Vietnam 1975 where people were holding onto the runners on the slicks.
Today we have abandoned the people who helped us we are leaving them to be slaughtered by the Talaban
What have we learned?
Not a darn thing and if something like this happens again I would expect no help from the locals.
Now on to the Afgan Army, they folded like a cheap suit and we spent 80 billion dollars to train them .just like the ARVN forces, but we knew or at least I knew the would run at the first round being fired during a firefight
Sick of this crap. Sick how we treated our help.
Sick of the current administration announcing we are pulling out, so long good by make it on your own now

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made Aug 16 at 2021 10:10 PM

SFC Michael Peterson — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:10:19 -0400

This is a complete and total FAILURE of “leadership” at the highest levels. A friend of mine’s son just deployed for added security for the “evacuation” with an UNZEROED weapon and, my friend had to go buy his son some magazines because his unit didn’t have enough for every Soldier to have a basic load. This whole thing has me VERY PISSED OFF. This is inexcusable!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Aug 16 at 2021 10:12 PM

LTC John Shaw — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:12:17 -0400

Confused and dejected best describes my mental attitude right now. It is clear our leadership across four administrations never really had a plan to shape the Afghan environment. I hope this is the end, but it may not be. It all depends on the Taliban and if they choose to export terror to the Western world, isn't that why we went there?

This loss is on all of us, it is not a political party thing, we need to stop with the blame casting and just accept the real world as it is. We talked about the long war but didn't really operate to that strategy. We had our one year plan for 20 years. accepted that in most cases the Afghan forces were broken, their leaders were corrupt, we had no ability to change them but we pretended that we were.

I served in KAF / Kandahar 2010 - 11 during the Afghan surge. I remember being proud of serving and trying to create something better than the $hithole we arrived in. I am an optimist and generally pragmatic. If I walk into a room with a big pile of crap, I will dig through the 'stuff' to find the pony, clean the pony up and count it a win.

KAF was literally the Russian poop pond smell all over the place and moon dust in everything. It wasn't long before the operational grind of the place just made it that much more of a suck. The year was a blur of trying to find enough people for RSOI and security operations: rockets, suicide attacks, IEDs, ramp ceremonies and casualties. I hoped for the best each day and just wanted to make it to the next day and try again.

I have no idea what to say to my family when they ask how I feel. I really have no idea of how to explain the sacrifice of our peers. I think of the Gold Star families and Blue Star families who serve now. I want the best for the Afghan men, women and children who believed their lives would be different. I pray that as many who want to leave will get out. For most of the Afghan people who can't leave and must live under the Taliban rule, God help them, because we no longer can.

Response by PO2 Gene Clark made Aug 16 at 2021 10:13 PM

PO2 Gene Clark — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:13:57 -0400

Im sick and tired of the media lying to the American people and the removal President Trump had in place would have worked ,Un real. My heart is with all the veterans that sacrificed so much over there. Lets never forget Benghazi people need to be held accountable for that as well!

Response by Capt Matt Linker made Aug 16 at 2021 10:14 PM

Capt Matt Linker — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:14:00 -0400

I think many of us have the same thoughts that this was always how it would end up. It makes me stop and think about my own time there and wonder what it was all for. I’m sure many of us know people who returned broken, physically or mentally, or didn’t even return at all. Many of us would be in that category ourselves. And did any of us do it because we believed we were really going to change the soul of a nation? I think I wanted to believe it. I wanted to believe in an Afghanistan where human rights were valued. And honestly, my heart goes out to the Afghan people who are so desperate to flee the country that they are clinging to airplanes—that is a terror that no person should have to endure. So, in summary…the whole thing sucks?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 10:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:14:20 -0400

I'm sad for those Afghans who wanted to bring about change. I'm angry for the girls who are being robbed of a future where they can live unoppressed. I'm disgusted that we couldn't (wouldn't) do more to help those Afghans who helped us, and in their moment of need, we abandoned them. I pray that God has mercy on all of them.

Response by A1C Bob McGinn made Aug 16 at 2021 10:14 PM

A1C Bob McGinn — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:14:42 -0400

first we pull out--now we send back--what's the plan ??

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 10:14 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:14:45 -0400

My heart goes out to those who supported us for so many years and were left stranded in the middle of this situation. I get to know personally various Afghan citizens. I lost contact with them, now I feel terrible, it is too late to help them. I know America is not the "saviour" of the Afghan people, but it is hard not to feel compassion after working for so many months with these men. May God protect them and their families.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Aug 16 at 2021 10:18 PM

MAJ James Woods — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:18:46 -0400

Not surprised seeing how the motivation of the Afghan troops and commanders had less to do with loyalty to government and more to do with having a job and hopefully stability and status in society. Meanwhile watched too many US commanders not give a damn as long as they racked up stats to pad the resume. So much taxpayer $ wasted and lives both US and Afghan lost cause there was no consistent exit strategy.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Aug 16 at 2021 10:20 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:20:44 -0400

SSG Carlos Madden Big Army does not want to allow nor support Special Forces in working with the villagers as described in MAJ Jim Gant’s, “ONE TRIBE A TIME”!

The State Department could not control the rampant corruption of Afghan officials that stole money from Afghan Force payrolls, diverted supplies and gasoline, from Afghan Forces. Those poor people, trained by us or not could not prop up a puppet government if Beans, Bullets and some compensation did not filter down to the shooters!

Response by MSG Chuck Cline made Aug 16 at 2021 10:27 PM

MSG Chuck Cline — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:27:56 -0400

We have walked away or simply lost the last 4 major conflicts since WWII. The leaders(?) need to quit wasting our military on wars they don't seem to be able to win. Obviously we didn't learn anything from the Russian efforts in Afghanistan. Now the same thing has happened to us. I think it is past time for the US to stop meddling in racial or religious conflicts.

Response by PV2 Van Allen made Aug 16 at 2021 10:32 PM

PV2 Van Allen — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:32:40 -0400

It reminds me of the Vietnam fiasco. The USA needs to take care of people in our own country instead of trying to control other countries.

Response by CDR John Fernandez made Aug 16 at 2021 10:36 PM

CDR John Fernandez — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:36:42 -0400

I was shocked when I saw our soldiers depart in the middle of the night without any pass down whatsoever. We’ll never know how much of the ‘bad taste in their mouths’ contributed to the AG downfall, but it was in serious bad form and not a reflection of true USA professionalism.

Seeing the Afghans clinging to the C-17 today made me want to vomit. It looked like a scene from World War Z…only that it really happened.

Response by PVT Arthur Falbo made Aug 16 at 2021 10:45 PM

PVT Arthur Falbo — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:45:24 -0400

Reminds me of the 75 pullout from Saigon. I feel bad for the civilians left there

Response by PVT Arthur Falbo made Aug 16 at 2021 10:46 PM

PVT Arthur Falbo — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:46:11 -0400

Brings back memories of the 75 pullout from the Embassy in Saigon. I'm feeling for the Afghan people

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 10:48 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:48:23 -0400

I don't comment on RP as much as I once did, but THIS debacle brought me back.
I am beside myself angry. But my reasons may be different than others.

I have actually been involved in a NEO (evacuation of US citizens) in South Sudan. The principle is simple - you know where your citizens are, and you go get them and bring them to safety. Thanks to the absolutely brutal planning of our leaders, we pulled out of every airfield in Afghanistan BEFORE evacuating the personnel, interpreters, and other elements, thus leaving them abandoned and told to shelter in place.
Seriously?!
And we have to put in thousands of troops just to secure the airport in Kabul, but not really, because hundreds of civilians storm the field to try and desperately cling to departing aircraft as they take off... some falling to their deaths. If the Taliban do the same thing using the crowds as shield, we will have an American bloodbath on our hands, not just an Afghan one.

Meanwhile, we have every commander's dream - for the first time in years, we have the Taliban moving in the open on the roads. A target-rich environment. The reaction was either leadership paralysis (AKA incompetence) or willingly watching it happen (AKA, you are heartless, useless people who only give lip service to human rights). Either way, a damning indictment of the leadership in place.

I have been trying to discern why we remained in Afghanistan for the better part of a decade. Withdrawal IS the right thing to do. But this shit show was wholly preventable, is a national embarrassment, and much of the WH team is on vacation for the whole thing.
What a clusterfuck.
I can't think of a situation in all of military history that had a major power routed in such a way. The Soviets took months. Saigon took more than two years.
This will live in infamy for longer than any of us will be around to see. Our enemies are no doubt sharpening their bayonnets as I type this.

This will be an orgy of retribution, torture and death for many months as these animals settle scores. If our intelligence wasn't aware of that, heads should roll.

To my brothers and sisters who fought and sacrificed there, I want you to know that you did your job, and did it right. You made a difference to a lot of people. You avenged 9/11. You are an amazing group of warriors, and I am proud of you.

To the leaders that presided over this, may your shame forever follow you.

Response by FN Garry Price made Aug 16 at 2021 10:48 PM

FN Garry Price — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:48:32 -0400

It’s gone on to long and to many have died for a people that we couldn’t trust from the civilians to the Afghan President. This was negotiated and they didn’t keep there word. There’s no surprise there. Our President did the right thing. It’s over!

Response by James Rush made Aug 16 at 2021 10:49 PM

James Rush — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:49:20 -0400

I'm very pissed at our govt,not for getting out but taking nineteen and a half years to do it plus all the lives lost guys maimed and the countless thousands of dollars wasted that could have been spent on our own people
They. ( Govt) did not learn a darn think from nam.
Ex SGT D.I. may 66 thru may68

Response by CPL Ray Julia made Aug 16 at 2021 10:51 PM

CPL Ray Julia — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:51:47 -0400

I am most upset at the lack of planning during this withdrawal. I think we all understood that a vacuum would have been created with our departure and the Afghan people would feel the negative effects. However, due to our improper exsit plan many more will die and it didnt have to be this way.

Response by SFC Ronald Moore made Aug 16 at 2021 10:51 PM

SFC Ronald Moore — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:51:59 -0400

A lot of good Americans paid the ultimate price.
To serve at the will of the President.

Response by CPT Alexander Grant made Aug 16 at 2021 10:53 PM

CPT Alexander Grant — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:53:33 -0400

The biggest disappointment for me... is that there are still so many Americans who thought this would end otherwise. Those of us who were on the ground were not able to properly communicate just how it was going over there.

Response by PO2 John Gentry made Aug 16 at 2021 10:56 PM

PO2 John Gentry — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:56:59 -0400

This saddens me, proud of all of you who served in Afghanistan, out by God standing. What gets me is the Commander in Chief is like the one when five of our brothers who got ambushed in Chattanooga TN, it's no big deal to them. I hope the best every girl and their family. Opt desert shield/Storm Vet.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Aug 16 at 2021 10:59 PM

CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 22:59:19 -0400

First and foremost, NONE of this reflects badly on any US or Allied servicemember who fought there, they followed orders and did the best job they could under the circumstances. Without question, they are all brave heroes, all should hold their heads high. Those who died or were horribly wounded there did NOT do it in vain - they served their country honorably and bravely. They did their duty! All are heroes.

I spent a year in Iraq (2004), served other places and I was in Afghanistan in 2013 as a HUMINT OPSO, can't say more but I knew a lot more than the average Joe. Even then, I was wondering why we were there, there was no defined goal beyond a vague "establish an Afghan government that could take over." That was never going to happen due to corruption amongst the Afghans (government officials in particular), Afghan soldiers were not motivated (OK, there's a few exceptions), green on blue attacks and Afghan history going back to Alexander the Great - no one has ever ruled Afghanistan other than the most MOTIVATED Afghans. Even the Soviets learned the hard way and their tactics were brutal. Hell, we worked with an Afghan general who we knew was working both sides of the fence! He'd throw us a bone by giving up a Taliban weapon cache or even a unit just to make things look good while he enriched himself through vendors on certain allied bases. The minor "contributions" of certain allied countries who would send a handful of troops that would never leave a FOB was also an indicator of the true lack of NATO or UN commitment. The US and GB with a couple other NATO countries beared the brunt.

If US and NATO allies intend on actually winning a war - look back to WW2. Send a massive hoard of troops and supplies, kill or capture ALL enemy combatants and fully occupy the territory - control everything. You'd think Vietnam would have warned us away from how we fought this war, evidently we didn't remember much. You can't let politicians dictate the means of fighting wars. If we're going to get involved with COIN in the future let SOF manage and handle it, that's what they're trained for. If you're going to bring in conventional forces to "win" then do it overwhelmingly. All in all, I'm not at all surprised by this end and but I am surprised we spent 20 years there. Originally our mission in AFG was to capture those responsible for 9/11 and to destroy the terrorist training camps there, then it sucked us in more and more in larger and larger increments but never truly enough. I've been in the Army and Army Reserve for 43 years so I've seen it all since Vietnam beginning with the hostage crisis in Iran. I hope we learned our lesson this time about establishing exactly what our goal is before we get involved in future major engagements and stick to it - or get the hell out early.

But to you vets who served in AFG, please don't be unhappy with this result, you had zero control over it. It's not your fault. Know you did what you were supposed to do and you all fought valiantly and accomplished the mission, we did our duty. Your country is proud of you. In my opinion, our government (and NATO governments) as well as very high ranking military leaders blew it with undefined (or unrealistic) goals and expectations that were far fetched and unachievable.

Response by SGT Robert Kelley made Aug 16 at 2021 11:03 PM

SGT Robert Kelley — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:03:45 -0400

I was proud to have served in Korea 1953 7th Inf. Div. but now with our corrupt leadership, I feel betrayed!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 16 at 2021 11:06 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:06:31 -0400

I will apologize in advance for this lengthy post.... I am trying to put things into perspective for me... and maybe help you understand if I answer something else and it comes off "poorly"... As you may/may-not know, I have stomped around for a lot of years in the military... Germany, all over the USA, Operation Desert Shield/Storm (1990/91), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2008), and Operation Enduring Freedom (2010/11). Desert Storm, I was a Medic in the Army... Drove an Army Ambulance all over Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. In Iraq, I was an RN, taking care of a few Americans and Coalition Forces, but also LOTS of Innocent Iraqi citizens that were in the wrong place/wrong time and got caught in market place bombings and such.... In Afghanistan, I became Invested. I went over as an RN with the job of Mentor. Liaison. Teacher.

In 2010, I went to Combat Skills Training (as an Air Force Guy that used to be Army... it was back to "ARMY TRAINING SIR!"). It also included such things as Afghan Culture. Afghan Language....well, sorta. Afghanistan is TRIBAL. Has MANY languages. One thing I learned is that, at that time, Dari had been designated the "official" language of Education. I also learned that Pashtu was the most universally known language.... however, there were many more all over the country. Also learned was that Marco Polo and other traders had used Trade Routes...both East/West and North/South that had intersected in what is now known as Afghanistan. This region has been under upheaval/fighting for hundreds or thousands of years. Also of note... Afghanistan has no port. It is landlocked. the infrastructure is what any Tribal country would have... minimal. Ring Road or Highway that goes all the way around it, a defunct railroad system that is broken, limited water...the list goes on.

I started off being a "Corps and Below" advisor for logistics. I traveled to all the major headquarters bases across the country. I saw American dollars and Foreign aid EVERYWHERE. Money, products, training, knowledge.... we were sharing it freely with the Afghans. Medical supplies...what they thought was "normal" wouldn't even be adequate for a Quick Trip after hours medicine supply. We helped build clinics, helped manage and facilitate supplies...getting them out of stockpiles in a warehouse and into the places they were needed. We trained PEOPLE.

My second position, about 2 months later, became my greatest achievement. I became a Clinical Nursing Instructor for the Afghan Army and Afghan Police School of Nursing. I left the safety of our compound every day. I went to THEIR facility and I interacted with THEM. I was part of a team that taught prospective students to become NURSES. I also assisted a bit with their first ever look at a Physicians Assistant program. I worked with 30 male students and 6 female students. I ended up helping to proctor a test to over 600 Afghan people that were applying to their NEXT cycle of nursing students. This was VERY rewarding and resulted in me being a University Instructor for 2 College of Nursing programs upon my return. I worked with the students, I worked with my limited language skills, their limited English, and a number of Interpreters. These people, while not family, became like extended family while I was there.

In the last few weeks, we have seen what I feel is long over-due, but POORLY executed withdraw from Afghanistan. I have always said that either we A. need to leave. or B. need to be prepared to be involved 100% for the next 100 years (similar to Germany and Japan after WW2). Their Culture and the American people would not be willing for the option B. I knew in 2011 that we would need to leave. I was hoping that the training and equipping of the Afghan people would provide some resolve to improve upon that which we had helped them with.

The current political administration, the military advisors that are currently at the highest levels, AND the Media now come into play.

Political Administration: your lack of understanding is astounding. Unlike every football and baseball team, you project your actions well ahead of the action. Have you EVER heard of the saying "Loose lips sink ships"?? How about OPSEC? Identifying what you are planning to do in advance, allows EVERYONE to stack the deck ahead of you. Do NOT think that the Taliban will play on your rules. Planning sucks, execution sucks, and whoever the hell supplies your information and intelligence.....sucks. I will leave it here as I would be very easily drawn to drawing this downhill.....LOTS.

Military Advisors: YOU are too focused on your career and doing what is right for YOU. Sucking up to politicians, anything to get that next star.... Yes people.... you are not willing to look at things objectively...and obviously, have not done so for a VERY long time.

MEDIA: WTF??!! In your "entitled", "Self-serving", Gotta-have-it-first mentality, you doom any/every military mission and state secret known to the USA. The "PEOPLE" do NOT have a need to know.... until AFTER the action. ESPECIALLY if it involves lives of our service members and local nationals that have worked with us. The blood of hundreds/thousands is on your hands. No exceptions.

Let's put this in perspective. Politicians, DOD Leadership, Media....YOU SUCK. DO your JOB. Media....stay OUT of the way.

I have recently found out that one of my female nursing students was killed by Taliban. Another is trying desperately to get out of country..... How does THAT make you sleep? sorry.... I am in Afghanistan or Iraq every night.... I don't sleep...well.... This mess was so poorly planned, executed AND OPSEC was broken (at only the highest levels, as anyone lower rank would be crucified), that it makes me sick.

OUR NATION'S LEADERSHIP FAILED. I want to hear NOBODY talking about Human Rights..... WE FAILED.

Response by CDR Carl Sullivan made Aug 16 at 2021 11:06 PM

CDR Carl Sullivan — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:06:52 -0400

Below was my local newspaper posting--have been working many hours per day trying to help my 3 interpreters get to safety--on the phone and texting them as they live in such great fear. Maybe now we can't get it done--going house to house to find them I know. Incredible betrayal by this administration. Still trying and will not give up for them.

In 2011 I deployed to Afghanistan, serving with an amazing group of American Heroes—the Afghan interpreters. The first target of the Taliban, these souls risked their lives beside us enabling our missions and advising us on unknown cultural matters. For three years I have been trying to get one such Hero and family out; he/wife/children have been in constant hiding during this time; two more Heroes were since added to my list. The overseeing State Department SIV Office has been like we have come to expect from any bureaucratic office now wanting to fully take over our lives—going months without a response and denying an application for not crossing a “T” right. We have been back in forth in steady effort, with these families lives on the line, and now the fall of Afghanistan has occurred. Last night I am texting my Heroes to help them find a way out, knowing that they and their wives/kids may soon be dead. Children crying--great tears and grief. Surreal Schindler’s List experience to have in Sanpete County Utah. They, and our own sons whom I saluted those nights at the Kandahar airport when they returned in boxes back in the day, all dying in vain. Damn our leaders.

CDR Carl Thomas Sullivan, US Navy Retired
Disabled Combat Veteran, Afghanistan 2011-2012
(Information Effects, 82nd Airborne Division/Regional Command South Headquarters, Kandahar Afghanistan)
From my cabin above Palisade Lake State Park, Sterling, Utah

Response by CPT Greg Adams made Aug 16 at 2021 11:13 PM

CPT Greg Adams — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:13:45 -0400

Sad, frustrated, and angry. As a Vietnam combat vet I predicted this outcome for Afganistan and Iraq. It gives me no solace the prediction came true. Since Korea our civilian leadership has misused and abused the American fighting man. All representatives should be required to read Baron Carl von Clausewitz "On War"! Hopefully we will never engage our forces in combat without a clear and defined path for total victory. The military is not a social experiment.
For all my younger brothers and sisters, you are my heroes and I love each and everyone of you in ways that none who have not been there can understand.

Response by SPC Jeff Stassin made Aug 16 at 2021 11:25 PM

SPC Jeff Stassin — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:25:45 -0400

I said it once before, Ill say it one last time, get all the women and children out, and turn it into a glass plate.

Response by Annie Hally Griffith made Aug 16 at 2021 11:29 PM

Annie Hally Griffith — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:29:44 -0400

I am pretty devastated. It has touched the depths of my person. What was the sacrifice for?

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made Aug 16 at 2021 11:31 PM

SPC Makissa Lewis — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:31:47 -0400

The noises of outside my room. I am surprise they have room with the space my internal thoughts are taking. I think of those sleep to never be awaken. There lives taken. One by natural means with the earthquake in Haiti and the other by force in Afghanistan. In the end, it is just life gone in my mind, too soon. And, as days march on, there will be lives saved not a moment too soon but mostly there will be death. I think of that as I try to sleep. Praying my thoughts won’t keep, replaying death. Hoping to find meaning of all this death. Found none yet.

Response by 2LT Thomas Bertelsen made Aug 16 at 2021 11:37 PM

2LT Thomas Bertelsen — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:37:45 -0400

It was hard to screw up in my opinion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 11:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:37:57 -0400

Everyone online wants to characterize the fall of Kabul as an American military defeat. It is not. The United States has no vested interest in Afghanistan. We didn’t go overseas to found a nation over there. We went overseas to avenge 9/11. (See attached news clip.) So, maybe we should stop amplifying the attention-seeking figure lamenting “It was all for nothing!” Osama bin Laden is dead.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/sns-worldtrade-taliban-chi-story.html

Taliban maintains refusal to turn over bin Laden

Response by SSgt Kurt Boyer made Aug 16 at 2021 11:38 PM

SSgt Kurt Boyer — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:38:14 -0400

Look, was active duty from 1984-1996 Air Force and 2009-2015 contractor. Spent 4 years deployed to OEF. Most with JSOC and there are some awesome Afghanis but most while in training were un- educated farm boys with zero will to fight for what they have. We did make life better for most but damn, to go down like this it really sucks!

Response by CPT Russ Neal made Aug 16 at 2021 11:55 PM

CPT Russ Neal — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 23:55:03 -0400

We needed to leave, but we should have gotten out all the Afghans that wanted to leave BEFORE pulling out the last of our troops. This was a disgrace and a utter failure of our intelligence community, including the Armed Services. So sad.

Response by Cpl John Schmitt made Aug 17 at 2021 12:20 AM

Cpl John Schmitt — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:20:24 -0400

Slap in the face! Same as what the Government did in Nam. Don't care about the lives that were lost, nor casualties that occurred.

Response by Maj Roberto Benitez made Aug 17 at 2021 12:21 AM

Maj Roberto Benitez — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:21:35 -0400

What should be the feelings of veterans who put so much into serving their country only to be let down by their cowardly politicians? What are we to think about their grandiose plans of nation building and democracy in societies that have no concept of the ideas? If only we could hold them truly responsible.

Response by PO1 Lavar Guyton made Aug 17 at 2021 12:23 AM

PO1 Lavar Guyton — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:23:46 -0400

7 tours, 7. And yall just abandoned the watch...

Response by TSgt Baran Anthony Andrew K. made Aug 17 at 2021 12:24 AM

TSgt Baran Anthony Andrew K. — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:24:04 -0400

Hey. I just joined here, and am glad to have found it. My service ended during Desert Shield in 1990. Being of Pashtun and Utah, USA descent, and a born and bred Californian, my heart is heavy. Okay, I will just say it out now. We can't save every puppy in the pound. And even though I understand that reality, it all stinks to high heaven. My Father became a Naturalized US citizen in 1962, but having fallen out with his dad in the old country,; first for marrying an American, and then for not bringing her and the kids back to the frontier when the first transgression was forgiven, dad became really bitter. They parted ways in 1957, and never saw each other again, with grandfather Juma dying in 1971. Grandpa even had a clean 1957 Chevy Bel-Air two-door sedan, and my cousins found the picture of it last year..

Mom and Dad split up in 1965, and Dad lived out his days in Brazil, Peru and Venezuela as a structural engineer, including being the Director of the Engineering Design Team for the Itaipu Hydroelectric Project. When he had a heart attack and died in Caracas in March of 1984, us kids went down to bury him there. He was going to take us to Quetta, Pakistan that November to meet the family there.

My big brother blazed the trail that fall, and me and my little sister followed in 1985 for the summer. I still remember one of my buddies in the squadron warning me 'and don't you get a friggin hair up your but and cross the Afghani border. All we need now is a friggin incident with the Soviets over your butt'. I took the advice, but I did step foot on the Pak/Afghan border, east of Kandahar. And visited some of the refugee camps.

My Dad's family was among the last to give in to British rule in the late 1880's. And the British were more than happy to pay them well not to blow up their telegraph lines. in the 1980's, the Afghans were facing genocide at the hands of the Soviets. It was during that conflict that the zealots began to hold sway, on both sides of the border, and became the Taliban of note. My father's family hammered this into me, as a warning. That, for expedience sake, we tend to back the wrong horse. I believe my dad's family hit the nail on the head over these mistakes in policy.

And it is my opinion, and that is all it is, that the US, having played a crucial part in what then to us was still proxy war between us and the Soviets, failed to understand that we had, in fact, played for the Afghans the same part that the French had played so nobly for us during our own revolution, culminating in the intervention of the French Fleet at Yorktown in 1781. I would say that the historical parallel was our supplying of the Stinger AA missiles to the Mujaheddin. And then we took our ball and went home when the Soviets pulled out. No post-apocalyptic grants, loans, or aid to those people. The Soviet Union was collapsing, and by that event, we lost sight of the trees, for the forest seemed to be ours by forfeit.

Are we responsible for the resentment the Afghani people felt at the world? No. Absolutely not. By culture, by lifestyle, by the way they dress and speak, we have little in common with these mountain folk.

But we are responsible for our own people. And that means that with the collapse of the Soviet Union, we inherited more responsibility for our fellow men and women around the world. Not for a hand-out. But for a hand-up. The best way we enhance our own security in our country in this shrinking world is to lend a hand. Unconditionally, at least to start.

The rapid collapse in Afghanistan was not the fault of our brothers and sisters in uniform, but in the total erosion of any clarity of purpose at the State Department, a malaise throughout the halls of our Intelligence Agencies, and perhaps a sad leftover from the last Presidential administration; the obliteration of the administrative civil function at the heart of our own government, by the functionaries at the center of that administration.

These same ills at the center of our government, with the exception of acts bordering on sedition, happened in the 70's, after Vietnam, the protests, and Watergate.

My heart is heavy, and I pray for deliverance form danger all those men and women of good will...

Response by SGT Susan McKenzie made Aug 17 at 2021 12:36 AM

SGT Susan McKenzie — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:36:09 -0400

I am disheartened as well as concerned for our allies in Afghanistan. They trusted us and we pulled out. I am quite concerned for the plight of women and girls; especially the women that trained to fight along side us. These women will be executed no questions asked.

Response by SPC Allyn Luce made Aug 17 at 2021 12:41 AM

SPC Allyn Luce — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:41:35 -0400

I deployed in 08 with the knowledge that this was going to be a pointless and futile war. I had to meet and spoke with many locals in the areas because I am a student of culture. I wanted to really know how they felt about us being there, how long we were there and how they would react to us leaving. I got a lot of negative feed back, mainly that they didn't want us there and wished we would leave. But they were too afraid of the wrath of our government. A few chiefs actually said "it was more stable and least harmful with the Taliban there. They didn't kill, maim, or destroy as much as Al Qaeda did or the US troops that couldn't act right.

I personally witness many different actions that our "solders" did over there to the locals and how much they really cared about life, or bridging the caps of our two nations. I watch guys take bribes from the enemies to give the gas, I seen our guys die because they stopped treating as a war zone and more of their personal playground. Shooting at people randomly for fun and didn't care if they hit anyone.

Sadly, I predicted that the Taliban would take back over back after we leave. They had control before we were there and would be taking back after we left. I knew this in 08 and I'm surprised anyone who has been there, didn't know that or cared.

Honestly, how I feel about the situation is that it was easily predictable and that it's another failed campaign. Just as the one my father fought in while he was in Vietnam. I many more stories to share as I was all over the east of Afghanistan.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 12:41 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:41:41 -0400

Honestly, I have mixed feelings. I've been there twice. The first time I was told I was going to fight the Taliban. The second, I was told I was assisting in getting the Afghans ready to defend their land. I've lost friends in that country, part of it feels like it was for nothing. But I tell myself the work I did there was for those Afghans who want to fight and protect their land.

From a political standpoint it's more complex to me. Of course 20 years is way too long. After our objective of going after those responsible for 9-11 we established an occupying presence in the country. I don't fully blame Biden, I blame Trump, Obama, Bush, and their administrations. Western Politicians ignore the fact that regions like the Middle East operate a little different and they can't just put puppet presidents in and think democracy will spring up overnight. There was also the MIC that had a hand in stretching out the last two decades.

I definitely see parallels between Saigon and Kabul, not to take anything away from what Vietnam Era troops experienced. I also see a future where other groups will refuse to work with us seeing as how we left a lot of those who will face death for working with the Americans.

Yes, it's their country and they need to defend it. Yes, we've spent billions in that war. Yes, we've lost way too many lives there. But I think the withdrawal could've happened so much better.

Response by Cpl Brandon Pierce made Aug 17 at 2021 12:43 AM

Cpl Brandon Pierce — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:43:55 -0400

Afghanistan was never intended to be won. Non of these wars are. We know war is a racket, as stated by the greatest Marine ever, MajGen Smedley Butler. A million people dead and TRILLIONS wasted and funneled to the MIC. Trying to keep it short; recent, documented history (within my living grandma's life time) shows that America's military has become a corporate tool for securing profits. I truly don't know what this country looks like in 5 years. Do not let the fear mongering of the Taliban banning vaccines pull is back into this for profit war. Side note, CIA operations won't stop with the troop pull out. War must never stop because quarterly profits must always go up.

Response by SP6 David Buckins made Aug 17 at 2021 1:06 AM

SP6 David Buckins — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:06:44 -0400

The world is in total turmoil and Kabul is a testament for what will happen in our futures if we don't make an effort in changing our ways.

Response by SN Gerry Escobar made Aug 17 at 2021 1:16 AM

SN Gerry Escobar — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:16:10 -0400

Perhaps, it would have been different, if we did not focus so much on what we did wrong in Vietnam, however, focused more instead in what we did right with Japan and the Korean peninsula. Hence, this is a case of not expanding our view of history to make better decisions with present crisis. That old adage: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it (Santayana); to paraphrase it: Those who do not have a broad perspective of history will fail to make better decisions moving forward. Particularly with Korea, we (along with allies) divided the country between those who wanted communism and those who wanted democracy. Then we (with international organizations led by the U.S.) made sure that S. Korea had all they needed to rise up economically. Then JFK with is organized Peace Corps brought the American way of education; overall, it was declared a successful policy of the U.S. by 1981 (that started with HST, about thirty years before JFK).

Response by SPC Kathryn Bostwick made Aug 17 at 2021 1:25 AM

SPC Kathryn Bostwick — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:25:37 -0400

How our government pulled out of Afghanistan and Iraq was ridiculous! There's a right way and a wrong way. What they did was the wrong way! The government dishonored every life that was lost in the war! All the money and time that we invested in Afghanistan was wasted.

Response by Sgt Earl Neconie made Aug 17 at 2021 1:41 AM

Sgt Earl Neconie — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:41:41 -0400

Seriously embarrassed by the cowardly actions and decisions of this administration towards our military and veterans! Exactly the same as

Response by MSgt Mark Eral made Aug 17 at 2021 1:42 AM

MSgt Mark Eral — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:42:16 -0400

Remember folks, we served honorably and did what we needed to do to keep our country safe and help the Afghan people. Our current President is a fool and coward. He failed all of America and the people of Afghanistan. Anyone with half a mind knows that we would need to stay there permanently, just like Europe, Japan, S. Korea and other countries. When a war turns into a political game America loses, just like Vietnam. Aiman, soldiers, sailors, and Marines will always pay the price for some idiot politician. Don't let that destroy your morale or self worth.

Response by SrA Eric Belko made Aug 17 at 2021 2:02 AM

SrA Eric Belko — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 02:02:41 -0400

In his rush to surrender, China Joe left aircraft, helicopters, drones, and our highest technology for the enemy, all to be sold to China.

Response by PFC David Foster made Aug 17 at 2021 2:22 AM

PFC David Foster — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 02:22:32 -0400

Unfortunately, we can't give the Afghan army what we paid for, trained and built, which is the size of Germany's, France's, or Italy's army; we cannot give them the will to fight for their own freedom... We tried for 20 years. Of course, we should always love, respect, and support out troops, but there is nothing they can accomplish in Afghanistan except to continue doing the job we trained the Afghans to do, which they won't do. They don't want it bad enough to fight for it, but they will take it if we continue to fight for it for them.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 2:43 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 02:43:54 -0400

Upset, I have vented in my stories on RP. Never Forget 1SG Blue Rowe, D Co. 426 CA BN, Upland California.
You can blame and spin saying it was Trump but history will remember you about your ice cream and the fall of Afghanistan.

http://projects.latimes.com/wardead/name/blue-c-rowe/

Blue C. Rowe

The Times collects the stories of California servicemembers who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Response by TSgt Ann Smith made Aug 17 at 2021 2:52 AM

TSgt Ann Smith — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 02:52:04 -0400

Ok, we should do something for the interpreters, but the evacuation planes where full over 300 each. We had that much Afgan staff? They better screen them for security and Corona. And some are here already here-"in houses." Americans have LOST their houses and are homeless due to Covid and don't have a job. But these people will get a job and house! They will be able to petition for the rest of their families to come over too. A big explosion of this group during an economic down fall. And you never know, they are grateful now , but their ideologies and loyalty may bend toward radicalism. They may join the American military and we'll think that's good because they speak Afgan and we can re-implant them in Afghanistan as spies, but you never know their loyalty because their Faith gets in the way.

Response by SPC Edward Drain made Aug 17 at 2021 3:01 AM

SPC Edward Drain — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 03:01:54 -0400

I feel the Darkness engulfing every woman and girl in Afghanistan. I feel the loss that every living thing on our planet will now suffer because those women and girls have been cast into the Abyss. It feels like no accident that the Taliban took over now. They knew the US would not care what happens to the women and girls in Afghanistan. They knew because Americans have grown so docile that we let an Executive Order stand that says American women and girls are second class citizens in their own sports, Rape Crisis Centers and jails. If Americans would not stand up for their own women, why should they care what happens in Afghanistan??

Response by Sgt Michelle Edwards made Aug 17 at 2021 3:02 AM

Sgt Michelle Edwards — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 03:02:00 -0400

I can’t help but think of my fellow Marines and friends that lost their lives there and what they would say right now. It’s frustrating for me to think that if we had just pulled out 9 years ago I’d still have my best friend. It’s apparent that the results would be no different. I say this mostly out of hurt and anger. I am also deeply concerned and sad for all the innocent Afghans that are now stuck in that shit hole with such violent & fanatic terrorist assholes. The range of emotions are something else.

Response by SSG Willian Ward made Aug 17 at 2021 3:25 AM

SSG Willian Ward — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 03:25:29 -0400

fuck this president

Response by COL Glen Collins made Aug 17 at 2021 4:39 AM

COL Glen Collins — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 04:39:53 -0400

I did not serve in Afghanistan so I have no personal comments. From a national security standpoint, this is a disaster. Why would any country trust us? We don't know how to use force to destroy the enemy, and we don't have the patience to do occupation and nation building. We should have left after defeating the Taliban in 2001. Instead of having an orderly rear deployment, it looks like a rout. To all those that served in Afghanistan, you did your duty...

Response by A1C Leslie Peer made Aug 17 at 2021 4:56 AM

A1C Leslie Peer — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 04:56:57 -0400

It was one inevitable that this would happen it's another Vietnam war where we could have been helping those stateside instead of funding the Afghanistan army billions of dollars

Response by SSgt Phil Sponseller made Aug 17 at 2021 5:41 AM

SSgt Phil Sponseller — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 05:41:46 -0400

God bless our brothers and sisters! I wish I was there Help!

Response by 1SG David Spalding made Aug 17 at 2021 6:01 AM

1SG David Spalding — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 06:01:12 -0400

After a couple of years in Afghanistan issues arose that slowly built up and resulted in pretty much guaranteeing there would never be a US "Victory". One, Afghanistan is not a country by our standards. Never was, never will be. It is a collection of tribes, who do not get along most of the time, and who really don't care what goes on in the rest of the world. We didn't do our homework before we committed divisions of troops. Two, trying to make a tribal society into a democracy was an absolute pipe dream by the administrations. They were foolish to assume this and really put the real mission in the back seat. Three, because of these reasons, it was never feasible to think that a combined Afghan military or police force would stand up to any resistance. They simply do not have the loyalties - particularly when outside of their valley or region. Lastly and most importantly - we forgot the original reason for deploying to Afghanistan: to get bin Laden, to root out and destroy al-Qaeda, and to punish the Taliban for sheltering the terrorists responsible for 9-11. Nation building. That was it, plain and simple, but the powers that be in DC forgot that. Social assistance, reconstruction and all the other touchy-feely crap was snuck in by politicians with no clue of the history of the area. Then they forced restrictive ROE on us which further cemented the fact that we weren't going to win. All to feed defense contractors, who in turn fattened their campaign funds.
Don't get me wrong. Most of the military who served there did so honorably and professionally. We, the military, did not lose. Don't blame the boots, blame the suits!

Response by ENS Chris "Cabbage" Vuille-Kowing made Aug 17 at 2021 6:10 AM

ENS Chris "Cabbage" Vuille-Kowing — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 06:10:23 -0400

"Those who fail to learn from history after doomed to repeat it." —George Santayana

Response by SSG Robert Velasco made Aug 17 at 2021 6:20 AM

SSG Robert Velasco — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 06:20:04 -0400

I cant speak for anyone but I am grateful it's over. Bring our troops home to their families for supper again, it is what it is.No more IEDs, ambushes or Afghan government corruption. The American industrial war machine has handed too many invoices for payment that will affect democracy for many years to come. Let's learn from this and regret the outcome less as time goes by. I am a veteran of the USA and I stand with you in spirit and in conflict. Do not give in to despair and destroy the camaraderie we built for generations in bravery and valorous service. We cannot change everything, but we can change somethings! Let's lead the charge of being proud with discipline and dignity!

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Aug 17 at 2021 6:22 AM

SPC Matt Ovaska — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 06:22:08 -0400

If you don't learn from history, you're most likely going to repeat it. They continue making mistakes and then ask me, "How does that make you feel" My answer" You wouldn't understand"

Response by SSG Lawrence Clinton made Aug 17 at 2021 7:13 AM

SSG Lawrence Clinton — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:13:42 -0400

This Administration is destroying this country! The man is a disgrace.

Response by TSgt Chuck Mankin made Aug 17 at 2021 7:23 AM

TSgt Chuck Mankin — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:23:35 -0400

I feel angry and betrayed. I will however, not let anger win. I will hold my head high and be proud of my service over there.

Response by PO1 Jewell Hill(Turner) made Aug 17 at 2021 7:28 AM

PO1 Jewell Hill(Turner) — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:28:54 -0400

It’s an unfortunate situation! It appears that American forces wanted to protect more than the protected. I won’t lie, I felt a little defeated and defensive. I thought, after all of this time from family, friends…through tears, training and casualties; this was the best fight you had in you? Did Afghanistan forces become too dependent on the US? Did they they become to comfortable? President Biden’s words clearly underestimated the Taliban but I am not sure why given their history and “devotion” to their causes!
Our military did an exceptional job as they always do but this is not our fight! Taking care of self is hard sometimes and it was way past time Afghanistan stood on their own two feet as the saying goes. Praying for everyone

Response by PO1 Richard Colavito made Aug 17 at 2021 7:35 AM

PO1 Richard Colavito — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:35:42 -0400

I think that our leaders have mirrored Vietnam with their running the war from Washington. I myself are getting tired of them wasting our sons and daughters for a purely political war.

Response by SFC Sfc Avery Johnson made Aug 17 at 2021 7:56 AM

SFC Sfc Avery Johnson — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:56:54 -0400

No definitive answers to how we got here. Proud of the men and women who sacrifice so much.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Aug 17 at 2021 7:56 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:56:54 -0400

A military withdrawl is not the last chapter written here. I am a little more optimistic than most though I never served in Afghanistan. Remember that there are some decent people in the Taliban and there was at the time of our invasion Harmid Karzi was Taliban before he became opposition to it and the first President of Afghanistan. The problem Afghanistan has is a curse of corruption which erodes greatly the effectiveness of the ANA. It was reported widely the end strength of the ANA was greatly inflated and over estimated with the extra money being embezzled. Logistics and pay to some ANA units was not existant or abysmal If I was an ANA member and had to deal with this repeatedly, I am not sure if I would have fought for that system either. Then you had the Afghan government giving US Aid money directly to the Taliban in the form of a protection racket and in a series of bribes to get access to roads and mountain passes. Afghan government pretending it was soverign at times when it was clear it could not stand without the U.S. also contributed to the collapse when they ignored our advice. The whole house of cards was rotten to the core.

Very telling at the 11th hour that the Afghan government turned to the drug dealing warlords in a last ditch effort to retain control of the country. This tells me that there wasn't really a seperation of the warlords from the government to begin with and they always had a back channel relationship. Given all the negatives I am more of a wait and see person. Perhaps the Taliban will rule differently this time as they have repeatedly stated or perhaps it is another in a long string of lies. Time will tell but I have not written the country off just yet.

Response by SSG Robert Velasco made Aug 17 at 2021 8:16 AM

SSG Robert Velasco — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:16:42 -0400

I've noticed that many of my fact proven comments of common sense with military decor have been erased or taken out .I'm already beginning to believe that anti Democratic morons are attempting to sway the narrative to right wing favored arguments, but that would mean " Rally Point " is complicit with a one way discussion and dialogue which could be construed as propaganda.. who's taking my posts down !!!!!!

Response by Sgt R J made Aug 17 at 2021 8:29 AM

Sgt R J — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:29:04 -0400

This was going to happen. All signs pointed to it. It is very similar to Vietnam. Bottom line, the US spent billions on the Afghan defense. We lost lives. Yet in the end the Afghan defense ran away. They did not want to fight. They wanted the US to continue to do it for them. We cannot continue to be the forces for every country out there. Afghan is now facing the ramifications for their worthless defense forces. It is a shame it happened, yet they have nothing to cry about. They did not care enough to defend their own country, well then you lose it.

No nation has ever won against the Taliban

*** AND remember this, it was the USA that armed and trained the Taliban.

Response by SGT Joe Diacheysn made Aug 17 at 2021 8:31 AM

SGT Joe Diacheysn — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:31:40 -0400

Arguably, it is a terrible series of days. All the blood, sweat, tears, lives lost for nothing. I am all for the troops coming home, and part of me says eff them. However, what did we actually do? How did we actually help them? The good Afghanis are begging to leave because they will be killed and tortured because of us. We trained the police and army for nothing, because they fell faster than a small village.

Response by SCPO Loyd Marlow made Aug 17 at 2021 8:44 AM

SCPO Loyd Marlow — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:44:19 -0400

This is a national disgrace......only thing worse was the pretense which started this war in the first place. Our military has been used horrifically in major war crimes around the world for all the wrong reasons. I was on the Flag bridge during Desert Storm when ships were ordered to drive into mines that were well marked and known, despite a clear channel for navigation being available. Roadside bombs the work of CIA and Mossad.....literally no one shooting back.....tanks shelling compounds that have had white flags flying for days....it was a horrific evil act...we were all lied too....now we have to try and live with what has happened. The only thing that will make a lot of us feel better would be the public hanging of those who authorized and forced these horrific acts. I was in a position to see more than most......and I have suffered greatly living with what I know. It was a made for TV orchestrated mass murder.....casualties had to be imposed on US forces to prevent world wide blow back....in fact there was hardly anyone shooting back and the entire fiasco was a lie.....all of it. God Bless you all.

Response by SPC William Bell made Aug 17 at 2021 8:52 AM

SPC William Bell — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:52:14 -0400

GW Bush did right to deploy special forces to Afghanistan to go after bin Laden and Al Qaeda, but in hindsight it was a mistake to keep US boots on the ground there to support a prolonged and ultimately futile nation-building exercise that added hundreds of billions to the national debt and brought about the death or maiming of thousands of young American patriots, while enriching contractors and corrupt Afghan officials. So I don't blame Biden for withdrawing US ground forces from that godforsaken country. But it seems likely now that thousands of Afghans who supported coalition forces as interpreters or in other ways will be left behind and many will probably be brutally murdered by vindictive Taliban supporters -- and their blood will be on Biden's hands, as he will be ultimately responsible for failure to evacuate all such people. His trying to pin the blame on Trump for the debacle was bush league.

Update: it also seems likely that a considerable number of US citizens are trapped and will be left behind after Biden's self-imposed Aug. 31 deadline for withdrawal. What will become of them is hard to say.

Response by PO1 Ken Klein made Aug 17 at 2021 8:52 AM

PO1 Ken Klein — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:52:31 -0400

This is no different than Viet Nam. Politicians need to be held accountable all the way back to George W Bush! We should never have let this war continue for as long as it did. So, where will the Pentagon direct their resources now that they don't have a 'war' to fight? They are way to big and need to be reigned in.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Aug 17 at 2021 9:07 AM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:07:22 -0400

Hoo boy.

Well, I'm nobody, and my opinion doesn't matter. Still, I was there, and people I knew are probably dead, about to die, or are at least afraid of dying. Maybe that "entitles" me to a meaningless few lines on an open forum. For me, it's not so much that we should've left... as it is we should never have been there; at least not like we were. We should've used strength, technology and guile to assassinate those directly responsible for 9/11, those who funded them, and those in power who dared openly support them. No one wearing a US flag on their shoulder should've been involved with any of that (the Russians have one "on us" when it comes to these things). We should've stayed the hell out of the Afghan civil war... because that's what it is, on top of a thousand other local/tribal/drug wars that are constantly going on over there.

But... we went, we set up shop, we did a thing.

Because we are us, we naively expected these people to appreciate that we were spending treasure to give them a crack at being a free and secure nation. We blithely overlooked the fact that they do not even universally agree on the borders of said "country", or that there is any such entity beyond their local/regional affiliations. We gave their deeply-held traditional beliefs a passing nod, and then failed to understand that not everyone who questioned our western values is a "terrorist".

We trained them to do what we wanted them to do... the "cool" things that we wanted to do. Because there aren't enough "cool dudes" to teach them... we sent "normal" people; people like me, to train them. Because "we" were so excited to be getting to live a year away from our "usual" lives...to actually DO cool things we'd never get to do normally... we kinda forget to also teach them how to ensure their soldiers got paid, processed formal leave requests, and had confidence in their own chain of command. Because WE were so inadequate... we overlooked important nuances. Because our bosses were inadequate... we tried to create "consistency" across 12-month stints that barely allowed us enough time to even figure out "who was who in the zoo". Those trained by our best- the Afghan Special Forces and Afghan Commandos...seem to have put up an actual fight...but without any substantive support from the larger ANA that WE trained.

Part of me is angry because we (translation-I) failed them. The other part of me thinks if someone is bold/dumb enough to try and ride a C-17's undercarriage... they should be bold/dumb enough to pick up an AK-47 and fight like they're the third monkey on the Ark, and it's just started raining.

This was always the way it ended...unless we were willing to commit to a forever presence in Central Asia. Maybe that wouldn't have been such a bad thing... the Brits did it in India for a long time before they finally threw in the towel.

Response by SP5 Neal Wolfe made Aug 17 at 2021 9:14 AM

SP5 Neal Wolfe — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:14:38 -0400

I know it doesnt help any of our anger, grief, sense of betrayal, etc. but the guys over at Long War Journal did a podcast yesterday regarding the fall. They documented how every single president is to blame for this crap, as are many of the top brass. https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2021/08/ep-55-afghanistan-falls.php

Ep. 55 — Afghanistan Falls | FDD's Long War Journal

Hosts Tom Joscelyn and Bill Roggio discuss the need for accountability after 20 years of failures. Powered by RedCircle Take a look around the globe today and you’ll see jihadists fighting everywhere from West Africa to Southeast Asia. They aren’t the dominant force in all of those areas, or even most of them. But jihadism […]

Response by CPO Rob Wong made Aug 17 at 2021 9:19 AM

CPO Rob Wong — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:19:53 -0400

Imagine trying to unite small Chicago gangs in an effort to fight other unified gangs. After some basic training and equipping, you take the gangs out of their own territories and install them as guardians of another gang’s territory, where you expect them to suddenly respect the rights and properties of the people in those territories. That’s basically the story behind the ANA.
Then you arm and but not train the remaining non-gang members in a territory. You tell them they are now police entrusted to protect their neighborhoods from the bad gang, though they can’t tell the bad gang from the good gang.
Then you tell all the people watching that more money and more ammo are needed to sort things out.
While not exact, that’s basically how the Taliban, ANA, and ALP interacted/intersected in much of Afghanistan. The obvious winners of the scenario are the weapons and supplies dealers. They gangs were just a mechanism to move the guns, ammo, and hundreds of billions of unaccounted for $$!!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 9:21 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:21:18 -0400

The idea that "this always was going to happen" is an absolute fallacy. Like many here, I served in Afghanistan and Iraq for several tours. While its true that the previous two Presidents talked about removing our troops, the plan to do a 100% withdrawal of all support within an extremely short timeframe (and while completely telegraphing it to the Taliban) was never a plan that was suggested by any advisers or previous administrations. The current administration decided on this horrible COA for whatever reason (I honestly don't know why but perhaps President Biden simply got bad advice from someone). However, I know for a fact that both GEN Miller (who I have met/spoken with and know to be a true expert on Afghanistan) and GEN Milley both briefed President Biden not to do it this way. Our partners in the Afghan government which we helped establish felt abandoned in addition to them being told that (in contradiction to previous plans), no support would be given or left behind once we left. This was the worst way we could have done this. In addition to throwing tens of thousands who assisted us under the bus (to include their families), we have now almost guaranteed the creation of a new terror state. Those of us in before 9/11 understand what Afghanistan was like under Taliban rule--a safe haven for Al Qaeda and other extremist ideologies--and now we have just made that a reality again. This isn't about politics, it's about what is right and wrong, and what this current administration has done is absolutely wrong in my opinion.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 17 at 2021 9:27 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:27:05 -0400

I have said it in various forms across this forum: this is a result of failed American diplomatic policy, which resulted in failed military policy.

In both Afghanistan and Iraq, for some truly bizarre reason, America decided to use the military for diplomacy and nation building. It is not our job, not what we are built for. The mission of the Department of Defense is to fight and win our nation's wars. And, if you look at *just* that mission, we inarguably succeeded in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The problem is that we did not win the peace. Which is hardly surprising - it is not our mission. It is the State Department's mission.

What *should* have happened is one of two things. Either 1) Send DoD in to blow it all to hell, root out every terrorist and kill or capture them, and leave the glowing embers of what remains to the State Department to rebuild / re-fashion / nation-build; or 2) Send in the DoD to blow half of it to hell, occupy the rest, and institute martial law. Then, slowly, VERY slowly, relinquish Command and Control to State, who will then slowly relinquish Command and Control to trusted local nationals who have been groomed and trained for DECADES.

We can kill, maim, capture, and blow shit up. We are great at it. We can take land, occupy, and defend it. We are pretty damned good at it. We can hunt down and root out bad guys. We are very good at it. What we cannot do is teach diplomacy, governance, and Constitution-writing, because not only is TEACHING those things not our damned job, we don't even do them ourselves.

And so, we have the failed "experiment" in Afghanistan. I only did one tour there (2015), and I knew when I left that we were either going to be there for at least 50 MORE years, or the nation would fail when we left - whatever year that ended up being. I knew that back in 2015. For the life of me, I cannot understand why Trump and Biden didn't understand that in 2020 and 2021.

was it time to get out? Yes. But, then again, it had been time to get out for 19 years.

How do I feel about it? As a (retired) military guy I am sad and frustrated. Sad for the Afghan people who we promised a brighter future to, and who are seeing that bright future fade away. People hear the tale of Pandora's box, how she opened the box and all of the woes were spread out onto the world, how the last thing to come out of the box was hope. They think that hope is a silver lining - that all of these other things are bad, but hey, we have hope now that things can be better. But that is not the story of Pandora's box. Hope came out last because it was the most insidious and most dangerous. All of those Afghan people got to experience hope - and now.... Well, the crushing of that hope is all the more painful.

I am frustrated because I spent time there (and more in Iraq) doing a completely pointless mission. I knew then it was pointless, and I have my proof now. After 20 years, what did we accomplish? Not a damned thing. Is there a stable government? Or at least a friendly one? Have we removed the Taliban from power? Have we brought Afghanistan forward into the new millennium? Have we improved human rights? No, no, no, no, and only marginally, but not for long. What was the point?

As an American citizen, I am downright pissed off. How much taxpayer money was wasted (yes, wasted) over there? How many American lives were wasted (yes, wasted) over there? How much time and effort that could have been better spent strengthening allies, researching green energy, weakening enemies, standing up to international bullies, doing something about human rights in China, Malaysia, Sudan, Iran, or any number of other places? Where would America be right now with all of that time, money, and human capital back?

Response by CPO Rob Wong made Aug 17 at 2021 9:37 AM

CPO Rob Wong — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:37:39 -0400

We are 0-2 on wars waged from DC. If Mattie had the authorizations he asked for we would have been out of the region years ago.
The battles were won by superior military strength and strategy, while the war was lost theough bureaucracy and politics.

Response by PO3 Justin Bowen made Aug 17 at 2021 9:38 AM

PO3 Justin Bowen — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:38:13 -0400

This is long overdue. As others have said, whether people want to blame Trump for setting the stage for this or Biden for following through on Trump's agreement with the Taliban, the fall over the government that, culturally, was not native to the Afghans was a likely outcome at some point.

What bothers me about this is not the damage to our reputation (has anyone here actually spent time outside of the US in non-combat zones over the past decade or so?) or the sense of loss of meaning of the sacrifices that paid employees of the US government - who knew what they were getting into if they joined or remained after the invasion - now have with respect to their service there. What bothers me is the fate of those who were left behind, particularly the vulnerable and those who risked their lives to help the coalition with the expectation that their lives would improve. An entire generation of young adults - including women - has grown up with experiences vastly different from those of their parents and are now going to again be lost to an oppressive regime, with little opportunity to escape to safer havens.

And of course, had we not been dragging our feet for decades before 9/11 with regards to decarbonizing the global economy - and we know why that's happening - then this entire geopolitical mess would be very different today. As long as we in the US remain dedicated to hydrocarbon-based energy we are going to be politically tied to Eurasia oil and gas geopolitics.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 9:43 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:43:42 -0400

Mixed emotions. I'm happy we're leaving that place. I'm angry we've so mis-managed the withdrawal that the Taliban is holding a bunch of American equipment. I'm frustrated that the Afghan forces we spent 20 years building collapsed without firing a shot. I feel helpless and sad and empty that all the time I spent flying over Afghanistan, all the weapons expended, all the time away from home, was all for nothing. That we spent 20 years, $2 trillion dollars, thousands of lives, and beat the hell out of our equipment just to leave the country the way we found it.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Aug 17 at 2021 9:44 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:44:21 -0400

After much thought and reflection through yesterday and tonight I AM STILL PISSED. Not that we pulled out but that we pulled out so fast without any sense of purpose other than get the hell out. I am pissed that many of my friends and colleagues died on that God forsaken piece of land and for what? I haven't lost or forgotten anything that I will ever have to go back for! But then I just came to the conclusion that I can carry a grudge and be a bitter pissed off old man or I can accept the fact that I went over there when I was called to, did my job by keeping the fight on their soil and not ours and my family was safe from harm and I came home only to go do it again.. Would I change anything now? NOPE...I answered my nations call and did my duty and would have done it anywhere and anytime I was called and for that I am proud. However, I will say this, Biden did it the wrong way...instead of a phased redeployment and leaving them hanging he ripped the bandaid off and it is causing more infection and now he has to go back in with increasing number of troops to secure some sites. Could have been done better but he inherited this from Trump/Obama/Bush and all of them had the opportunity to end it and they didn't. Just need to let it go and move on.

Response by SPC Lance Davis made Aug 17 at 2021 9:49 AM

SPC Lance Davis — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:49:31 -0400

I can't say I am surprised to see this happen, we still have not learned from history. That geographical area has been at war throughout history and it is a no win situation for anyone who gets involved. I do believe the abrupt withdrawal was a disservice to the civilians who wanted our help and support and a slap in the face of my military brothers and sister who served in theater, shed blood, sweat and tears. What does this say about the many who did not come home? I kneel at the cross for each one and stand in support of the families who lost a loved one in this war.

To my brothers and sisters who served in Afghanistan, I support you, stand beside, in front of and behind you in full respect of everything you have done. If you ever need to vent, hear a voice of support or shed tears in a nonjudgmental atmosphere, I am here for all of you.

Response by SP5 John Fowler made Aug 17 at 2021 9:55 AM

SP5 John Fowler — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:55:07 -0400

We have not won a war since WW2. This government has backed out of finishing the job for years. I'm a Vietnam vet we lost 54000 + vets.For nothing ... We lost in Korea we have now lost in Afghanistan . This is bullshit. Our government just wants to kill us. God help us.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 10:15 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:15:00 -0400

As someone who was there in the early days, 02-04, it’s very difficult to watch. Our small SF contingent was seemingly effective at keeping things manageable.

Response by GySgt Danny Stranahan made Aug 17 at 2021 10:18 AM

GySgt Danny Stranahan — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:18:22 -0400

We needed to bring the troops home,however biden should have followed the exit plan that the Trump administration had laid out. Biden did the same thing to our southern border, now we have overv100,000 illegal immigrants coming across the border each month. If thats not a Super spreader of covid 19 then nothing is.

Response by SFC Freddie Porter made Aug 17 at 2021 10:29 AM

SFC Freddie Porter — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:29:53 -0400

You asked for my thoughts so here goes. Sorry guys. But please understand that I started my journey on 29 June 1971 and finished on 5 July 2009. I have tried to pay attention through my military service and through my formal education.

I have to look at what’s going on from a couple of different perspectives. The personal and the professional. On the personal level, this hurts. This will be long and I’ll probably have several spelling and grammatical errors so please forgive me in advance. I spent a couple of tours in both Kabul and Bagram (as well the Green Zone in Baghdad and at Speicer in Tikrit). Knowing the results of the Taliban taking control is deeply troubling; beheadings, rape, child marriage, Burqa’s and Niqab forced on women, losing the chance for education for women, playing sports with women’s heads while on horseback because the women failed to cover their ankles; this is what the AF women have to look forward to. As for the men; forced induction into the cause of the Taliban, the return of the extremist organizations safe havens, interpreters and security personnel we left behind murdered after they and their families are publicly tortured; I could on and on and on but everyone here knows what’s coming. We’ve all studied it and seen it first hand.

From a more professional view as both a soldier and student of political scientist; we seriously screwed the pouch. We started this action with a goal of bringing justice to Al Quida. We got OBL in 09. Our mission was complete. I said as much in the spring of 09 (and made a lot of enemies at the time). At that point, if we were going leave, that was the time to do it. Without telegraphing our punches, we should have quietly started to withdraw using our controlled airfields and been out within a year bringing all our support personal with us. I understand that one of the most difficult military maneuvers is retrograde operations. Nobody in leadership seemed to understand the capabilities and dedication the enemy has during the planning phase of this retrograde operation. And this has greatly reduced our standing throughout the world as a military force willing to support those who have supported us. The politics of this is a full condemnation of our politicians by itself which I’ll skip (I’m writing too much as it is). (A thought that keeps going through my fury little brain is, at the end of WWII we left a stay behind force that effectively is still in both Europe and Japan. If we were bringing down a government in AF, shouldn’t we have considered the long term need of a stay behind force there also? If for no other reason AF boarders Iran and Pakistan.)

As good as combat arms in our military are, no army can ever conduct a successful campaign without intelligence and logistics. Just read about the Red Ball Express “Know your enemy”. And on top of everything else that is true in the world we live in, we have reduced the size of our military so badly that we are completely dependent on contracted organizations to supply intelligence and logistics. Our internal capabilities are almost nonexistent. In the 90’s we coined the phrase “the incorporation of the US Army”. If I had my way, we’d go back to a 17 Division 750,000 person army with the concept of company cooks and company clerks being put back in. I’d also love to see us meet Regan’s goal of a 500 ship Navy. That way we could support from within without being dependent on corporations. These latest events show a complete failure of our intelligence and logistics community in underestimating the enemy capabilities. I almost believe that many of our leaders still believe that we were fighting nothing more than cave dwellers that could never defeat the superior US military fighting force with all its technology. That’s almost sadly hilarious when I think about the movie Gardens of Stone and the pronouncement of the young soldier who declared the NVA could never defeat the US Army; they were using bows and arrows against our superior technology. 50 years later it seems our senior leaders believe the same thing. The French lost to the Vietnamese by hand carrying ammo and heavy weapons up mountains to attack at Dien Phen Pho (please excuse my spelling). We’ve learned nothing since that conflict at the senior leadership level. The Taliban is a dedicated force fighting for their religious beliefs and nothing will stop them. They will use every brutal, internationally outlawed method of conducting warfare they want to use. They haven’t put themselves in any kind of moral box to restrict their meeting their end goals. We have. I don’t believe the current leadership has considered the dedication of the forces we’ve been fighting. And, what we’ve recently seen is only going to get worse. AF is a land locked country and supporting our forces is principally through the Air and over land using convoys. Once those options are off the table, we have no way to conduct any type of military operation. The way we left Bagram AFB was horrible. It provided the signal that now the real war can take place and that there was no one left to stop them.

My conclusion is that we need a complete overhaul of senior military leadership starting at the Pentagon and JCS level. They have sadly failed in their mission of knowing their enemy and capitulating to politicians on the conduct of warfare for their own personal gains. If I’m harsh, its because I’m so sad and disappointed at what’s taken place and do not look forward to what’s coming.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Aug 17 at 2021 10:30 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:30:12 -0400

Sadness. Sacrifices on both sides, blood spilled needlessly, empty promises, failed expectations. Other parts of the world do not hold our ideals. Why do we insist they should and why do we intervene? The equipment loss alone simply possess me off amd if was a service member it would come out of our pay. So...

Response by CPL Adam Schoenwald made Aug 17 at 2021 10:31 AM

CPL Adam Schoenwald — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:31:20 -0400

Cant say that I am really all that surprised TBO, the region will always be in flux. Do I hate it...absolutely. There are going to be millions of innocent lives in danger, many tortured and killed. do I feel like what I did was for nothing while deployed...not at all. For some, the time my unit was there, we gave a sense of security, peace, even hope. Giving people those three things even if in a small amount was worth it.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Aug 17 at 2021 10:35 AM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:35:04 -0400

This was not inevitable. I don't want to hear that again. Trump drew down from 10,000 to 2500 without an issue. This is was a mad dash to have everyone out before the 9/11 anniversary. Biden withdrew without conditions or air support. He wanted to make a giant speech how he got us out. Fuck this! Someone needs to pay

Response by Sgt Matt Berube made Aug 17 at 2021 10:37 AM

Sgt Matt Berube — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:37:37 -0400

I feel that the officers, generals, and elected officials have a lot of explaining to do.

Specifically the 500 or so that publicly attacked the 45th president while endorsing the current president, who has clearly proven that he is not only taking orders from the Chinese Communist party but also repeatedly violating his oath to the constitution and our great country.

Cutting and running in the middle of the night is not a strategy.

People like Jim Mattis, Milly, Mark Kelly, etc have a lot of explaining to do. Trump wiped out ISIS in a year, we could do the same with the taliban.
THESE GENERALS ARE COMPROMISED MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX SCUMBAGS AND SHOULD HANG FOR TREASON AND SEDITION.

Response by PO3 Howard Peiper made Aug 17 at 2021 10:37 AM

PO3 Howard Peiper — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:37:59 -0400

My heart feels heavy. When I was in Vietnam, I saw the same situation. Sadness and anger.
My PTSD has brought back memories.

Response by SGT Christina Barron made Aug 17 at 2021 10:42 AM

SGT Christina Barron — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:42:01 -0400

Going in to get Bin Laden was a correct move. Once that mission was accomplished, we should have learned long ago from the errors of every other country over the millennia who have tried and failed to conquer them. Their terrain is their biggest asset to repel invaders. If the Soviets couldn't conquer them when they invaded 40 years ago, why did we think we could impose democracy on them? Democracy imposed by an outside force isn't really democracy anyway!

Response by SN Michael Smith made Aug 17 at 2021 10:44 AM

SN Michael Smith — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:44:21 -0400

It sickens me to my core. This makes me think of Viet Nam all over again. I thank all those who served over there and pray for those who died that they may rest in peace, I also pray that the Creator of all things help everyone who is suffering restore some peace in their lives.

Bright Blessings to all.

Response by SPC Joe Popy made Aug 17 at 2021 11:01 AM

SPC Joe Popy — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:01:47 -0400

What a failure of leadership, a failure of the suits not the boots, just like Viet Nam, should have left Afghanistan after killing Ossama,the military leaders in this country couldn't pull a sick whore off a piss pot !!

Response by SMSgt Michael Carl made Aug 17 at 2021 11:02 AM

SMSgt Michael Carl — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:02:51 -0400

Makes me wonder what our sacrifices were for.

Response by Capt Ken Bergeron made Aug 17 at 2021 11:06 AM

Capt Ken Bergeron — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:06:21 -0400

The US should have realized, after the Russian occupation of Afghanistan, that any occupation would be difficult. Yes, the mission to Afghanistan was a response to 9/11 but the US knew that there would be a time of withdrawal. President Biden failed to get the timing right. However he did admit his error unlike the goon that occupied the WH before. The US is not, and not be, the worlds standard of governments.

Response by CDR Richard Krulis made Aug 17 at 2021 11:14 AM

CDR Richard Krulis — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:14:05 -0400

We never learned from our actions in Viet Nam. I flew over 800 combat missions and I know first hand that we could defeat the VC and NVA on the battlefield if the politicians would have stepped aside and let the warriors do their jobs. The evacuation and withdrawal in Afghanistan are so similar to the Saigon exodus and withdrawal. As has been said before "If we disregard history we are bound to repeat it"

Response by Cpl Michael P made Aug 17 at 2021 11:27 AM

Cpl Michael P — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:27:31 -0400

I don’t understand how they could have gained so much control without the US being aware. This has been a cultural war since the beginning and there is no way the US or any of its citizens will be safe if we completely turn our back on people who are born to die for their on cause. They are more dangerous than the Kama Kazi.

Response by LCDR Osker Dugger made Aug 17 at 2021 11:28 AM

LCDR Osker Dugger — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:28:13 -0400

LCDR Osker Dugger, I am a Veteran of both Viet Nam and Desert Storm. And was deployed in both operations. Leaving politics out I am very happy that we are getting out of a no win situation. Just like Viet Nam we spent millions of dollars and sacrificed thousands of American lives for a war that was not ours. Only to have the host country resume the status quo once we pulled out. The question should be how long must we send our sons and daughters on foreign soil to fight a war that can't be won? After 20 years of US Military involvement the Afghan military and/or people should be able to defend themselves. The military should never be used as mercenaries.

Response by PO3 David Keck made Aug 17 at 2021 11:38 AM

PO3 David Keck — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:38:10 -0400

I was reporting aboard my first ship in the spring of 75 and watching sailors pushing Army choppers over the side of the Ranger. Hope the young vets know we understand what you are going through.

Response by SPC Jesse Davis made Aug 17 at 2021 11:45 AM

SPC Jesse Davis — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:45:41 -0400

We knew this was coming from the moment we went into it. Calls to get out of this mess have been in the air since 2008, the real question to look at is what forces were aligned against us pulling out in all this time.

Response by SrA Pete Castagner made Aug 17 at 2021 11:49 AM

SrA Pete Castagner — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:49:09 -0400

Sad, Confused and proud. I am actually surprised by how the ecvac was not planned out better. So much was done to help them and in the end we all know that we did what was needed no matter what the media says. I am so proud to be a disabled vet giving what I could to our blessed nation.

Response by SPC Stuart Robertson made Aug 17 at 2021 11:51 AM

SPC Stuart Robertson — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:51:59 -0400

20 years there was 18 years too many. If we're going to compare Kabul to Saigon then over the next 20 years we can look forward to an Afghanistan with a thriving capitalist economy such as the one we see in Vietnam today. War is messy and this one was never going to have a happy ending with ticker tape parades. I support President Biden's decisions and pray for a safe return home so we can regroup for the coming hot war against China.

Response by LT Derrick Stoelton made Aug 17 at 2021 11:52 AM

LT Derrick Stoelton — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:52:28 -0400

After losing many friends to this war, fighting the Taliban, Fighting them myself and seeing things and doing things, that I can never unsee or undo, This outrages me. I was all for pulling out in phases. But pulling out as fast as we did, leaving all that we left there, is not good. it just brings back so many bad memories that I can't get out of my head. I will be okay though. Just remember, this is temporary, and all of us will be okay! I feel bad for the Afghan people there. Hopefully the Taliban will get creamed and wont be an organization soon.

Response by SPC Jennifer Brown made Aug 17 at 2021 11:54 AM

SPC Jennifer Brown — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 11:54:46 -0400

I spent years of my life in service. I divorced my husband and lost custody of my children for all 6 years I was enlisted. I watched as 7 of my friends were either killed by the enemy or at their own hand from the PTSD of having seen the destruction and not being able to reconcile it in their brain. I myself watched untold horrors occur daily as if it was normal that people just kill each other for far off ideals and aspirations like freedom and justice and equality. I was physically and mentally injured and now have been reduced to living a life subsisting off of the disability paychecks that the government that failed us all feels obliged to provide me. I feel like a cheap whore who sold my soul for college and retirement benefits and any exit I could find out of poverty and an abusive marriage. I sacrificed years of relationships with my family and friends. I sacrificed my entire life because I believed that there were enough Afgani people who wanted change to make it happen. I was in-country when Osama was killed and felt the retribution. I was at Jalalabad when 18 insurgents invaded the complex and destroyed our fuel and ammo refuel station on the airfield. I was there when my Apache pilots, all of them friends, launched hellfire missiles at people running mortar strikes along our perimeter and listened to the screams as locals ran for cover. I was present when 3 C-17's in flight formation bombarded an entire mountainside just outside of Bagram because a small contingent kept sending mortars and bombs from the caves somewhere inside. I still remember the way the ground shook as they all died even from miles away. I was attacked by a group of men outside of the DFAC because I was brash enough to want to go to chow alone on my birthday to get a piece of cake. I knelt in front of 38 steel coffins, 2 of them containing the remains of friends I went to AIT with, when one man took the lucky pop shot that blew out Extortion 17. I have all this bullshit clogging up my brain already and now. . . Now it feels like it was all for nothing as I sit here stateside and helpless to do anything to help. No fanfare. Nothing to be proud of. No action to take. No orders to follow. Civilians calling me stupid for enlisting because "the war was only ever about oil" and that I should have known better. I missed 6 years of my children's lives only to be reduced to this. I feel so lost and defeated and enraged and angry and depressed and anxious and sad and betrayed and numb all at once. I feel like there's this ball of angry venomous snakes coiled up in my stomach and I don't know what to do with them. How is anyone supposed to live like this? How do I find the will and strength to carry on like everything is fine? How am I supposed to mourn 6 years of my life lived in futility? How am I supposed to reconcile 13 months of violence for nothing? No one can tell me because no one knows.

Response by Sgt Mike Harden made Aug 17 at 2021 12:00 PM

Sgt Mike Harden — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:00:28 -0400

This socks. Brings back the debacle of 1975. Stirs up old Nam memories.

Response by SFC Kevin Turner made Aug 17 at 2021 12:15 PM

SFC Kevin Turner — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:15:40 -0400

Heavy day for all the Veterans who made it home and our Brother and Sisters who Did not make it back, What does it say about there sacrifice?? and to top it off we leave behind equipment that could possibly used against out own troops some day.

Response by PO3 Ben Kanner made Aug 17 at 2021 12:24 PM

PO3 Ben Kanner — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:24:48 -0400

I am literally welled up. I am 53 years old. I served right out of high school. I did two tours in the gulf of Oman , pre desert storm 1987 to 1990. I crossed trained as a FMF Corpsman in Pearl Harbor Hawaii. I gave my all and I even saved a shipmates life. We were there aboard the USS Jason AR-8. Came under fire a couple times. I felt proud to be there paving the way for future operations. An explosion over the ship release a gas that rained down on us requiring us to Don our gas masks. Hey I new the risks. My loyalty out weighs fear of whatever dangers I would face. I always tried to keep a good attitude for me and my shipmates. We were there to help Iraq. My main tranning was Dental Tech. We did help. Our ship along with other did Hands Across America giving food to the impoverished when we stopped in Pakistan. We took a field dental unit to Orphanages across Pakistan. Now I hear that Pakistan has a stronghold and location where Taliban Train and live. That Pakistan has been helping Regimes like Taliban the whole time we were and have been helping them. I wish the end result could have been better for that region and country. Nothing changes for that part of the world. I am truly saddened for losses to our Military. I greatly appreciate the efforts to try and give Afghanistan a leg to stand on to protect themselves. I am greatly saddened by what I believe was an irrisponsable way of pulling out of Afghanistan. Why did we forsake the Afghanistan civilians that helped save our soldiers lives. Just dissapointed that our Government cant find a better way to honor us that have served for democracy. Instead we are all Left on both sides stunned by the lack of organization to pull out of Afghanistan responsably. I send the prayers. Nameste

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Aug 17 at 2021 12:27 PM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:27:42 -0400

My feelings are the same. We had to see this coming. Unfortunate for the people though...

Response by B F made Aug 17 at 2021 12:35 PM

B F — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 12:35:53 -0400

My boyfriend was there for 8 months. There are only 8 surviving people from his unit including him. One of the guys from his unit committed suicide yesterday because of all this. I never had someone completely break down in my arms before. I couldn't imagine what most veterans are feeling like right now. I feel your anger and betrayal. My stepdad raised me for the last 13 years and he is also a veteran. I never know what to do during PTSD episodes. I try to not make it about me, but when I feel helpless because he's not taking my help, it bothers me. But how can I ever expect someone to know how to react to something so sacrificial when I've never had to endure it myself?

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Aug 17 at 2021 1:02 PM

SGT Ronald Audas — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:02:54 -0400

My first thought goes to the Gold Star families.Next, to my brave brothers and sisters that once again were forced to fight another political war.A war that cost lives,destroyed marriages,crippled thousands of soldiers,and made a mockery of the United States.My history book (the Bible)alludes to the fact that the Middle East will always be in upheaval.Now that we're out stay out !

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 17 at 2021 1:04 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:04:14 -0400

Regime change and nation building is a bad mission. Particularly when their is no viable/credible and acceptable internal opposition. Calling Afghanistan a nation is a joke. It is a geographic area that offers little and has a fractious population that none of the surrounding nations want anything to do with. The only thing that unites them is foreign soldiers on their soil.

The mission should never have started. In the eyes of the population, we went from "liberators" to occupiers in a matter of minutes.

That said, once we committed we were obligated to complete the course. How can any opposition to a bad international look at our record in the middle-East and trust that we are in it until victory. A year out from any election anyone who has helped us should be getting on the next Plane, Copter, Boat, automobile, or beast of transportation and be heading for the border with their loved ones at top speed.

I love our troops. I'm proud of them. But our national civilian leadership in times of war hasn't been worth spit since WWII.

Response by SGT Tomas Lopez made Aug 17 at 2021 1:11 PM

SGT Tomas Lopez — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:11:48 -0400

I am so angry and devastated about what has happened in Afghanistan. As a soldier I feel that all the efforts and accomplishments that we did overseas in Afghanistan and let's not forget the soldiers that died all was done for nothing. I can't believe what is happening under the Biden administration. And the Biden administration is trying to put the blame on Trump when he is the one in charge. If we as Americans don't do something I fear the worst for our beloved America. I love my country and will always be willing to die for it. I just hope and pray "we the people" do what is best for the country as a whole. Because obviously the government is not doing their job to help America be at its best.

Response by CWO4 Jeffrey Thompson made Aug 17 at 2021 1:15 PM

CWO4 Jeffrey Thompson — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:15:30 -0400

We can only trust our families and brothers and sisters in arms, past and present. I will strongly discourag any young American from enlisting in our services. CINC will rot in hell with the cavemen.

Response by Sgt Bob Feltey made Aug 17 at 2021 1:24 PM

Sgt Bob Feltey — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:24:05 -0400

Seems like we must repeat history, this make me sad and reminds me of my Vietnam War experience.

Response by SGT Scott Schlief made Aug 17 at 2021 1:30 PM

SGT Scott Schlief — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:30:24 -0400

I want to preface this by apologizing for what is essentially going to be a stream on consciousness. It will not be as well organized as I would like. Sorry about that. That said, here is my two cents:

I have heard a lot of people talking about this the past few days. Many blame current or past administrations for the collapse of the Afghan government this week. Some blame the actions of the CIA in the 80s when we funded and facilitated the Mujahedeen to fight against the Soviets in the Afghan war for the rise of Taliban. There is talk about this being the inevitable product of US imperialism and late stage capitalism. And people pontificate on and on about who is to blame without fully understanding the history or recognizing how complicated it is/was. There is little to no nuance in any of the reasoning.

I want to start by dispelling some myths about the Taliban. First and foremost: the Taliban of today is not same as the Mujahedeen of the 80s. In the 80s there was much division and infighting within the Mujahedeen. This infighting continued over the past 40 years and up until today. These groups are not monoliths, just as Americans are not. Eventually the Taliban of the 90s rose to prominence, but there were still groups that resisted them in Afghanistan then and continue to do so up to this very moment. Many of you may have heard of the Northern Resistance. Some of you who served there may have known individuals who truly supported more progressive values, equality for women, and wanted a representative form of government there. The situation on the ground in Afghanistan has been and will always be fluid. Given that the Taliban leadership changes so frequently and is largely decentralized, there is no good way to characterize them, their specific beliefs, nor predict the tactics they will use to enforce whatever the rules happen to be at the time. Some local leaders may be brutal, others not as much. These things change with space and time.

Another myth about the Taliban I want to address is that they are some hostile outside invading force. This is just not true. Sure, there are foreign fighters among their ranks, but for the most part the Taliban is comprised of Afghan nationals... or from tribes along the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan. One of the takeaways I have had over the past few days is that in order for the Taliban to have taken over so quickly, with such little being reported about major battles and resistance, is that this must be what many in Afghanistan want. I know that is hard for some of us to hear, but what other conclusion can be drawn?

We all know what we would do if some hostile force invaded us. We have seen resistance movements on the left and right side of the our political arena clash in our streets over various things these past few years. Whether you look at the the actions of BLM activists, Antifa, 3 percenters, or even the insurrectionists of January 6th... what you don't see is a lack of passion. You see a willingness to stand up and fight. To march. To vote. To act. And perhaps that passion is happening there also... But I haven't really seen it. So, I am left with this feeling that this might be the will of their people. Maybe they are just acquiescing so as to avoid the sort of conflict that generation after generation of Afghans have been born into... Perhaps we didn't really win the hearts and minds of the people there... Perhaps they are merely tired of being collateral damage. It is so hard to say. It is probably all of those things and more because as I stated previously, these people are not a monolith.

A few more things I want you all to really hear. We served to protect our country and one another. We were able to do amazing things and help build infrastructure there. We fought some people doing horrific things and made positive impacts on the lives of some of the most marginalized and oppressed people in that country. We helped each other stay somewhat sane in insane situations and come home safely. And yes, we lost friends. Friends we will remember to the end of our days. Friends who were and are closer to us than perhaps members of our own families.

So what was it all for? Was it worth it? I don't really know. I don't think any of us can really know that. We can't know what would have happened if we never went. We also can't know what would happen if we continued to stay there for another 20 years or even longer. The fate of that nation rested squarely on the shoulders of the Afghan people now.

I do have some hope that things will be better than they were prior to the war given that UNICEF has been asked to stay and so far the Taliban seems to be allowing US forces to pull out and evacuate our allies without interference. I am hopeful that those now in power will embrace negotiations and allow those who wish to leave to do so in peace. I also hope that countries around the world allow in refugees who do not wish to live under Taliban rule. We need to be prepared to accept those refugees as well.

In the end, the one thing I think we can say we did accomplished was to show the world that if you mess with our country, it will cost you dearly. As Medal of Honor recipient SSG David Bellavia said "We've seen war. We don't want war. But if you want war with the United States of America, there's one thing I can promise you, so help me God: someone else will raise your sons and daughters."

So that's it. That is where my head is at right now. Nothing is solved. It is a confusing mess it will take a long time to unpack this all. If you are angry, you are probably right to be so. If you are thankful that our troops are coming home and that another generation won't have to fight this war, you are probably right to be so. If you don't know how to feel about it all yet... I am right there with you. But, what we don't do... is we won't crap on each other for feeling any sort of way about it right now. We are going to do what soldiers do and look out for one another. We will support one another. We will try and keep each other as sane and as safe as we can.

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Aug 17 at 2021 1:42 PM

SPC Matt Ovaska — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:42:23 -0400

You always ask the question. "How does that make you feel?" You wouldn't understand...

Response by SFC Kevin GARDNER Sr made Aug 17 at 2021 1:48 PM

SFC Kevin GARDNER Sr — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:48:00 -0400

We should of never been there except to exterminate, But instead, we stayed and dumped Tons of Cash and equipment into a Country of which - as always now gives all that aid, and Equipment to yet another enemy of the United States, This is no - difference in Alcida we trained them, to fight Russia Boarders, then they used our own equipment back on America and Americans, in 9-11, Now what do you think with all this new equipment left over there and cash, will happen once again, Yet they wish us to transport them ALL, to America LOL, America is not the Dumping ground for the Worlds Refuse

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 1:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:50:01 -0400

Wheeew… I don’t know battles. I’m angry about this, however it is completely out of anyone’s control. Why do we have to fight this? We’re supposed to be done. Just why? One of my boys deployed already and I’m worried. Proud of him but I’m worried

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 2:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:06:14 -0400

The writing was on the wall just don't get it did we learn nothing pulling out of Iraq? He needs to take responsibility for the shit show he created...

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 2:06 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:06:46 -0400

I am both sad and disgusted at the same time, and not necessarily at the withdrawal, bit at the fact that we just abandoned millions of people to endure slavery, rape, murder, and trafficking again. A total loss of their Freedoms that we have worked so hard to support and grow. We were the Afghanistan Forces supply chain, as that hadn't been finished being developed yet. We just allowed a 75,000 strong terrorist organization to take over billions of military weaponry and equipment, as well as civilian equipment that includes commercial airliners. It is as if this Administration just decided that 9/11 and all the lives lost just didn't matter anymore; as we just armed them to potentially do it again. If you voted for this Administration, those millions of people's fears and terrors (rapes, murders, trafficking, etc.) are now on your hands. So, there, that is how I currently feel about this entire situation.

Response by PVT Albert Timinski made Aug 17 at 2021 2:13 PM

PVT Albert Timinski — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:13:18 -0400

let them fight their own war to much lives were lost and money Im a vietnam vet. we lost the war for nothing my brothers die for nothing

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 17 at 2021 2:17 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:17:06 -0400

20 years of Russian involvement and almost a century of the British. We didn't invent Afghanistan

Response by PFC Edward Mayer made Aug 17 at 2021 2:19 PM

PFC Edward Mayer — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:19:28 -0400

Another Viet Nam !

Response by MSG Michael McKenzie made Aug 17 at 2021 2:20 PM

MSG Michael McKenzie — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:20:33 -0400

For my part, I feel as many in this thread. We went to Afghanistan because the policy makers ordered us to. So we did, and for the most part acquitted ourselves admirably. The war was prosecuted poorly from the top leadership for political reasons. And it is ending for political reasons. That is beyond our span of control. We don't make policy, we enforce it. Afghanistan was a zero sum game before we ever entered the country. It is the graveyard of empires. Anyone who worked with the ANA knew they were not up for the challenge. Anyone who worked with Afghan generals and/ or political leaders knew they cared more about themselves than their country. Again, this is outside our span of control. Too echo the sentiment of some of my fellow contributors, this was always how it was going to end.
However, that does not diminish the acts of valor and sacrifice that were made by America's finest and our allies. I am thankful to live in a nation were the best and brightest answered the call to arms. I do not regret my service in the war, nor due I feel it is sullied somehow by events outside my control. I am humbled by the character of the men and women I served with.
Will this event tarnish our global image? Yes. Will this embolden our enemies? Probably. Yet, we will preserve. Of that, I have no doubt. My final thought, I am glad that it is over...for now.

Response by COL Thomas McGrath made Aug 17 at 2021 2:21 PM

COL Thomas McGrath — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:21:10 -0400

Disgusted. Biden has single handily collapsed the USA's counter terrorism program in the region. The world is much less safe and we will see the rise of AQ again. However, we never understood the Afghans or how they operate. We paid too little attention to the tribes and instead tried to build a western style democracy which we knew was foreign to them. We poured way too money into the Afghanistan which was promptly stolen and wasted. We should have kept a small force as a backstop for the government, controlled the Ring road and district centers and maintained the airfields and set platforms for comms, intel, training and security and oh yeah paid off the tribes to maintain order. 400k army was never going to happen! I feel horrible for my 24 men who were KIA and the hundreds who were wounded but I know they fought well and always went towards the sound of the gun!

Response by SGT Rico Moreno made Aug 17 at 2021 2:33 PM

SGT Rico Moreno — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:33:15 -0400

Damn I was a part of training the ANA and ANP in RC-East. We put them on the frontlines to see how effective they were in combat while providing air support. They fought bravely and relentlessly on most occasions. And then this happened in a week the insurgents took over. I’m speechless. We had guys got hurt and died there for what?

Response by SP5 Neal Wolfe made Aug 17 at 2021 2:34 PM

SP5 Neal Wolfe — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 14:34:22 -0400

Let's be clear, this is not all Biden's fault, or Trump's fault (or Obama, or Bush). It is ALL their faults. Bush - for not going in for the kill in 2001 and for taking our eyes off the ball for Iraq in 2003. Obama - for a surge that had no actual military objective, other than political grandstanding. Trump - for a 2-party (not a 3-party that included the Afghans) withdrawal agreement (not a peace treaty), coupled with a March 2021 exit (with no exit plan in place). Biden - for having no exit plan in place, even though he pushed the exit date to September 2021. Also, NONE of them, and neither political party for that matter, lifted a finger for our Afghan translators. Not enough space here to point out the faults in the military leadership's management and messaging and the CIA's and DoS's conflicting interference. PLENTY OF BLAME TO GO AROUND

Response by CPL Steve Hoover made Aug 17 at 2021 3:04 PM

CPL Steve Hoover — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:04:28 -0400

We did what we could while we could do it. It fucking sucks that it went down this way and yes, it feels a bit pointless, but the real issue is that the people in Afghanistan would still rather run from the fight than take it on. What would happen if some shit like that went down here in the US? It would be a damned bloodbath. This is on them. Sure, we have a “duty to help those who can’t help themselves” but we don’t have a duty to help those who refuse to help themselves.

Response by SGT Paul Giannone made Aug 17 at 2021 3:04 PM

SGT Paul Giannone — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:04:34 -0400

I served as an Army advisor in Vietnam for 2 tours. As a civilian working for CARE I was in Afghanistan while under Taliban control and later on the Afghan/Pakistan border just after 9/11. I listen to what Biden said the other day about his troop withdrawal and most of it I agreed with but I also listened to what the correspondent Richard Engel said. Mr. Engel has had boots on the ground in Afghanistan numerous times. Biden was speaking from the strategic level and Engle from the tactical level. Biden's figures were wrong about the Afghan military. There are not 350,000 Afghan trained troops more like a 100,000 and rapidly dwindling. This seems to support Biden's withdrawal strategy in that the Afghan military has shown no will to fight. But from a very dangerous tactical level and with a limited US Embassy support there is little hope for the issuance of visas for those needing to leave IMMEDIATELY. The Taliban have a parameter around the commercial airbase and thus can restrict entry for departure. I am not sure about Bagram. For the frightening long term consequences we have spent 20 years planting the seeds for democracy or efforts have improved women's efforts to gain education and work in professional positions in the country. I saw on the TV today pictures or Taliban using paint rollers to blacken billboards of woman's beauty parlors calling them "bordello's". Taliban today are standing outside the doors of woman's homes making sure they do not leave to go anywhere. Biden should have considered the tactical in this poor decision.

Response by LCpl Justin Russell made Aug 17 at 2021 3:38 PM

LCpl Justin Russell — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:38:42 -0400

I have to say I am conflicted. As a Marine Vet I lost a lot of brothers to the fight in Afghanistan. However, this was never a war we could “win” and a withdraw was inevitable. The biggest point of frustration for me is how it was handled. We essentially just armed the Taliban with advanced military weaponry and an air force thanks to the Afghan army running away like a bunch of cowards. It definitely feels like trillions of dollars, countless lives of young men and women and the scars many of us still carry were all for naught. I feel a deep sense of regret and disappointment. With the flick of a pen we may have just created a horrible situation for the entire globe for years to come.

Response by SPC Joe Jaccob made Aug 17 at 2021 3:43 PM

SPC Joe Jaccob — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:43:38 -0400

It has always been a heavy topic for myself, the questions lingered everyday for the past decade.

Was it worth the Injury? Pain? The hardship that came after?

I joined voluntarily because of the Economic Recession(2008) in 2009. But through my commitment, training, comradery, and values I gained/Earned, I learned what it meant to serve and defend for something more than just myself. That being said, I still believe that our entire occupation of Afghanistan was a waste of Resources, Time and Life. Almost half the time anyone asked or wanted to know what the mission was, no one seemed to have answers other than "keep doing what your doing".

Afghanistan's citizens were caught in the crossfire, they would be forced, by what we considered our enemy, to attack us in order to save their families. We all know what still happened to those families. And now after 20 years.....2 decades of occupation.....we finally pull our people out of the country and in literally days those 20 years were reversed. The Billions of dollars in Troops, Equipment, Resources in general, Lives Lost, Time.....It sucks to be proven that what you've thought would happen all along is proven to be true, for all the wrong reasons.

We had our individual tasks we were given, we completed those tasks to the best of our abilities. We followed orders, We watched each others backs, we felt like we were doing the right thing, did we do the right thing? Was it worth our mental health issues, the treatment we received when we came home?

I know a great many of you will have a difference of opinion, its expected, and what I have to say doesn't mean that anyone's opinions/experiences aren't valid, they most certainly are Valid. But through my experiences of these events, before during and after, how can I say that my service in Afghanistan was serving in the best interests of our country....let alone defending it thousands of miles away. Was it really 9/11 all these years, or was it something most of us couldn't stand behind and tried to sell ourselves short our Pride and Integrity?

No matter the topic, always be sure to keep communication with someone to talk about how you feel, find someone to confide in whether therapist of family/friend. Don't bottle these feelings up because it will only get worse, your mental and physical health matters, it doesn't make you weak to ask for help!

Response by PO3 Bry Schmidt made Aug 17 at 2021 3:52 PM

PO3 Bry Schmidt — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:52:20 -0400

I spent a year in Vietnam and when Sagon fell it made me rage, I am once again in rage mode. I believe the Trump plan to withdraw was all in order. The only reason Biden did not use it was because it was Trumps.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 4:03 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:03:14 -0400

I would do it it all over again. I think that a lot of what POTUS stated was correct, however I don't think it was the time for such comments. Our drawdown plan or lack thereof was poorly executed and that is not on any other administration except the one currently running the show. Now is not the time to blame any of the previous three administrations, which the case can be made against. Having said that, I think our mission in AFG was accomplished after killed Bin Laden and severely degraded Al-Qaida, our mission was never nation build, at least not initially. We were always going to leave and after 20 years of "training and equipping" the ANDSF and to see them mount not even a scintilla of a fight against the Taliban is crazy. If the citizens of the country isn't willing to amount any resistance to an opposing force then why should other countries sons and daughters put their lives on the line for them? It's not our country to defend. I empathize and sympathize with all of our fellow Afghanis who assists us in the fight, their family and the women and children who will face retributions from the Taliban. Reach out to your fellow battles and family and lend them your ears and time. Pray for our brothers and sisters who are out there now.

Response by MAJ Gerald Richards made Aug 17 at 2021 4:16 PM

MAJ Gerald Richards — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:16:44 -0400

I am tempted to say "I told you so" except that no one paid attention to my statements at the time. It was a mistake to do more than strike the terrorist base of those who planned and executed the 9/11 attacks on the USA. It makes me both sad and angry because of the thousands of American men and women who trusted their lives to an ill-advised US Government that wasted many of those lives and bodies trying to justify the bad decisions made early on. It seems that so many people can't admit to making a mistake and taking immediate steps to correct the mistake. That explains both the War in Iraq and the War in Afghanistan.

Response by 1stSgt Ani Stubbs made Aug 17 at 2021 4:19 PM

1stSgt Ani Stubbs — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:19:31 -0400

Heartbreaking

Response by PO2 Linn Lockwood made Aug 17 at 2021 4:23 PM

PO2 Linn Lockwood — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:23:24 -0400

As a 3 tour veteran in Vietnam it's like watching a remake of a old movie and we know how its gonna end. We did our jobs but in the end its always the politicians final decision and they are more interested in keeping their jobs rather than their promises.

Response by 1stSgt Ani Stubbs made Aug 17 at 2021 4:23 PM

1stSgt Ani Stubbs — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:23:36 -0400

I shudder knowing women are again being reduced to chattel

Response by CPT Charles Creed made Aug 17 at 2021 4:46 PM

CPT Charles Creed — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:46:57 -0400

I'm hurt, saddened, and frustrated by the news and the images that are pouring out of Afghanistan. Images of the Taliban walking around with US made and paid M16 rifles is a wild juxtaposition. Seeing Afghan citizens cling to the outsides of US cargo planes and fall from the sky reminds me of some of the men and women trapped in the Twin Towers on 9/11 who jumped rather than face the fires.
I wish I could have a crystal ball to see what the decision making process was like years ago when the US decided to stay in Korea and why it was so different this time in Afghanistan (I know one is an enemy with borders and the other is an enemy without, but still). When the required reading in my battalion was "How to Eat Soup with a Knife" and it talked about the successful counter insurgencies taking 30 years and we only gave Afghanistan 20 is like my military soul screaming. Trump and Biden saying "20 years is long enough" doesn't make sense to me, nor does putting dates on the calendar publicly. For years it's been about "when the conditions on the ground are right" and while I truly hope the conditions were improving, clearly they didn't have the staying power that the people of Afghanistan and the USA were hoping for. All of the projects the military undertook, to build schools, irrigation and drinking water, and other infrastructure projects were wonderful marks for the goodness that can come out of conflict, but will the schools stay open? Will women and girls be allowed to attend? Or was life simply improved for the Taliban?

I'll strongly recommend watching an animated movie called The Breadwinner. My daughter turned it on one day because it was the story of a little girl. Turned out it's the story of a little girl living underneath Taliban rule. My daughter was in 1st grade at the time, and reflecting upon her questions she had while we were watching just made me more thankful and appreciative of the privilege we enjoy of growing up in America. "Why do the women have to cover their faces, why can't she work, why does she have to pretend to be a boy?" and several times she responded with "that's not fair!". It ends in a beautiful, terrible, but wonderful way.

Response by PO3 Rick Lewis made Aug 17 at 2021 4:47 PM

PO3 Rick Lewis — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:47:47 -0400

I feel the same way that I did when we pulled out of Vietnam. I feel down, defeated, and basically worthless. Like don't we ever learn? Why can't we ever win? I get sick watching the civilians struggling to get out. I just can't believe what I see.

Response by Cpl Vernon Fisher made Aug 17 at 2021 4:53 PM

Cpl Vernon Fisher — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:53:58 -0400

We should have bombed ALL of their cities after 9/11 with ample warning so the multitudes could evac. not s sneak attack like they did. Our focus should be on our country and our allies, not the whole world. We repeated Viet Nam all over again. Semper Fi to all my warrior brothers!

Response by SSgt Robert Simmons made Aug 17 at 2021 5:01 PM

SSgt Robert Simmons — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 17:01:54 -0400

The one thing I understand is that those above me .... direct me. Those below me under my supervision are guided by me. One thing for sure .... I'm not in a pay grade or have the authority to second guess or voice my opinion to cause a disturbance among my fellow troops and pier's. I am very pleased in what ever action my superiors direct. Their dicissions are established by a team effort to strengthen our great country. I am always supportive of my great leaders. All their actions are made with a process that follows up on every step. There may be 5 steps that follow the initial first step. Therefore I should watch and learn and be assured that strategic moves are being made. Again, i salute my government and proudly stand and fight, if asked, and always be supportive to their decisions. Thankyou for allowing me to voice my opinion and allegiance.
1971 Vietnam veteran. Proudly served.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made Aug 17 at 2021 5:09 PM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 17:09:47 -0400

This sad situation was predictable. After 20 years, the Afghani government and military could not figure out how to win the people over and generate enough hope to overcome the fear of the Taliban. It was time to pull out of this country. Too much money and resources has been expended on a people that we (the US govenrment) never really understood. The worst cost is the men, women and children that have lost their lives, and will continue to lose their lives.

While Pres Biden will shoulder most of the blame, there is plenty to put on former Presidents Bush (43), Obama and Trump and the policy hacks of each respective Presidency. We need to remember that we screwed over the Muj fighting the Russians in the 80's. Our policy failures in Afghanistan started long before 2001.

How do I feel? Sick to my stomach at the ruined lives, the waste if trillions of US dollars and the loss of an ally.

Response by Sgt Justin Dale made Aug 17 at 2021 6:00 PM

Sgt Justin Dale — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 18:00:37 -0400

It bothers me that so many people are solely blaming the U.S. when Afghan forces didn't even put up a fight. Where is their responsibility in the matter? Media won't even ask that question.

Response by SPC Manuel Diaz made Aug 17 at 2021 6:13 PM

SPC Manuel Diaz — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 18:13:25 -0400

us armed forces shouded never ever pulled out of afghanistan,its to late now ,taliban took over control of 80% of country stay out

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 6:55 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 18:55:47 -0400

While I have did not serve in country, I know of many shipmates, classmates and other fellow service men and women who have. They all paid a price in some way or another and unfortunately, a few paid the highest. To have this be the end result really saddens and frustrates me, not for myself, but for all their sacrifices, pain and effort in that area of the world. This seems to such an abysmal failure on how this withdrawal of troops has turned out. I definitely put the blame of this fiasco on the top levels of leadership both military and civilian. Those who have served and the small number currently there, working the final efforts to withdraw, have done their jobs and worked their missions to their best. They served with honor and I am proud of their work. Unfortunately, it has been tarnished by the poor strategy and direction that led to this failed state.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Aug 17 at 2021 7:08 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:08:21 -0400

Ticked off. Our strength as a nation is that our military is supposed to not be political. But Nixon ticked me off how he set the withdrawal of Nam, W. irked me how he did the deal in Iraq, and I won't even go into Donnie's plan other than he let 5,000 Taliban murder's and their leader out of jail.

I really-really-really hate how politicians hamstring us and waste our blood and treasure. .

Response by SSG Mort Jordan made Aug 17 at 2021 7:36 PM

SSG Mort Jordan — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:36:35 -0400

It’s sad and bothersome but it’s sadly the inevitable whether rhe talk an took over a day or two ago or in a year it was bound to happen

Response by SSG Mort Jordan made Aug 17 at 2021 7:39 PM

SSG Mort Jordan — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:39:34 -0400

We could have left in a more diplomatic way But the bottom line is it has nothing to do with our government in my opinion like I said earlier what’s happening there was inevitable the Taliban was simply waiting for us to leave to take over no one could have anticipated them taken over this fast without even a single fight from the Afghanistan military but it happened basically the way it was going to happen regardless

Response by SPC Julio R. made Aug 17 at 2021 7:53 PM

SPC Julio R. — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:53:10 -0400

I knew this was going to happen from the got damn get-go. the ana and the leaders are yellow-bellied cowards and ran with their tails tucked between their manginas. I am angry as fck and I can't tell anyone at home because they won't understand and I don't want to drag them down with my anger about this situation.
20 years of our time and money and lives spent and wasted on a country that was never going to take charge of their own peoples and government. Our top leaders failed us because they couldn't get their heads out of their behinds. Noses up in the air and make a clear-cut mission as they did back in ww2.
I am just sick and tired and 1 day or 1000 they were never going to take control. We did what we came to do and if the ana wanted to play dumb and just be there for the paycheck so be it but even the boot could tell you the higher-ups were useless no plan having asses. fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuk!
All the brilliant minds in the pentagon and yall came up with hearts and minds really?! Ok I'm done I just........................

Response by LTC Stephen B. made Aug 17 at 2021 9:12 PM

LTC Stephen B. — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 21:12:30 -0400

Best article I've found that reflects my thoughts on the topic. We all knew that a tribal Afghanistan would not become a modern nation in less than a couple generations. In a messy world there are no perfect solutions and sometimes there aren't solutions within our power to impose. The beef I have is the way the last couple months of withdrawal have been handled. Bagram should have been held until everything else had been settled and all Americans were out. Now we're trying to secure a civilian airport at the capitol instead of using an already secure military airbase.

https://www.danielgreenfield.org/2021/08/the-afghan-army-didnt-surrender-it.html

The Afghan Army Didn't Surrender: It Rejoined Its Tribes

Daniel Greenfield's original articles and reporting delve into terrorism, pandemics and politics.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 9:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 21:42:15 -0400

Biggest mistake was falling for the sunk cost fallacy. If we had stuck to our initial mission set, disrupt/destroy Al Qaeda, disrupt/destroy Taliban leadership, and capture/Kill Osama. We'd have been fine. The problem we have is we always want to be the good guys, the white hats, John Wayne. We f***ed up by giving one iota about GIroA and the afghan citizens. If we had rolled in with a full invasion, smashed every last Taliban/Al Qaeda position and played duck hunt on the borders when they bailed for it we could have left in three years. Does Afghanistan recover? Who the f*** cares, not our monkey, not our zoo, but just like every g***amn time we start looking at what if's. News flash, no one should care if China, Russia, gains more regional hegemony because some third world dark age s***hole got flattened. All of a sudden we have to take on our shoulders the cares and worries for another country and it's citizens. It's a zero sum game though, and no one in the government understands that. What will we spend - what will we receive = is the juice worth the squeeze? We expended 1 trillion dollars, 2,312 dead, 20,066 wounded. All for a net return of 51,000 AQ/Taliban/Mujideen killed, one terrorist sect forced to temporarily move out and disperse, and one dead terrorist "figurehead" in a decentralized organization that operates independently. I lost friends, I lost my own blood and my own flesh, I lost the ability think as clearly as I used to, I lost time with my family, I lost all the things that everyone else on this forum has. I'm ashamed and heartsick that my country didn't learn from history, and I feel like I was robbed. When my grandchildren ask me what it was all for or what I did, I don't think I'll be able to answer them, because everything we did was worth nothing to the Afghani's and nothing to our nation.

Response by SSgt Wes ODonnell made Aug 17 at 2021 9:59 PM

SSgt Wes ODonnell — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 21:59:14 -0400

Make no mistake - Your service made the world a safer place, full stop.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 10:12 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 22:12:50 -0400

Thinking of the hundreds of combat casualties and the injuries we operated on. I could never thank them enough for their sacrifice. I remember many of their faces as they went to sleep. I sit and wonder where many of them are today and where they went after they left our care. I’ll never forget them and what they mean to our nation. God bless them all.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Aug 17 at 2021 10:28 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 22:28:27 -0400

History repeats itself. We just don't seem to learn

Response by PO1 Edward Bronka made Aug 17 at 2021 10:30 PM

PO1 Edward Bronka — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 22:30:26 -0400

Well its sad how it came about. When I was there 14 years ago we were still in the early stages of training them. The Northern part was under the government and the Southern part was under several drug lords. While I was there I was blessed to serve with fellow men and women to get together and pray to OUR LORD and SAVIOUR while we there during that time. The group I was with were called PRT teams and as quick as we helped the locals the Taliban would attack and move across the border into Pakistan so we couldnt retaliate. Its like the lives that were lost from us and NATO were the unsung heroes. We got recognized and went through our struggles. I felt we would someday leave and they be trained enough to hold their country. After coming home my faith in GOD only increased and appreciating what I had had here. Those of u still going through things remember YOUR LORD has a plan for u. The enemy may rule down here and its frustrating seeing them do what they do to innocents, they will get theirs in the end times

Retired LS1 Bronka

Response by Sgt Garrick Dew made Aug 17 at 2021 10:59 PM

Sgt Garrick Dew — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 22:59:01 -0400

So...we cant afford living wage, Medicare for all and free college, but we can keep doing Vietnam over and over?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 11:09 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:09:36 -0400

The young man's Vietnam. I watched one on the television and pretty much lent my overt assistance to another, but the similarities are neary identical.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Aug 17 at 2021 11:13 PM

SPC Steven Nihipali — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:13:16 -0400

All we had to do, was stay there. Germany, Japan, Italy, England, Guam, etc are all military mass deployment sites. Ok,8 could be wrong about these, but who cares, you understand.

Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait, why do we have to deploy to Kuwait when they're nothing going on? Afghanistan could become the next Germany. Iraq, the next Japan.

Response by LTC Ed Gifford made Aug 17 at 2021 11:20 PM

LTC Ed Gifford — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:20:57 -0400

I am very angry, frustrated and can't believe what I am seeing on television. I am disappointed in our senior leadership, both Military and Civilian, for allowing this to happen this way. I am glad we are finally getting out of Afghanistan, but there has to be a better way. I am proud of what I and my fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines accomplished in Afghanistan and saw many positive actions from our service members when I was over there. Would be proud to do it again if I had too.

Response by SPC Edward Abney made Aug 17 at 2021 11:25 PM

SPC Edward Abney — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:25:23 -0400

We should have ended our mission in Afghanistan when the US neutralized the Taliban, and the rest of the bad actors and Bin Laden escaped into Pakistan.

Response by SFC Paul Rhoten made Aug 17 at 2021 11:38 PM

SFC Paul Rhoten — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:38:12 -0400

I hate our government for doing this. This is the second time in my life, that the dems
have done this.

Response by A1C Richard Freymuth made Aug 17 at 2021 11:38 PM

A1C Richard Freymuth — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:38:54 -0400

I am 66 yo Nam kid DV. I am under attack on my well being.

Response by BG Jim Drago made Aug 18 at 2021 1:17 AM

BG Jim Drago — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 01:17:28 -0400

Abandon. You can't change a 3k year old culture in 20 years. We needed to stay for the long game and we needed to do more than just kill things. Multiply Presidents, State Department Heads, General Officers and Letter agencies proved they were incompetent by there actions in AFG.

It is time for the General Officers that created this failure to except responsibility and resign, its time for the sitting President to except responsibility because he modify the Trump plan by removing the stipulations and admitted he owns the defeat. And its time for the us to recognize the fact that the Taliban won. . You don't have to like it, all you have to do is except it.

Response by SPC Nathan Fanton made Aug 18 at 2021 1:34 AM

SPC Nathan Fanton — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 01:34:48 -0400

I’m heartbroken. I know it was naive but I never thought this would be how it would end.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 2:01 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 02:01:14 -0400

I did not serve in Afghanistan. I deployed to Iraq 5 times between 2003-2007. I am proud of the Soldiers who went there and the ones I trained when I was a Drill Sergeant and subsequent Platoon Sergeant. I am saddened for my fellow Brothers and Sisters who sacrificed so much. Deepest Respect.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 2:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 02:43:07 -0400

It's about time that we got out of there. Just like in Iraq, either the national army and police thought we'd be there forever or they just don't care and were only in it for some of that American money. Anyone who thought that the outcome would be any different when we left whether we were there for 2 or 20 years is silly. The training wheels never came off. They always had American support in some way, shape, or form.

On my trip over there in 13-14 a couple of us were talking to a JTAC who was attached to a SF team and he said half the Afghan formation went out on missions high as kites. They were never going to take the lead and do anything constructive.

We were right for going over there. I can't say we were right for staying as long as we did. Was it a waste? Not entirely. Trying to build a country like that into a westernized nation is a waste of time and resources because there are a lot of people out there that still live in the stone age. They don't care about government or any of that. Family, tribe, and preserving their simple life is all they care about.

Response by SGT Ryan Vallery made Aug 18 at 2021 5:20 AM

SGT Ryan Vallery — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:20:37 -0400

I think that if you're surprised in any way, you've been fooling yourself for a very long time. This already happened in Iraq. I've seen both coming since about....2005.

It's ok to admit it was for nothing. It's ok to admit our buddies died for nothing. All it does is help to focus the rage where it belongs: on our "leaders" that love to lead from a pulpit or desk in DC.

We all fought for nothing. Hell, less than nothing because the costs incurred place us in a FAR worse place than we were on 9/10/01. The take away should be not to let it happen again. Ignoring that fact, and pretending our service in the GWoT was meaningful, will only ensure our children and grandchildren will be placed in the same situation during the next generational war.

Response by SPC Oscar Rimola made Aug 18 at 2021 5:31 AM

SPC Oscar Rimola — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:31:13 -0400

The problem with any war, there no winners..only losers..loved ones are killed no matter which side you are on..and memories of the horror stay to last a life time...you do what's right for you in combat but you know that just as you choose to kill, you will be killed by others.

Response by SGT Ej P. made Aug 18 at 2021 5:38 AM

SGT Ej P. — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:38:10 -0400

Maybe they thought it was gonna be like Iraq, “hey it’s gonna be ok, it’ll just be like New Dawn

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 7:58 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 07:58:32 -0400

Withdrawal equals retreat. Retreat equals loss. I'm sadden by all of our losses.

Response by TSgt Adam Randolph made Aug 18 at 2021 9:33 AM

TSgt Adam Randolph — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:33:17 -0400

The governments of the world are committing mass Genocide via the covid death shot and need to be held accountable. These are definite crimes against humanity. We need Nuremburg Trials started immediately. This is very obvious for anyone to see.
This has nothing to do with a fake virus and everything to do with control.

Leaving Afghanistan is meant to demoralize American Veterans. We have an illegitimate president who has dementia and a pentagon who are sold out to China. The US is using mass psychological warfare against the people with the media, corporations, and the government.
Wake up people.

Response by TSgt Adam Randolph made Aug 18 at 2021 9:40 AM

TSgt Adam Randolph — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:40:32 -0400

The governments of the world are committing mass genocide via the covid death shot. We need Nuremburg Trials Now. Pulling out of Afghanistan and leaving all the weapons behind instead of going scorched earth is meant to demoralize the American Veteran. This is mass psychological warfare against the American people using the government, media, and corporations to push a shot that is meant for depopulation. If you think the 2 are not related think again. The Biden regime purposely destroyed America. He is an illegitimate president with dementia. This is the plan. Wake up people.
Covid 19 is Certificate Of Vaccination ID 19 Artificial Intelligence. This is all planned, COVID is fake.

Response by PO2 Jamye Sarah Pankiw Wagner made Aug 18 at 2021 9:45 AM

PO2 Jamye Sarah Pankiw Wagner — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:45:07 -0400

Like I said in my previous post, I knew that withdrawal was inevitable, but not this way. And not leaving our people and munitions behind.

I am very comforted to know that there are many others that feel the same way I do.

Response by SGT Mary G. made Aug 18 at 2021 11:08 AM

SGT Mary G. — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 11:08:23 -0400

No feelings about it. Can't afford them. IMO, the avoidance of ignoring support of the bad guys from Pakistan remains a glaring problem and has been the entire time U.S. has been in Afghanistan. Why? Because Pakistan is a nuclear power . . . so Pakistan gets a pass for aiding and abetting the bad guys in Afghanistan? The fluidity of movement in the mountainous border region has never been a problem and is as unstoppable apparently as the fluidity of movement across the Bering Strait. And what about Iran? No mention of aiding and abetting in Afghanistan, but claims that Iran dictates to Lebanon? Talk about a hypocritical double/triple standard that does not accommodate reality, while it also does not engender trust . . .
We need to give it up with trying to play on the heart strings of those who still have feelings. It is not the job of our nation to insure that the basic needs of people in other nations are met. I'm sorry to have to point that out from a necessary and practical point of view, given that we have a huge mess in our own nation in that respect and many others. When we won't clean up our own messes in our own nation from years of neglect, we have no business overextending our efforts imagining it is our nation's job to clean up messes in other nations.
The U.S. seriously needs to wind down from decades of agreeing to volunteer to task our military to be "the policeman of the world", including when called on by other nations to be. Is doing so the empire building colonizing effort some claim is the primary U.S. motive? If we the people had a vote about that I doubt that "colonize the world" would get more "yes" votes than "no" votes.
Recall that we, the people were not enthused about vague reasons to send our military to Afghanistan after 9/11 - so almost immediately the public focus changed to "protecting women and girls" in Afghanistan. That was not well played. Nice hat trick when it is possible to get away with it though.

Response by CPO James Soper made Aug 18 at 2021 11:24 AM

CPO James Soper — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 11:24:45 -0400

I was not there as an active duty service member, but was there as a contractor building a facility in Mazar-e-Shafif. It sickens me to know that the special ops base we built is now in the hands of these terrorists. Our current administration is an embarrasment.

Response by CPT Kim Rybak made Aug 18 at 2021 12:16 PM

CPT Kim Rybak — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:16:41 -0400

All those wounded soldiers and marines haunt me to today. All for what?

Response by SrA Eric Belko made Aug 18 at 2021 12:18 PM

SrA Eric Belko — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:18:00 -0400

Watch out for Gomez. He will bad mouth your comments and then Block you so you can't respond. To me, this is the level of censorship that his kind purveys. Censorship is the opposite of Freedom of Speech, so you know where he is coming from. An Enemy of the Constitution.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 12:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:50:17 -0400

I understand why the politicians feel this way but they are flat dead wrong. Afghanistan wasn't the massive battle ground it was 20 years ago. You almost never hear about US fatalities on the news anymore. Not because the press moved on because they just weren't happening anymore. The Taliban was on the verge of becoming a common place street gang. NOW they have modern military equipment and a nice new safe haven for their friends ISIS and AlQuada to hang out. Maybe all the modern Taliban want is to be left alone but they were never the real problem.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 12:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:55:20 -0400

I don't watch the news so that part hasn't effected me in the least bit. I also went to Iraq and never got the chance to get over to Afghanistan before deployments because a thing of the past. I honestly don't know how to feel about it. The government started with the "9/11 revenge" goal. Then we transferred to WMDs, then it was regional stability. But we all knew that it wouldn't work. The people who would want infrastructure are in too small a number and the people who would be able to utilize it are even smaller. Folks are so spread out there they might think you're a soviet rather than from the US because that's how disconnected they are. We never went and stayed for an achievable end state and because of that we lost countless lives for what? To leave hundreds of millions of dollars in our "high tech military gear" behind for our enemies to pick apart so when we head back they have a leg up?

I feel sorry for the families who lost Fathers, Mothers, Sons, Daughters and so on for what seems like nothing. This was inevitable and the fact it was drawn out like this is a sad representation of what we are. And why the world thinks so little of us.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Aug 18 at 2021 1:21 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 13:21:23 -0400

Was a veteran of the Balkans conflicts before deploying to Afghanistan '07 & had a concept of "Human Terrain" if you will. There was the "Elected" Govt, the Tribal Govt, Leftover Mujahidin, the Shadow Govt/Taliban, and AQM. And then the whole Pashtunwali thing. Why the F we didn't get in / keep the pressure on finding UBL / get the F out (maybe keep KAF or BAF). NO WAY were were gonna figure this tapestry out. So... Not surprised. The institutional corruption predicted the collapse. Few months ago, a FOB worker who keeps up w/ a CAT2 friend, reached out to me for assistance w/ his SIV. He did well document CERP work w mine, and the rotation before me + doc through 2013. Hammered out a letter para/line less less than 60 days ago. We're thinking its in the queue. DoS has had his paperwork for 7 YEARS and ONLY 3 MONTHS AGO told him his 2013 Endorsement Letter was not up-to-snuff. Fellow Brothers and Sisters in Arms... I don't think this was going to happen any other way. Hopefully these days character counts.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 1:24 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 13:24:39 -0400

This is enraging and frustrating that this government is allowing it to happen and don't give a darn for the American people trapped in there. As a veteran, I'm in a rage. The president, secretary of defense and the woke general need to resign ASAP and let competent people handle the situation in a better way. I knew from the beginning this administration doesn't give a darn for the American people, the Constitution, and our Liberties. They just want power at any cost.

Response by MAJ Fred Zacher made Aug 18 at 2021 2:02 PM

MAJ Fred Zacher — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 14:02:30 -0400

The Anerican military has never lost a war. The American politicans have never won a peace.

Response by MAJ Fred Zacher made Aug 18 at 2021 2:03 PM

MAJ Fred Zacher — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 14:03:48 -0400

My heart goes out to all you Afghan veterans. I know how devastating it was for me when Saigon fell.

Response by PO2 Wilson Mourino made Aug 18 at 2021 2:12 PM

PO2 Wilson Mourino — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 14:12:00 -0400

I was never in theater. Only in GTMO. I am feeling depressed after the Haitian earthquake recent and 2010. Feeling hopeless, but will speak to group therapy at the local VA and non profits I have been volunteering for here in Hawaii. Just keep myself busy until I do not feel anxious. My uncle was a Vietnam vet, so I'll be hearing his words of wisdom.

Response by SGT Al Dec made Aug 18 at 2021 2:27 PM

SGT Al Dec — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 14:27:49 -0400

Under our system the military follows the policy and directives of the administration. Nevertheless it is painful to see the Afghan people fall back under the thumb of the Taliban. They shall never know the freedoms we enjoy.

Response by CPL Tracy Harris made Aug 18 at 2021 2:40 PM

CPL Tracy Harris — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 14:40:23 -0400

It's a sad time for the citizens of Afghanistan. I support the troops coming home. There was no easy way out. How long were American lives to be sacrificed? Especially, if the local Afghan security forces won't fight for their own communities. Where are Afghan leaders? Although the US trained and secured for 20 years I don't believe all was lost. It gave all people, the women, the chance to dream and achieve possibly more than they would've ever hoped. The men MUST stand with the women. They now know what is possible. However, there's always going to be an evil force in power, this is the greatest obstacle. Taliban Ideology is still the same. Women have no rights. Only the strength of the Lord can help make a difference but we all have free will.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Aug 18 at 2021 2:59 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 14:59:59 -0400

The so called leaders in this government are a bunch of totally incompent idiots. Any major corporation would have fired Biden and his totally imcompentent advisors a long time ago. This is a black mark on the United states government. The military in country served bravely. Many are severly injured or passed away, for what ? It's time that we citizens leagellly replace the brain dead so called leaders at the election booth if we can fix that liberal crooked system. This is Biden's fall of Saigon. I was an Army grunt in Viet Nam in 1970 and still feel the disgust of that mess. These stupid politicions and their adviosers are to blame for this mess, not the brave saervice people who served. The boy scouts have lots more leadership than the idiots running this country. Both parties are to blame.

Response by CPO James Walker made Aug 18 at 2021 3:14 PM

CPO James Walker — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 15:14:54 -0400

Should have been foreseen that this would happen as the Afghan forces have done nothing without the support of US Troops. The evacuation should have had the civilians out 1st, the equipment out 2nd and the military forces out after all other matters had been accomplished.

Response by MSgt J D McKee made Aug 18 at 2021 3:24 PM

MSgt J D McKee — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 15:24:26 -0400

Thanks for all the cash. Made my life. Never thought I was doing any good, didn't care. Was poor all my life because of bad decisions, and now was my chance to not be. Thank you, DOS and DOD, for allowing me more than a retired MSgt's pay to live on.

Was all a big waste. We made the taliban much more effective. We trained them, gave them guns, gave them clothes. Made them think we are rich stupid people, which is fairly accurate. Gave them everything they need for a successful army...Me personally? I set up the Firearms training for the ANP at the Central Training Center in Kabul, and on a later contract, the same thing for the ANA. Worked security at the USEK for a few years, too. Was there for the 13 Sept 2011 debacle.

I was told the desertion rate for both the ANA and ANP was about 30% but I think it was a lot higher among new recruits.

I did not care to train my future enemies particularly well, so I mainly just wrote the lesson plans, had them translated, and watched the ANP or ANA instructors mangle my instruction into virtual unusability. I had stuff back-translated pretty routinely, and it said completely different things than I did. I gave up, and just made sure I was coming back from the range with no more holes than I left with.

I tried for years to get the DOS or my company to buy the less-than ten dollars from Cheaper Than Dirt sight adjustment tool for AK's, to, you know, actually be able to adjust the sights. I had 2. We needed hundreds. It didn't matter, because they weren't gonna use them, anyway. Inshallah targeting works I guess if you just spray enough lead around in the general direction.

China or Russia next? China wants the vast reserves of lithium and that little part that sticks up into China, Russia wants to retrieve it's Vietnam and have a do-over. We will see what happens.

As to whether we could have won or not? Yeah, we could have. Nobody with power had the guts. If you give them shit, they think you are weak, and try to get more shit. Just like your average inmate in my experience.

Here is a quote straight from WWII--"If you kill enough of them, they'll stop fighting" General LeMay.

We didn't do that. Had we went at this war with a WWII mentality, there would be a shining new example to hang on the wall along with Japan and Germany.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 18 at 2021 3:27 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 15:27:48 -0400

If we fail to learn the lessons of history, we are bound to repeat them. How long have we propped crooked governments who stole countless US Dollars and allowed them to stay in office? While we may hate current administration, let us not forget who set the withdrawal in motion. So since Jan 1, 2021 we have seen an attack on the nations capitol, and collapse of another nation both incidents are tied to two men. Lets not put these two in any office again.

Response by CPO James Barnhart made Aug 18 at 2021 3:37 PM

CPO James Barnhart — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 15:37:07 -0400

Now, (Wednesday), it looks like we cannot have a complete military pullout. We are basically stuck having to fix this huge mess. We have maybe 13,000 to 20,000 Americans still there and they are scared that they will be killed. Plus there are a lot of Afgans there that helped us for many years. There is no way to locate they and get them out, without military force, apparently.
We need to tell the Taliban to get them out NOW. (12 hours) And, start bombing their strongholds today. Negotiating with the Taliban
terrorists is ridiculous. They respect strength only.
I hope this will not become a hostage crisis like Iran in 1979.

Response by PO3 Stephen Andrews made Aug 18 at 2021 3:46 PM

PO3 Stephen Andrews — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 15:46:25 -0400

Honestly, its a distraction for COVID being spread all over our country by the invasion happening now.. Shit head planning.. Covid Joe and crew.

Response by Sgt Vance Bonds made Aug 18 at 2021 3:54 PM

Sgt Vance Bonds — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 15:54:29 -0400

Makes me very mad. I had foreign nationals who died helping us in ISAF.
Every time politicians are involved it goes FUBAR. Dept of State was a politically correct, hog wash spewing bunch of know nothing egg heads.
It takes 3 generations at least to re-teach and change a culture. We stayed so long we might as well have finished it. McCarthy helped the Japanese people to change and achieve world recognition and peace.
We put a lot of effort into Bagram. I did two there and one in Kabul with a six month extension to KAF.
What a bunch of cowards we have in upper leadership. They damned well knew this was much more than a possibility if not done correctly and in a metered fashion.
Now, how many citizens and friendlies will die.
Follow the money. I have a suspicion that not enough was being made to make it worth while….maybe the money to support was needed for hotels for illegal immigration, hire more IRS agents to audit Americans, elections are coming. Need to claim the politicians made s miracle happen.
This isn’t Saigon, worse. Saigon was more a withdrawal under Fire. Poorly organized but not like this. No causalities for 18 months. No running battles until the President surrendered
Hang in there 10th and Marines!
Can I go to the VA now and bitch about the war I thought I would win?

Response by TSgt Mary Bailey made Aug 18 at 2021 4:23 PM

TSgt Mary Bailey — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 16:23:24 -0400

Never should have been there in the first place, The Russians new this, what took us so long? If we stay there for another twenty years we pay the price both in lives and $$$, not worth it!

Response by CPT Louie Bell made Aug 18 at 2021 4:40 PM

CPT Louie Bell — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 16:40:07 -0400

As a Vietnam veteran I see this action as a repeat of our actions in Saigon. Once again, we are sold out by our government. It seems like we are expected to die for our country for the sake of profits for the "war industry" for every generation. Send the politicians to fight the next war.

Response by PO1 Denny Elimon made Aug 18 at 2021 4:58 PM

PO1 Denny Elimon — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 16:58:49 -0400

Done with total disregard for citizens, current administration should have phased war down, once again we refuse to let military minds make decisions. Mr President watch as citizens are executed.

Response by PO3 Michael MacKay made Aug 18 at 2021 5:15 PM

PO3 Michael MacKay — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:15:07 -0400

It is their country, they can do what they want with it. We did our best to point them to a better reality but the Afghan people we trained up and folded. It's their problem now.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Aug 18 at 2021 5:17 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:17:41 -0400

Well, since carlos asked this, and he has been know to sensor views he deems inappropriate (read as too conservative) let's see how long this lasts. Our former "community organizer in chief" created ISIS by pulling out 100% of our troops from Iraq, it took many U.S. lives and President Trump to fix it. Now, biden is creating "taliban" 2.0. I weep for the nearly 4000 U.S. servicemen whose love he has squandered well as all the prepubescent girl who will now be married off to old, perverted muslim wannabees to start having sex immediately and babies as soon as they reach puberty. I further mourn the impending death of all those the party of democrats have abandoned. Those who are even "perceived" to have aided the U.S. and our allies. Their lives are now forfeit. The so called party if the underrepresented has now turned its back on all of these poor people. Thanx for taking an extended abandonment of your duty joe. Typical of you and your mentor to simply turn your back on innocents who Pau the price for your arrogance (can you say Benghazi?) Both my daughter (USAF Major) and I have time in that country and this poor excuse for a human simply threw thousands of lives down the drain.

Response by SPC Jeff Lutz made Aug 18 at 2021 5:19 PM

SPC Jeff Lutz — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:19:18 -0400

vietnam all over again. politicians never learn.

Response by SGT Ted Adams made Aug 18 at 2021 5:22 PM

SGT Ted Adams — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:22:48 -0400

No veteran who served in Afghanistan, should be down about their service. We are not responsible fo the outcome of any activity that we have done while in the military. We as veterans can be proud as we answered the call to the colors and were faithful to that call, regardless of where we served.
We who are Vietnam veterans, often were portrayed as participants in evil, and we were disrespected. But we have honored, and do honor all who went to Afghanistan and made sure that our veterans who followed us were honored and made to feel as though they were supported.
The events that have unfolded over the last few weeks, are not the fault of any veteran of the United States as well as the other countries veterans who have been there. Every veteran carried out their duty, not matter what.
The debacle was the politicians nightmare, not ours. When we went into the service, there was not a guarantee that anything we did would be successful on a grand or small scale. All we were guaranteed was the honor of serving our nation. We were called to be faithful to our nation, and our fellow military.
AS much as we mourn the loss of Afghanistan to the Taliban, the Afghanistan ambassador to the United States till July, said that she did not want any veteran who fought in Afghanistan, to feel depressed, down or feel all was for nothing. She said that she was glad that all those who were there and fought,, deserved respect, as it gave time to develop the nation in a different way. Though she also was saddened on what has happened, and has a brother who is a professor and is not sure what will happen, yet she in a sense has said not to feel betrayed, but grateful for serving in her country and hopes that any Afghanistan veteran will take heart at serving in her country with honor as they will be remembered by many people both in Afghanistan and the United States.

Response by PO2 J. leb Burza made Aug 18 at 2021 5:28 PM

PO2 J. leb Burza — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:28:01 -0400

If you server over there, know that your service was not in vain. However, at a certain point the Afghans need to stand up and fight for themselves. Defend whats yours

Response by SP6 Johnathan McVey made Aug 18 at 2021 6:04 PM

SP6 Johnathan McVey — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:04:36 -0400

Super pissed. I said this was a modern Vietnam war back about 15 years ago.

Response by LCpl Kevin Bryson made Aug 18 at 2021 6:11 PM

LCpl Kevin Bryson — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:11:11 -0400

20 years! How sad and demeaning. It almost seems like a WASTE. I'm heartbroken. Good luck to the Afghans.

Response by CPO Hope Carbonell made Aug 18 at 2021 6:12 PM

CPO Hope Carbonell — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:12:47 -0400

gruesome but expected

Response by LCpl Kevin Bryson made Aug 18 at 2021 6:15 PM

LCpl Kevin Bryson — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:15:28 -0400

It's both sad AND as another post stated; inevitable. God Bless those who have been there through all of this turmoil. Be well friends.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Aug 18 at 2021 6:21 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:21:39 -0400

I knew it was going to end this way. I just hope that everyone can see that the sacrifices we made over the last 20 years were not in vain. I understand if people disagree, though. Some of us look at the big picture and see it as incomplete while others of us look at our own individual piece of the picture and gauge success or failure from that.

Response by CPL Matthew Kimbrough made Aug 18 at 2021 6:24 PM

CPL Matthew Kimbrough — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:24:51 -0400

Trump: Told ya so! Miss me yet?

Response by SPC Kelly Iser made Aug 18 at 2021 6:27 PM

SPC Kelly Iser — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:27:21 -0400

It's heartbreaking to say the least. Initial thoughts I'm pissed off

Response by PO3 Stanley Hohler made Aug 18 at 2021 6:31 PM

PO3 Stanley Hohler — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:31:28 -0400

I think we should have made a big hole over there so we wouldn't have drill so far for the oil we are involved in crookedlly!!! Get all of the women and children cleared out. No women for them shall be there for its taliban, to aggravate thier system.......... then let him have it!!!!!! Christ has seen it through

Response by Sgt Michael Oberline made Aug 18 at 2021 6:40 PM

Sgt Michael Oberline — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:40:40 -0400

1. We went in to hold a status quo, not to win.
2. Army Generals are put in charge and they obviously no nothing about THE ART OF WAR" or they wouldn't keep setting bases in valleys so the enemy can shoot down on them.
3. Allowing that idiot Trump to bargain with an enemy from a position of weakness instead of strength was just plain stupid!
4. Electing a "DRAFT DOGER" and coward president was stupid. Military service should be a prerequisite for the job.

Response by PFC Robert Avants made Aug 18 at 2021 6:57 PM

PFC Robert Avants — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 18:57:49 -0400

Knew this was coming, biden is a weak kneed, suck ass puppet. I believe we are in eminent danger, now that every taliban we had detained, is free, plus they have no telling how much of OUR ordinance. This debacle is his Saigon, but with grave consequences to come.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2021 7:00 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 19:00:25 -0400

There's nothing in this pullout that was done well. It so much looks like Saigon to this Vet.

Yet I can't imagine us not having to pull out and admit defeat, not because of anything you or I did, but because of our spineless media, our politicians who are more interested in their personal power than in the lives and pain it costs, and the Hate America scumbags. Arabic is better than English for cursing such scumbags. "May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the crotches of these despicable, spineless, limp-wristed, scum-sucking bottom-feeders."

There was a COL of the North Vietnamese army who later told us that they were sure they were defeated, and would have to give up. Yet every time they thought they would have to slink across the border to China and give up, and article would appear in the MSM which would convince then to hang on another month or two. They won the war because of this.

I believe that if we had announced that we planned to be in the 'Stan for 30 to 40 years, long enough to raise the literacy rate in the country to a civilized level, that we were firmly committed to a peaceful and productive Afghanistan, and no group of bastards was going to talk us out of it, that we could have completed our mission and left 10 years ago, and not leave another pariah state like North Korea in our wake.

At bare minimum, I can't believe we couldn't spare enough thermite grenades to keep the Taliban from getting all our equipment.

Response by CPO Lee Sorenson made Aug 18 at 2021 7:06 PM

CPO Lee Sorenson — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 19:06:33 -0400

As a Vietnam veteran I am sad and angry. The loss of life in a futile mission is inexcusable. Another failed effort by politicians and senior leadership in the military. My hat is off to those in today's military. I don't know how they do it.

Response by PV2 Brian McGiLL made Aug 18 at 2021 7:07 PM

PV2 Brian McGiLL — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 19:07:19 -0400

I truly believe that Biden had that planned all along. He is a disgrace and It should have been all the Americans out of that country before anyone else.

Response by Sgt Timothy Compton made Aug 18 at 2021 7:42 PM

Sgt Timothy Compton — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 19:42:16 -0400

Extremely upset! This administration really let everyone down!

Response by SFC Carlos Cruz made Aug 18 at 2021 8:10 PM

SFC Carlos Cruz — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 20:10:30 -0400

With all of these emotions, I have to remind myself — it’s ok to be sad, angry, confused, frustrated, or really, any other feeling. People that haven’t served and haven’t been there may not understand. That’s ok, too. Talk with others — don’t bottle it up. Reach out to a buddy who’s served, talk with a Vietnam Veteran or seek out a support group at a local veteran’s organization — have the conversations. And above all else, stand proud of your service. De Oppresso Liber.

By Herb Thompson

I feel exactly what Thompson said…

Response by SGT Pegi Davis made Aug 18 at 2021 9:02 PM

SGT Pegi Davis — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 21:02:36 -0400

We can't be there forever. It was beyond time to leave. It just should have been done with more finesse.

Response by CPL Ralph Aguero made Aug 18 at 2021 9:26 PM

CPL Ralph Aguero — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 21:26:10 -0400

Hey, they didn't want to fight 300,000 soldiers arm to the teeth give up in 11 days? Now everyone wants to blame President Biden. Fighting the taliban who wear slippers and living in caves. They didn't fight now they are crying.

Response by SGT James Bradley made Aug 18 at 2021 11:47 PM

SGT James Bradley — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 23:47:36 -0400

Too painful to put in words….

Response by SGT James Bradley made Aug 18 at 2021 11:49 PM

SGT James Bradley — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 23:49:20 -0400

Too painful to put into words…..

Response by LCpl Thomas Mahoney made Aug 18 at 2021 11:58 PM

LCpl Thomas Mahoney — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 23:58:55 -0400

Take it back without boots on the ground

Response by LCpl Vincent Villegas made Aug 19 at 2021 1:12 AM

LCpl Vincent Villegas — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 01:12:58 -0400

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to Know that the majority of these people through out the world are Idiots .These yati yatis are always gonna believe what they were taught since the day they came out of their mothers twat . They believe that they are right and that we are wrong . Where were they when Hitler was taking over ? They had their heads in the sand . To the victors goes the spoils . Everything America has acquired came at a Great Price . American blood on the battle field . To these morons America is the the Great satan . I don't think so . Ask Audie Murphy and the rest of the heroes who gave their lives for this country .

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made Aug 19 at 2021 1:14 AM

SFC Mark Bailey — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 01:14:19 -0400

I have several friends that are still unaccounted for over there, and a few friends that know of people unaccounted for.... I have Afghani friends that have gone silent and it is my hope that they are still alive.

I feel betrayed... I feel that everything I did...everything I gave up... everything that I went through was for basically nothing

I feel heartsick that the military and political people in any position that could have, should have stood up and said "HELL NO, WE CANNOT LEAVE YET" did not do so.

I can tell you this in 100% confidence....
If I had been there in May as this plan was going down, and I found out that 72,000 SIV (Special Immigrant Visas) were still not out of the country.... that thousands of US military contractors were still there with no plan for them to fly out when the last C-17 lifted off....

I'm still dumbfounded that we decided to pull out of Bagram Airfield (100% defensible) before leaving Kabul International Airport (nowhere to hide or concentrate fires= death trap)

I would have called for a Media Team ...I would found an news outlet and told everyone I could...."We are about to leave these people to their deaths..."

I would have sacrificed my military career to point out to the world that we were not following a reasonable exit strategy.

I honestly thought the exit strategy was what IU had been briefed a decade ago
1- Pull out of the COP's in year 1
2- Pull out of the FOB's in year 3
3- Pull back to the COB's in year 5-6
4- Pull back to the Primary COB (Bagram Airfield) in year 8-10
5- Remain in the Primary COB for at least another 5 years
6- Never pull out completely, or if you ever do...get everyone out that matters before the Primary COB closes down
Finally- only close down the Primary COB after the very last person that can face any reprisal and all others are on that last plane or already out

Note- if you are closing it down, make sure that the local military have taken possession for at least a week or more before you go and at that point only have military personnel there in a tight perimeter around the airfield itself

Looks like we kind of did 1-3....and failed misrerably at all the rest

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 1:29 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 01:29:33 -0400

Shame, disgust, mad as hell another democratic controlled traitorous government has again dishonored America, again spat on the men and women who fought and put it all on the line when called on. Destroyed our reputation. We ran with our tails between our legs and abandoned the Afghans who looked up to us and trusted us. Hell we even abandon US citizens left trapped at the mercy of the Taliban.
But worst of all I feel guilty when I think about the Afghans I worked with in Kabul same same as I felt guilty about the ARVNs I fought along side in Nam. I cannot sleep, I am drowning in guilt.
I am still very proud of the men and women who fought and served proudly. This includes the donut dollies, AAFES people and the troops from the NATO nations and friendly nations such as Mongolia, Singapore....

Response by SP5 James Elmore made Aug 19 at 2021 1:42 AM

SP5 James Elmore — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 01:42:40 -0400

It was time, even with the deaths to come. We never learn; you cannot give freedom, the Afghans as a whole had to earn it. Apparently too few willing to die for their country. AND sad many brave Afghans died too.

Our military made a terrible decision by providing the Afghans with contractors to maintain aircraft and ground equipment. When they found out the US was leaving, it looks like they did all but run over women and kids to get out of Dodge. Afghans should have been trained in their own support. More importantly, deja vu, you can’t fight a war with safe harbors. If you aren’t willing to destroy those supporting the combatant enemies wherever they are, in any country, don’t go to war. PERIOD.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 2:08 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 02:08:28 -0400

The only thing that I will say is that I feel closer to Vietnam vets than I did before.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Aug 19 at 2021 3:04 AM

CPO Jack De Merit — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 03:04:57 -0400

To begin with, Afghanistan was not the property of the Taliban so it was not theirs to reclaim. If the Afghan military had any balls they would be defending their own country instead of having us do it for them. We have lost far too many American lives in the last 20 years to just walk away the way we did. That should show everyone just how stupid the Democrats and Joe Biden are. They are attempting to overturn every single thing that Trump did for this country in retaliation for Trump trying to overturn everything that Obama did which was destroying this country. Isn't it amazing how much money the Democrats are spending? Did any of us know that the government had that much money to begin with? The communists said it more than 90 years ago, if you pay the people who are not working, why would they ever bother to support themselves?

Response by SPC Tarrence Molendyk made Aug 19 at 2021 8:59 AM

SPC Tarrence Molendyk — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 08:59:39 -0400

We were betrayed the moment they kept changing the rules on us numerous times. Countless lives were lost for Political Greed.

Response by SPC Collin Guizar made Aug 19 at 2021 9:54 AM

SPC Collin Guizar — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:54:21 -0400

I am also frustrated more so because I have had to talk to a lot of people who the majority of them congratulate us for doing and I quote " you guys did leaps and bounds for the woman's rights movement ." And I think to myself yeah and now all those people we tried to help while making false promises are going to be murdered and probably beheaded after being repeatability rapes...

Response by Dieudonne Magloire Kamga made Aug 19 at 2021 10:14 AM

Dieudonne Magloire Kamga — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 10:14:16 -0400

I note to deplore it that the high command made a bad decision to withdraw our defense forces on Afghan soil even though the army of this country which was still in formation was not yet hardened to counter the Taliban inclinations to regain power.

Response by PO2 Ronea Fowler made Aug 19 at 2021 12:10 PM

PO2 Ronea Fowler — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 12:10:06 -0400

Anyone local to Lexington KY area, let's meetup and discuss this.

Response by COL Ralph Bryan Hanes made Aug 19 at 2021 12:57 PM

COL Ralph Bryan Hanes — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 12:57:17 -0400

Bottom line: As a nation, we were right to cut our losses as there was no end in sight to a forever war. We were abysmally wrong in how we failed to adequately plan and execute that withdrawal.
There is no excuse for the bungling and it will hurt us and the rest of the free world for decades to come.
Mixed emotions. I think of and honor the patriotism and commitment of our service members and those who went back as civilians to serve our country and to help the Afghanis. Sadly there are too many names on the casualty lists that have faces and memories associated with them. Having said that, as a nation, we went to war without specific goals other than to wipe out al-Qaida and stop them from being replaced by anyone else from attacking our nation. There was no end state to our efforts. In the 20 years following 9/11 we had mostly kept foreign terrorists at bay within CONUS. Conversely, We continued risking lives as well as spending trillions of dollars to try to train and supply the Afghanis in government and military strength. We had a logistical tail so long and tortuous that without backup from the air, staying in the country would have been untenable. We had to bribe and otherwise placate the Pakistanis as well as every tribe along the way just to allow our escorted supply convoys to pass through mostly unmolested...except when they were. I will not condemn the Afghanis military for cutting their losses when we cut off their air support as well as contractors who provided their resupply. They could quit today and live or continue to fight and die in a few weeks due to logistical inadequacy. An army without logistical support is hollow and historically doomed. Our previous president was excoriated by many within and allies of our nation for his unilateral decisions and actions that ignored other stake holders. It appears that the current CIC is similarly disposed. We are likely to have cause to wish that we had been more considerate of our allies as well as the Afghanis. A couple more months would have ended the fighting season and likely bought the Afghani government a little time to adjust.

Response by Sgt Brad Miller made Aug 19 at 2021 1:04 PM

Sgt Brad Miller — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 13:04:05 -0400

The irony of ironies is that the name for the American-led NATO mission in Afghanistan was Operation Resolute Support for the last six years. Yet, there was nothing resolute or supportive about the way the operation ended. As a result, any confidence in the American leadership of a coalition of allies is now irreparably damaged.
The words catastrophe, disaster, and tragedy cannot begin to describe the lack of planning and execution of America's top military leadership. In the words of Javier Gutierrez, Sr, the father of the last soldier to die in action eighteen months ago: "The right way to evacuate is American civilians and civilian allies first, equipment second, and troops last. It is an excruciatingly sad commentary that the father of fallen Special Forces, SFC Javier Gutierrez, understands the order of an evacuation better than our "best" military planners.
I've often heard history lessons repeated at times like this. When was the last such colossal military operational failure as the pullout from Afghanistan? If General Lloyd Ralston Fredendall deserved to be relieved for the defeat at Kasserine Pass in WWII, maybe every commander in the chain from General Kenneth McKenzie to the Commander in Chief should be relieved for this monumental disaster. General Austin, the Secretary of Defense, and the JCS Chairman, General Milley, should do the honorable thing and resign. If they were unable to make the case to the Commander in Chief not to take the course, they should have resigned before leaving the briefing room; their incompetence as leaders is made clear by not resigning then and there.
Congress will conduct investigations and hearings. And, as usual, Congress will reach no firm conclusions, no one will be held accountable, the revolving door between the Pentagon and defense industry boardrooms will remain open, and corruption in Washington, D.C. will continue to flourish.

Response by PFC Matt Layman made Aug 19 at 2021 1:09 PM

PFC Matt Layman — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 13:09:35 -0400

What a waste!

Response by PO2 Stephen Bonelli made Aug 19 at 2021 1:10 PM

PO2 Stephen Bonelli — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 13:10:22 -0400

It's a disaster!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 1:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 13:38:25 -0400

Just like Viet Nam the politicians start the war and then decide to just leave after tying the hands of the military. Should have had set a goal and then turned the military loose to accomplish that end none of this political nonsense get in remove all threats completely destroy all resistance eliminate all enemy leaders destroy their will to fight without political involvement! If the politicians want to be involved send them not the military as we did in WWII USE TACTICAL NUKES TO ELIMINATE THEIR WILL TO RESIST

Response by SPC Eileen Keller made Aug 19 at 2021 2:17 PM

SPC Eileen Keller — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 14:17:30 -0400

To put it mildly, this didn't need to happen. Also, this isn't the first time politics screwed the good U.S. farmed forces accomplished.

Response by TSgt Jose A. D. made Aug 19 at 2021 3:16 PM

TSgt Jose A. D. — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:16:47 -0400

It is a sequel of failure. Our government never learned from its mistake and like to repeat it self with same mistake.

Response by SSgt Vernon Nelson made Aug 19 at 2021 3:22 PM

SSgt Vernon Nelson — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:22:11 -0400

Afghanistan has been the "Graveyard of empires," since before Christ. The more recent experiences of the British in the 1800s and Russia in the 1980s was a harbinger of what was in store for us. It could not have ended any other way.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 3:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:28:47 -0400

I’ve been there twice. Once several years ago, and I just got back last year from a second deployment. It sucks see everyone’s time go to waste, and how we wasted American lives just to leave it an absolute mess. Those who died for this war I feel have died in vain, we owed them a much better ending for what they had to endure. Such a waste of human life.

We also went over there for the wrong reasons, and are now leaving the country in shambles. The Taliban is taking over and quickly. Very few seem to be willing to fight for their own country, and now men, women and children will sadly suffer. There was no plan in place to keep them safe from the Taliban, nothing that would actually work. I fear we left them to die. So what was the point of being there? Oh yeah, right… Politics.

After 20 years we could have left better than this! …and to hear we left our own people behind is extremely concerning and alarming. Everything about this is just wrong, and there are too many out there who don’t seem concerned about any of this. Like it’s normal, when it’s not. If we’re okay with leaving our own people behind, what does that say about us? Nothing about this is right. We owed those who died for this war so much more, the families who lost a loved one in the war so much more, the people who’s country we went into for the wrong reasons so much more. This is sad and disturbing in every way.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 19 at 2021 3:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:44:39 -0400

We must prepare for Russia and China and that means building up our conventional capabilities. Something in my little brain tells me we should understand how terrain can have strategic effects in war. In Vietnam the jungle hid many things. In Scotland the Scots used the terrain to their advantage. They did not take Romans head on. They preferred to hit the soft targets like supply trains. Another problem the Romans had which is strange but makes sense is the Scots power was decentralized, I believe by ruling clans. I chuckle. So who will surrender Scotland if the power is decentralized? lol

This is the first time I will make an attempt to conduct analysis on mountainous area of operations. I am no expert on Afghanistan. Thus if I say something stupid, I told you so. I will say the CPT Obvious statement: Afghanistan has a lot of mountains,. People hide in mountains. Mountainous regions often means there are few straight roads. They have millions of covered and concealed positions. Locals know the mountains to for travel. The Taliban to maneuver forwards and backwards using the rough terrain.

The Russians found out convoys require flat land. Flat land is usually the low lands (valleys). Guess who occupied the high land? It was not the Russians! Sometimes the Mujahideen occupied high spots and ambushed convoys. If they did a good job they killed the front and rear vehicles. Now you have many vehicles pretty much trapped. They got killed too. I have read several historic accounts of fighters who use the mountains to their advantage. It becomes their sanctuary and base of operations.

If anyone can add to the narrative that would be nice. If I am mistaken I need to be corrected.

Response by PO1 Charles Smith made Aug 19 at 2021 3:59 PM

PO1 Charles Smith — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:59:02 -0400

I hate to say it, but I am not surprised by the way things turned out. Desert Storm is the only war during my life time that was done the way they should be; WITH A PLAN TO GO IN, A PLAN FOR WHAT WE ARE GOING TO ACCOMPLISH, AND A PLAN FOR HOW AND WHY WE ARE GOING TO LEAVE, ALL THIS BEFORE WE SEND THE FIRST GROUND POUNDER IN!!!. Yeah I know Eisenhower said plans are useless in the long run, but without this initial planning, you are as we say in chess "planning to lose". I kept and still get flashes of Mel Gibson in "Beyond Thunder dome" asking "Whats the plan?" and getting told "Plan.. there is no plan!", starting on day one of the Bush invasion of Afghanistan. There were no precise goals laid out, which said to me that there was a high chance that this would end up like Vietnam.
I am betting that neither Trump nor Biden asked for a plan w/o specifying the date themselves. I do not know why I bother, but someday we will have better presidents, like the first Bush, who really know how to get things to work, 'cause they know and understand history. Not gonna' hold my breath tho'.....

Response by Capt Tobey Thatcher made Aug 19 at 2021 4:11 PM

Capt Tobey Thatcher — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:11:29 -0400

I don't have a problem leaving Afghanistan. It's how we are leaving that's the problem. It doesn't matter what POTUS did what and when. It looks bad.

Response by SFC James Kennedy made Aug 19 at 2021 4:14 PM

SFC James Kennedy — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:14:36 -0400

I think it's a disgrace that the present administration has left all the US Citizens to find their own way to safety. What kind of signal is that showing the terrorist and our enemies that the USA does not care about their citizens. It shows our enemies that we are weak...this is not going to end well.

Response by SPC Edward Porter made Aug 19 at 2021 4:20 PM

SPC Edward Porter — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:20:31 -0400

What’s there to say it’s being played out for the world to see...Biden is a idiot Vietnam Vet...

Response by SPC Edward Porter made Aug 19 at 2021 4:40 PM

SPC Edward Porter — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:40:16 -0400

What’s there to say the whole world is watching in discuss...Biden is a idiot.....Vietnam Vet...67/68 Cu Chi...

Response by SSG Ronnie Olivas made Aug 19 at 2021 4:47 PM

SSG Ronnie Olivas — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:47:16 -0400

I was there in 2007 to 2008 what I saw was that the people didn't want us there but that's fine because I was fighting there I didn't want them here I strongly don't trust the president I do beleive that there is going to be a war and I'm afraid it's going to be here .

Response by A1C John Hartley made Aug 19 at 2021 5:18 PM

A1C John Hartley — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 17:18:19 -0400

Disappointed in the execution of an ill-planned exit. Somewhat relieved it's finally arrived though. Praying for the innocent, and of course our American Patriots.

Response by CPL Larry Monkus made Aug 19 at 2021 5:20 PM

CPL Larry Monkus — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 17:20:35 -0400

something that didnt need to be

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 6:03 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 18:03:57 -0400

Was it time for the U.S. to pull out? I feel it was.
Did we pull out the right way?
No - and we are seeing the results.

Response by TSgt Wehart Hosea made Aug 19 at 2021 6:05 PM

TSgt Wehart Hosea — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 18:05:36 -0400

It was bound to happen again. Any time politicians try to run a war, they screw it all up, worst yet is when they have no military experience. POTUS screwed the S. Vietnamese when he was a Senator by denying the continued support of their government. POTUS is not yet finished screwing over the citizens of the US, just wait until more people die from Covid and Terrorist attacks to come. He will be at Camp David taking a holiday while everything crumbles around him. The VP is just a figure piece who thinks she's in a beauty or talent contest always posing for the camera. Neither of them care about the country and the people, it's all about how much money they can make while in office!

Response by Paul McKiernan made Aug 19 at 2021 6:45 PM

Paul McKiernan — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 18:45:44 -0400

There is never a diplomatic solution to a HOLY WAR!! Oh humanitarian aid, we set up a $700million on an Embassy. I pray every day for the families and military forces. It is obvious that the of the USA government has been mishandling and underestimating the threat. Hopefully they can successfully get everyone out safely

Response by Evon Cooper made Aug 19 at 2021 7:25 PM

Evon Cooper — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 19:25:48 -0400

Just the same as Vietnam war 1975.

Response by CPO James Boyd made Aug 19 at 2021 8:20 PM

CPO James Boyd — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 20:20:59 -0400

I believe our so called president biden and adminstration Completely JACKED Americans up AGAIN this time is costing more lives! SAD REAL SAD we need help from somewhere everyone needs to pray for GUIDANCE

Response by 1SG William West made Aug 19 at 2021 9:39 PM

1SG William West — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 21:39:46 -0400

I had multiple thoughts. At first, I was angry and frustrated...at the government, at the American people, and at the press for creating a media moment to sell ads. Then I accepted the current situation. We, the American public, ALL of us, own this 20-year political boondoggle disguised as a war. We can play word games, point fingers, wring our hands, and complain, or we can just own it. Like we should. How we move forward from this will define us. There are lessons to be learned and re-learned here. I'll own my piece of it. Because I am an American citizen.

Response by PO3 Brian McNeal made Aug 19 at 2021 9:58 PM

PO3 Brian McNeal — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 21:58:15 -0400

The president totally botched and as far as I'm concerned has no idea what he's doing. It's not him making the decisions. The administration he has are totally woke and have no idea what the real world is

Response by PO3 Brian McNeal made Aug 19 at 2021 9:59 PM

PO3 Brian McNeal — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 21:59:39 -0400

I'm a disabled veteran and I commend everybody that has done tours in Afghanistan and everywhere in the middle East

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 10:16 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 22:16:52 -0400

I'm not at all surprised - guess we didn't learn anything from Vietnam! Just sad this is happening, but it was inevitable. We should have left 10 years ago after we accomplished our mission. I'm afraid this was going to happen no matter when we pulled out or no matter how long we stayed, and it is not the job of the United States to babysit/take care of other countries indefinitely!!!

Response by MSgt Chris Turner made Aug 19 at 2021 10:30 PM

MSgt Chris Turner — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 22:30:12 -0400

I feel all of your pain! I too am a vet with many tours to SW asia. This is mind blowing and cuts deeper than anything. I lost some GREAT men and women, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers and so on. FOR WHAT! Why the hell do their families have gaping wounds that will never heal? They paid the price so I could come home so many times. It was bad enough just thinking about that before. Way did I come home every time and they did not! They served the same as me... Lucky? I dont think luck has anything to do with it. This hurts to the core! I have a deep hate building inside of me. What do I do.. Suck it up again and again while this joker some call president make a mockery of my friends DEATH! I try real hard to be a better Christian but this hatred is so deep and so loud in my head and my heart. Im dealing with it but at what point will I pop? What is an outlet for such distain and hatred fir this ass hole and those that are supposed to protect this country and our freedoms we fought for? There is no justice! There will be no justice! How does anything we did even matter anymore? The shit we did and saw happen... It was hard to swallow before but NOW? At least back then it was for a better outcome.. But now? My lifes work and dedication to this contry does not matter anymore.. The death of my friends were in vain, the survivors without a dear family member have been robbed and they dont give a shit about us anymore because now there will be a massacre over there. Women and children raped and beaten to death, father mutilated in front of their kids, so many more deaths. And in some f-ed up way I feel like I am part of what fixing to happen to the local good people in SW Asia. Ill go find a corner of this country and take care of me and my family and it dare someone to try and mess with me and my home! What else it there to do. So betrayed and slapped in the face! My flag is now black!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2021 12:33 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 00:33:07 -0400

It's a big mess. Biden really fucked up and the ball stop with him

Response by Sgt Gary Dinehart made Aug 20 at 2021 1:28 AM

Sgt Gary Dinehart — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 01:28:31 -0400

I think Biden, his cabinet, and all the other idiots that voted for and installed him as president should move there asses over there until this clusterfuck is fixed correctly.

Response by PFC Dave Albert made Aug 20 at 2021 6:50 AM

PFC Dave Albert — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 06:50:39 -0400

As a 100% Disabled Army Combat Soldier in Vietnam, I can only shake my head in disgust & respond in angry disbelief that our US

Response by PFC Dave Albert made Aug 20 at 2021 6:56 AM

PFC Dave Albert — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 06:56:23 -0400

WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK WE ARE THINKING... EXCEPT FOR UTTER DISGUST IN AMERICA’S

Response by Cpl Marshall Roberts made Aug 20 at 2021 7:34 AM

Cpl Marshall Roberts — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 07:34:13 -0400

They wanted our help, money, but when it comes down to it, they didn't want there freedom, if they dis they would have fought harder for it, so f@$kem

Response by MAJ Haris Balcinovic made Aug 20 at 2021 7:53 AM

MAJ Haris Balcinovic — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 07:53:39 -0400

I was there for the surge in 2010-11 and for the original original withdrawal (or so we thought) in 2013-14. There are so many things that go though my head, but I tell ya, the manner in which this was executed is appalling.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2021 8:14 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 08:14:33 -0400

Extremely happy to finally see the mission in Afghanistan over. I earned my Bronze Star over there by sacrificing lots of suet and tears. I also received the Purple Heart for injuries received in combat. Knowing that is over, closes a chapter in my life, and brings me joy.

Response by Kristen Cook made Aug 20 at 2021 8:20 AM

Kristen Cook — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 08:20:29 -0400

Not surprised at all, this is what we do! What surprises me is that everyone wants to jump on the band wagon and throw fits when those same people havnt even noticed our troops (my husband) has been there for 20 years! Yeah he's home physically, not actually he's at our local VA Residential CPTSD clinic and will be until end of September. He and many more were left over there just like the equipment they no longer have a need for. Trump had us scheduled to be out by May. Biden extended till September. Definitely could and should of been handled differently but would another 20 years make a difference?! Sorry to those who didn't make it back, praying for those who still can and thankful for all who put boots on the ground and would of done another 20 if that's what the mission called for!

Response by SSG Tim Lutz made Aug 20 at 2021 8:44 AM

SSG Tim Lutz — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 08:44:56 -0400

While I expected the taliban to end up in charge of that place, that is easily the worst withdrawal since Saigon.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2021 9:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 09:48:32 -0400

I only served in Iraq. I have a a nephew in the Corps that served both Iraq and Afghanistan. My opinion is that this exodus was doomed the day Biden was elected. Remember the mottos of WWII “Loose lips sinks ships”? As President he should not have told the world our dates and plans to exit that country.

Whoever made the plans to give up that airfield in the desert outside of Kabul outta be drawn and quartered. It would have been an easier exodus from that airfield than the one in Kabul. This exodus is looking more and more like the one when we left Vietnam - a total clusterf*ck.

I truly feel sorry for the people we’re leaving behind, troops and AMERICAN civilians. I am also truly disgusted with how the Biden Administration is handling this. He’s made us the laughingstock of the world.

Response by MSgt Fred Spanier made Aug 20 at 2021 11:03 AM

MSgt Fred Spanier — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 11:03:13 -0400

I couldn’t agree more our president just months ago stated that the Afghan government won’t collapse. As we can see they all ran like a bunch of cowards. We provided them with training and weapons. Now see who has our weapons. God help us. I feel we are on the verge of a major war with one of the biggest armies today. We are so focused on diversity training and paying for people’s sex changes ( by the way. They aren’t deployed until the total process takes place one way or the other). My son is serving now and I pray for his safety every day. Our military is be ruin. People who never served a day in the military think they know it all! I told my wife months ago that the taliban would take over Afghanistan

Response by PO3 Rick Lewis made Aug 20 at 2021 11:37 AM

PO3 Rick Lewis — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 11:37:32 -0400

I guess that I am sad and feel defeated and a sense of hopelessness and frustration for the people and their families there. It's a lot like the way I felt when we left Saigon.

Response by SPC Hector L Hernandez made Aug 20 at 2021 12:20 PM

SPC Hector L Hernandez — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 12:20:59 -0400

I feels angry with the decision of our government to abandon all those people that only wanted to be free of the oppression of some people who only wanted to rule by force and killing there own and abroad by terroristm, like in Vietnam leaving theme on there own,all we needed was to have a present like we had in other places but not we just leave theme like it was at the bigining, and what about our VETERANS who FOUGHT and died but what can you expect from the democrats, we need to learn that if we going to war is to Win not to come back with our tail between our legs

Response by LTC Eric Udouj made Aug 20 at 2021 12:46 PM

LTC Eric Udouj — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 12:46:22 -0400

Move past the need to depart all but a light footprint. I do not think that is the question. But how it was done - abandoning leadership of NATO allies, abandoning our Fortress Embassy first, and after years and years - no NEO plan. WTF!!!! If I had written that plan as a COA - I would have resigned.
But more troubling was that in the sheer chaos of OUR route (not the Afghans), there was not one GO who rose to the occasion and flew in and grabbed command and began organizing on the ground and signaling to the American people what was occurring and what we were. NONE. It showed an inability to understand Information Warfare - as well as the basic groundings of leadership in a crisis. And the failure to do that one item amplified in the effects to a disaster. Every nation turned to look to us at that moment - and no one was there - nor all the way up to the White House. Defeat amplifies failure if no one stands up and changes it. And the effects of it are global... far past anything that was looked at with just withdrawing. Far past it... and saddling the junior leaders and up and coming leaders with a 120 lb ruck full of rocks they will have to carry for the duration.

Response by SSgt Stephen Bramham made Aug 20 at 2021 4:16 PM

SSgt Stephen Bramham — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:16:53 -0400

As a Vietnam vet, I am distraught with how the current administration is handling the situation. Whatever happened to no one left behind? It makes my blood boil.

Response by GySgt Drew Toothman made Aug 20 at 2021 4:31 PM

GySgt Drew Toothman — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:31:21 -0400

“What we did MATTERED, it was for something. Those that say we never should have been there speak from ignorance. They haven’t seen the evil that some of us have, thank God we could spare them that...” https://mentalgrenade.com/desert-rust/.

Response by Sgt Frank Staples made Aug 20 at 2021 5:02 PM

Sgt Frank Staples — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:02:32 -0400

With our government it was only a matter of time. Biden is a follower, not a leader, knows nothing about the military, knows nothing about world affairs, and follows to some extent the "clean black man"! Who also didn't have a clue about how to lead...remember giving weapons to the gangs in Mexico in an effort to do away with out Second Amendment? My opinion now is that any ignorant soul who votes blue deserves whatever they get.

Response by PFC Jennifer Grumbles made Aug 20 at 2021 7:45 PM

PFC Jennifer Grumbles — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 19:45:22 -0400

America has fallen with the Whispering Biden administration. We now have opened the can of worms by letting the Taliban take over . Now China will join the Taliban and screw us without lube. All of our buddies died for nothing .

Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Aug 20 at 2021 8:35 PM

SSG(P) D. Wright Downs — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 20:35:40 -0400

Had I not had to take a medical I would most likely have been on orders at some point before I retired to go. By taking the oath we go and do the job as assigned. When the local NG was called up, I felt left behind. I did a lot of studying of the area and learned about its culture, etc. It was then I hoped it would be a short involvement because its culture would not accept out kind of government. It was as fdifferent from a Republic as VN was and I had lost so many friends and relatives in that one, one way or another. We, as a nation did not need another VN.
As it dragged on, I was getting so disgusted as more lives were lost. Then, the people who we trained would turn on the American Soldiers and Marines…the turned my stomach every time that happened. It further showed me it was not their understanding of our kind of government. They had tribes and we were not tribal government. They had their little bands of family who were nomadic and had their sheep and goats. It was not us.
It took decades to sink in.

Response by Cpl Ernest Thomas made Aug 20 at 2021 10:56 PM

Cpl Ernest Thomas — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 22:56:52 -0400

I believe that POTUS is lost as for what is truly going on. I further believe he he doesn't care about our brothers and sisters gave up. However I do agree that we shouldn't fight a war when the Afghan people won't fight themselves! President Trump started the pull down and the way he did it made sense. However Biden started a shit show of epic proportion with his non-existant exit plans. WTF did he expect?

Response by SPC Kevin Ager made Aug 21 at 2021 3:34 AM

SPC Kevin Ager — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 03:34:49 -0400

I'm feeling a little stressed and sad about leaving so many fine people over there, especially the interpreters.

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made Aug 21 at 2021 1:27 PM

SSG Jason Neumann — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 13:27:08 -0400

My feelings are we should have never been there in the first place for as long as we were. Operations to capture/kill groups associated and responsible with the initial 9/11. However that's a double edge sword. If we kill those people and be on their land, there will be just another pissed off generation to kill the "infidels" who invaded their land. Who killed and captured their father, brother, son, grandfather, siblings and gain revenge.
We should have rendered any and all equipment and arms useless, just like the Afghanistan Army. Some of those Soldiers actually did care about their country. They are scared. Taliban, Al Qaeda, and other terrorist organizations threaten the Afghan Soldiers lives, which when they leave the compound and go back home end up being slaughtered anyway for siding with the "infidels".
I believe we will see a rise in terrorist activities and training camps within the region since there will be no outside military presence and that the Afghan Army will crumble surely to not fight back since there will be no ground or air support.
It's tragic and sucks, since thousands of lives have been given fighting a war that's not our issue. We need to stop being world police and trying to help "fix" or have them "adapt" to our standards. Let them live in their own world. Let them be. We need to worry about our OWN country and how things are going on here. However, if an attack happens to U.S. personnel, you better be ready for a retaliation. We must not be looked as pushovers.

Response by Sgt Gerald LaBruno made Aug 21 at 2021 3:40 PM

Sgt Gerald LaBruno — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 15:40:18 -0400

It reminds me of Vietnam. Although I agree that if the afghan military won't fight for their freedom then we should feel no obligation to help them. That being said we should have evacuated all Americans and Afghan supporters well in advance of the troop withdrawal. Poor planning by the Whitehouse and Pentagon! Now Americans are in danger of losing their lives. We need to send in the Marines, and I mean 50,000 troops with Gunships and tanks to get our Americans out. We cannot rely on the Taliban's word saying we have safe passage. GET THEM OUT Biden!!!

Response by CPO Al West made Aug 21 at 2021 4:00 PM

CPO Al West — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 16:00:35 -0400

My heart goes out to the families of those who gave up their lives. For what? For a lost cause? It happened because their were gutless people in command. Please God help us.

Response by SSG Alan Pelletier made Aug 21 at 2021 8:32 PM

SSG Alan Pelletier — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 20:32:18 -0400

Do we have a general in inventory that has won a war after WWII?

Response by SGT Jackie N Ferrell made Aug 21 at 2021 9:54 PM

SGT Jackie N Ferrell — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 21:54:24 -0400

Where is The Mujahedeen of Afghanistan when you need them.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2021 10:37 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 22:37:05 -0400

Pissed off

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Aug 22 at 2021 1:24 AM

1SG Michael Farrell — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 01:24:25 -0400

I am getting ready psychologically to start writing an article about the difference between stupidity and ignorance. I'm not sure that the original author delineated the ability to think clearly and to learn correctly. There are those of us who are able to learn and absorb recall easier than the rest; there are those who are less able to do so to any great extent. But, for this argument, ignorance is considered innocent. You know that you don't know something, and you admit it. Being stupid is lacking the tools to understand and discuss a situation rationally, and refusing to think, learn and grow. It's also possible that we all go through stages in life when we're not learning and when we refuse to learn.

But if you refuse to learn and to gather information about what you don't know and then find some tools to help understand it, you're stupid. So, when the evidence piles up that you're not quite getting correct, doubling down on what doesn't work is a really lousy way to do business. If you don't think critically about your choices in advisers or in the selection of tools, you're stupid.

When you've got a history -- including a very recent history -- of Country A being able to unite in the general purpose of kicking invaders out, even though when the invaders have gone, you need to take that into account. Then when you have a country that has a history, including a recent history of getting into conflicts and risking more skirting conflicts that ultimately really go south, and then having to leave ungracefully or else stay forever, you need to take that into account in making your decision as well.

The American military is really good at fighting wars that we recognize as such and are willing to kill a hell of a lot of people, destroy a lot of infrastructure, and not confuse Country A with Iowa and expect similar results. As soon as we were looking for justification for actually being in Iraq, we weren't fighting a war any more. When we started paying off warlords to let us play on their territory, we weren't fighting a war any more. So, when Tora Bora ended up with bad guys bodies stacked, the Taliban was no longer in control, and we still wanted to get Bin Laden and associates, we had alternatives besides staying in Afghanistan. The leadership of this nation which seems to bounce around between Better Angels and "a Confederacy of Dunces" didn't want to make that call, and no body with sufficient gravitas and spine stood up to demand something better. So, here we are...

I have nothing but sincere and awestruck at times respect, pride and gratitude for the women and men and dogs who fought these wars -- Afghanistan and Iraq, and for that Syria and Special OPs Warriors doing the same thing. What I do not have is any respect for those who think the exit from Afghanistan is a blot on the national honor. Trump's original exit plan was impossible and largely non-existent. Biden, the most senior person who opposed the Obama surge and did so vehemently, wanted this problem to go away and split the baby between Trump's deadline and infinity. We're arguing about how messy a debacle we would prefer to try and justify.

Like it or not, we are back to the point of needing to figure out what we want as a nation and how we're going to use the military we get. SECDEF Cheney and General Powell in his role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had a concept 30 years ago. I'd start there. We probably should revisit it, with out all the rosy ideas of a peace dividend.

Response by SSG Deron Santiny made Aug 22 at 2021 2:15 AM

SSG Deron Santiny — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 02:15:07 -0400

Although I didn't go to Afghanistan, I have numerous buddies who have been there and suffered life altering injuries and death due to actions of the Taliban and it's sympathizers. To the many men and woman who did go to Afghanistan, I would say that WE (the Military) didn't fail, we as a whole did what was asked of us and made Afghanistan a much better place than it was before our arrival. Again, I can't speak as a Veteran of OEF but I can speak as a Soldier (Retired) who paid with blood, sweat and tears in Iraq. Like Iraq, our Politicians FAILED, not us. The sad part is, the Politicians will blame us for their failures and continue to profit from what they started and continued for 20 years. I know it's not easy to watch, as we see thousands of Afghan citizens who wanted us there, needed us there and helped us while there get left behind by a Career Politician who couldn't care any less about the outcome, as long as he and his party remain in power. Again, WE DIDN'T FAIL, our Politicians did. I will not call them "Leaders" because they couldn't lead themselves down an escalator going one way. It's truly sad that so many Americans (amongst other Warriors) suffered so much pain and loss just to see it thrown away because the "Powers that Be" refuse to listen to the Boots on the Ground. Our Warriors can keep their heads held high because they have earned the Honor and Respect of many for actions taken while fighting an enemy that is comprised of nothing more than COWARDS.

Response by A1C Sandra Rhoades made Aug 22 at 2021 2:36 PM

A1C Sandra Rhoades — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 14:36:58 -0400

It definitely feels like the Vietnam era of Saigon. I was 12 years old when the Vietnam war was going on and I recognized it and I see it happening all over again leaving people behind not caring maybe we'll also get bracelets that will let us pray for the Mia and it may not be dead maybe America just doesn't care how about that and pelosi you're all the crooks

Response by CW3 Debra Irby made Aug 22 at 2021 3:16 PM

CW3 Debra Irby — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 15:16:36 -0400

I want to honor CW3 Eric Totten who was killed in 2006. I served with him in Afghanistan 2002/2003. My prayers to the family. My heart breaks as I can't imagine what they are reliving. Just know it was an honor serving with him.

Response by LCDR Ed Bowen made Aug 22 at 2021 4:39 PM

LCDR Ed Bowen — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 16:39:01 -0400

There was never a mission in Afghanistan that made sense after we killed Osama bin Laden. You set up a democracy in a place where most people don’t believe girls should learn to read, that democracy is going to yield a government that doesn’t teach girls to read. Better we get out sooner than later. I salute the heroic efforts and sacrifices of our military to get all our citizens and allies out of there safely. Thank you for your service.

Response by PO1 Jon Jepsen made Aug 22 at 2021 4:52 PM

PO1 Jon Jepsen — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 16:52:17 -0400

"What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?" I think the better question is: How do we get our people (Americans and loyal Afghani's) out of Afghanistan immediately?

I served in Afghanistan long enough to make some friendships that I deeply care about. I've written numerous SIV letters in support of my Afghani comrades' SIV packages being submitted to the U.S. Dept of State. However, the US Dept of State doesn't appear to be responding. Furthermore these guys , who were loyal and helpful to US forces in Afghanistan and have their papers in order, are being turned away by the Marines at Kabul Airport. WTF is going on?!

Is anybody having any luck with the State Dept?

How do I get in touch with the guys at Task Force Dunkirk?

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Aug 23 at 2021 12:19 AM

SGT Christopher Churilla — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 00:19:33 -0400

I did a tour over there 2011-2012. My unit had 4 KIA and another Soldier took his life. Part of me is disappointed, particularly by the fact it took less than two weeks for the Taliban to return to power. It's like their losses were in vain.

But it's balanced out by the fact we were trying to change a country that had been that way for a lot longer than 20 years. We tried to show them a new way, but either they were unable or unwilling to make that change.

Ultimately it's up to them. As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.

Response by SPC Christopher Krusey made Aug 23 at 2021 7:22 AM

SPC Christopher Krusey — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 07:22:52 -0400

Yeah it was a wonderful idea to pull everyone at one time to make it easier for them to end up on American soil and have another 9/11 all over again. Just GREAT!

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Aug 23 at 2021 7:39 AM

SFC Scott Higgins — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 07:39:57 -0400

I'm dismayed at the way we are exiting. It's like we are abandoning the country, sneak8ng out like thrives in the night. Pulling out, leaving equipment and weapons behind, costly items to give up on. But far worse, with all we know about the Taliban, we are abandoning our allies, those interpreters and their families who will be certainly targets of reprisals. Very sad. It would appear that planning an orderly withdrawal was not even considered. Did we not learn anything from Vietnam?

Response by SSG Mannix Brooks made Aug 23 at 2021 3:35 PM

SSG Mannix Brooks — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 15:35:20 -0400

I feel it was bound to happen. We were attacked by leaders who directed 9/11 and protected by the Taliban. What people don't know is we were negotiating with the Taliban in Texas about an oil pipeline deal despite the human rights violations so was the war with the Taliban or was it with the Taliban to get to Al Qaida and fight them for protecting them? It was certainly never meant to be country building because we kept the mission limited, then immediately went to Iraq fully committed to regime change and reconstruction post war. The limited nature of the war never changed so even though there was regime change the same type of commitment shown in Iraq to full reconstruction was never there. We limited our scope and even though PRT teams did a lot of great things there the cost of building up a country that did not even have 1/16th the infrastructure of Iraq was asking a bit to0 much. Add in all that and the overwhelming corruption of elected officials who got in our way to make it all work too many times to count. Next the Afghan forces, outside of some half way decent units some that some people know of and the Afghan SOF, the rest did as little as possible and watched us fight. What a happened when we finally had enough was exactly what every troop has been saying all along but it still hurt but we did our best to help them and unfortunately the majority of their people acted like we were never leaving and dragged their feet on ever taking the lead. Our troops did what the could with one hand tied behind their backs. We had both our politicians and theirs get in the way too often and worse turned the war into something it was never intended to be. I say we were there 9 years too long. Taliban are not a people or racial group, it's a religious ideology, and only the Afghan people could defeat that however were they ever unified in that effort? It did not have to get as messy as it did because the people being evacuated could have a should have been slowly removed quietly over a year as we scaled back quietly while maintaining some semblance of a fight until we were ready to go and it would not be this humanitarian evac mess. For people who watch wrestling imagine a tag team match where every time you got tired and wanted to tag out your partner ignored you and when they tagged in they were immediately tagging back out. Our fight was to get rid of terrorists; their fight was for their country and somehow they forgot that part. I say we did and awesome job, the best we could with the tools we were given despite the mission creep, outside interference, and imposed limitations. Lastly wasn't this supposed to be an unlimited war on terror everywhere. We were mandated to go there because the Taliban was protecting terrorist but politicians turned a blind eye to do anything about Pakistan protecting the Taliban that I might add they helped create.

Response by SPC James Harper made Aug 24 at 2021 11:55 AM

SPC James Harper — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 11:55:10 -0400

I was only Iraq but my father was Vietnam vet n I see similarities between Afghanistan and Vietnam. As supply specialist I feel it is a waste of time resources and troops. In my view they are same except the location and climate. Has anyone learned from history Afghanistan has been meddled with for as long as I know. Russian could not control the region so it's doomed to repeat alot. Learn from history and what there is to learn. Don't repeat same ones.

Response by CW3 Michael Bodnar made Aug 24 at 2021 1:12 PM

CW3 Michael Bodnar — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 13:12:35 -0400

This was an utter failure by the senior leadership in our country - pure and simple. They were told on numerous occasions this was going to happen and it could happen very quickly. They didn't seem to care what anyone was telling them and went into this situation without a care in the world in my opinion. When I think about it, I am more upset at our country now being the laughing stock of the free world. How in the world did we ever get here. Now that this is happening, I fear that super powers will flock right in with open arms and fill the void we have now left. To the service men and women, contractors, and civilians who gave everything they had (some didn't come home at all), I salute your service. You did the jobs that were asked of you and everyone should hold their heads high in that regard. I pray this doesn't lead to the total destruction of our way of life because we're on the brink of loosing everything!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2021 6:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:16:12 -0400

I am crushed that military was evacuated before civilians. I feel some have been left to die.

Response by SPC Michael Terrell made Aug 25 at 2021 12:46 PM

SPC Michael Terrell — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 12:46:52 -0400

This is all the fault 0f the scammers who installed a fool in the White House.

Response by SSG James N. made Aug 26 at 2021 9:19 AM

SSG James N. — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 09:19:58 -0400

Going in, history was about to repeat one more time. If you could not feel the energy of the Persians, Carthaginians, the Romans, the Imperial British of old, and the Russians, you had no idea we were simply the next ones to follow suit. Afghanistan was a beautiful place until the Russians came.
I do digress though. Know this, each tour we individually made reflects highly or mediocrity on our service. We did great things or we sat and drank Green Beans. Two generations of people were taught peace and freedom. Two generations of girls were taught these things. These kids are now late teens and early 20's. You want them to try and fight a newly armed Taliban?
The current administration should be hung for treason. They have assisted the enemy, provided aid and comfort with millions of dollars, weapons, technology, and the ability to carry a fight far outside their borders. That stuff should have been and must be destroyed

Response by SSG Steven Chirco made Aug 26 at 2021 1:59 PM

SSG Steven Chirco — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:59:04 -0400

I have very strong but mixed emotions on the Afghanistan quagmire that has happened. It was going happen now or any time before, but there was no planning, coordinating, communication with military forces and/or the alphabet community on the ground it seems. I know we all cried, bled, hurt, died but also fought honorably giving 100%. And with the way we exited is not the way we fought! It puts a black eye on all of us that fight over there. And it appears with this Bulls*** administration, they failed to give any credence to those of us that fought and died for that damned country. Anger, anxiety, fear for my family and close friends. Because the President has now shown a great weakness to the wickedness in the world that we handed weapons, classified commo equipment, attack vehicles and helicopters. All this did was embolden the Taliban Terrorists threat and will lead to increased attacks! Which may include in the U.S. To ALL my brothers and sisters in arms you have a lot to be proud of and do not ever forget that!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2021 8:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 20:03:38 -0400

I've just been depressed and feeling disenfranchised. That what my unit did, what my team did was for nothing. Being in tradoc with days blending together and under manned strength, I can't even see behavior health to talk it out. By the time I'm home I only got the strength to get my child dinner and be ready for school the next day.

Response by CSM Bob Stanek made Aug 27 at 2021 7:55 PM

CSM Bob Stanek — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 19:55:42 -0400

I'm not sure who I'm more disappointed with - the president or the Joint Chiefs. giving up Bagram Air Base was a fool's blunder. Everything sits differently if we hold the base.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Aug 28 at 2021 10:11 AM

MAJ Montgomery Granger — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 10:11:59 -0400

It is an abomination many times more horrible than Benghazi, where State Department bureaucrats, technocrats and politicians put their wrongheaded ideas above and beyond the professional military planners and leaders who knew better. The Biden administration abandoned the logistical and military infrastructure, did not anticipate or prepare for the worst case scenario and are responsible for all the death and destruction already perpetrated by our enemies and those yet to come. Until all Islamists are dead or no longer have the means and will to kill us, we must defend ourselves by all means necessary. Gitmo is a small piece to the big puzzle of how we win the Global War On Terror (GWOT). It must be revitalized and filled up. Geneva conventions allow the incarceration of even lawful combatant POWs without charge or trial "until the end of hostilities." Hooah!

Response by SFC Patrick R. Weston, MPH made Aug 28 at 2021 4:28 PM

SFC Patrick R. Weston, MPH — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 16:28:37 -0400

I think like a lot of us who served in Afghanistan, we are asking ourselves "what was the point?" And I believe we have every right to feel that way, especially in the light of the sacrifices we've made, injuries we've endured, and those we lost. After my initial feelings of anger and betrayal, I had to ask myself "what did you expect the outcome to be in Afghanistan?" As any student of history knows, Afghanistan is known as the graveyard of empires; campaigns from Alexander of Macedonia to the unstoppable British empire to the technologically advanced Soviet Union all failed in their attempts to colonize/stabilize/modernize Afghanistan. As Servicemembers, we don't set foreign policy, we enforce it. If any of you are feeling especially aggrieved, I would say contact your elected officials and have your say. If you are especially determined to make a tangible difference, run for office, or seek positions in government that would benefit from your experience and perspectives as a Veteran. So long as foreign policy is conducted from a self-sealing bubble, and commanders on the ground are forced to send up positive sitrep regarding the status of partner forces' training status, what we see now will only happen again the next time. And there will be a next time.

Response by CPL Brian Clouser made Aug 29 at 2021 10:34 AM

CPL Brian Clouser — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 10:34:35 -0400

Personally, I believe that Biden Harris and Sec, of Defense, should be tried for treason under Atr 3 Sec 3 of the US Constitution and The joint chiefs tried for deletion of duty.

Response by SSgt Roland Atwell made Aug 29 at 2021 4:21 PM

SSgt Roland Atwell — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 16:21:34 -0400

I'm mad as hell! There must be many resignations or people fired for incompetence!

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 29 at 2021 5:21 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 17:21:22 -0400

it was a scam. Crooks in Congress were making billions. The Taliban survived because no one was chasing them. Worse than Vietnam for just plain stealing.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Aug 29 at 2021 5:38 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 17:38:39 -0400

I feel for today's service memebers and have to think they feel the same as we Nam Veterans when the NVA moved into and overran Saigon in '75. Like in Nam, we've again deserted far too many of those who put their lives on the line by supporting us. Everyone thinks the Taliban are a bunch of stoneage heathens. While they are that, they also have many highty technical savvy members and since we've given them the names of those we'd LIKE to have safe passage, it's almost a guarantee that intel will be used to capture, torture and murder those who worked with us.
Bottom line - shameful that we didn't learn from our past - specifically from Vietnam.

Response by SFC Josh Billingsley made Aug 29 at 2021 7:51 PM

SFC Josh Billingsley — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 19:51:58 -0400

I'm glad we are finally bringing this to an end, but I do wish more careful thought and planning had been put into this withdrawl. I am really disappointed with how this has been handled and I'm praying we can still get everyone out who needs to.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Aug 29 at 2021 10:01 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 22:01:05 -0400

First, I cannot be more proud of all our Servicemembers who served in the Region. Second, a withdrawal from the AOR was an objection of both the Current and the Previous Administration. Conclusion, we were getting out, one way or the other.

Now, the differences. The Previous Administration would have had a plan that would have been better than the implemented plan of the Current Administration. The Previous Administration would likely have Not put up with the Taliban doing Anything like what it's doing now.

Now to say something you might not like: It's possible that the Current Administration was slow-rolled by the Military Leadership. At that point, the POTUS (or advisors to the POTUS, who would adopt the advice) would just say "Just do it!" We need to understand that when the POTUS gives an order, we comply. The POTUS will see the consequences at the next election (or even the next Mid-Terms).

Response by LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr made Aug 30 at 2021 3:38 AM

LTC Leonard M. Manning, Sr — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 03:38:58 -0400

I am disappointed with the operation to withdraw our troops and support from Afghanistan. On one hand I do believe that the U.S. needed to depart the country. After 20 years, a trillion dollars, and many American lives it was time to leave. However, the departure should have been a military operation that was planned to the last piece of equipment. Should NOT have been a cut and run endeavor. What we are seeing now is the very opposite of a professional military maneuver. This has damaged the U.S. status on the world stage and will take many years to recover from.

As for our Afghanistan allies, we have a responsibility to honor our committments to them. We promised them a better life in the States if they assisted us during the campaign. They kept faith with us, they assisted us, they taught us, and in some cases they protected us from damger. We need to evacuate them and their families under force of arms if necessay. However, we do not need to evacuate every Afghan in the country. That is NOT our responsibility; and I don't think that the majority of personnel on flights should be men - they should be women and children. The men need to stay and fight for their country and their freedom.

The is my opinion reflecting 1 year of deployment as a U.S. Army LTC and 12 years as a U.S contractor working with Afghan military forces.

Response by MSG Kevin Elliott made Aug 30 at 2021 11:15 AM

MSG Kevin Elliott — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:15:03 -0400

I am angry and upset. We spent a lot, as a nation, fighting the Taliban over the last 20 year. Lives, money, resources, time, etc. This can never be measured against the horrible way that Afghanistan has fallen back under Taliban control. We must be forever indebted to those who answered the country's call and made the ultimate sacrifice and other sacrifices. Hopefully, the nation will remember these sacrifices for many, many years to come.
It seems like the politicians made decisions either without or disregarding the input of the commanders on the ground. It seems like the majority of people we were trying to help, didn't want to help themselves, they only wanted us to protect and save them. Look at how fast the Afghan president left the country, and the speed with which the Taliban took over. How many weapons, vehicles, and how much ammunition fell into their hands? They not only took over, but strengthened their positions from before American involvement.
This country needs to think long and hard before it becomes reinvolved in this area. We also need to do a much better job of evacuating Americans and our allies from Afghanistan.

Response by SGT William Benson made Aug 30 at 2021 11:26 AM

SGT William Benson — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:26:15 -0400

We couldn't and shouldn't be there forever. We tried to bring that country, kicking and screaming into the 20th Century, and they just plain didn't want it. The bad guys screwed the pooch, they could have had reliable electricity, clean water, medical care, and we would have been gone within five years if they had just left us alone, but they didn't.
I am most pissed about the total Charlie Foxtrot withdrawl, and the factors influencing the timeline. A boot Lieutenant writing on the inside of a matchbook with a grease pencil could have done better, and 13 brothers and sisters paid the price for it... I don't have much confidence that any heads wi roll in the the top tiers of "leadership".
We have already watch one LtCol get blown out of the water because he wanted accountibility... That's what makes me IRATE about this whole train wreck.

Response by SSG Jacob Wiley made Aug 30 at 2021 12:01 PM

SSG Jacob Wiley — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:01:00 -0400

This is garbage. We have turned our backs on our countrymen, our allies, and those we promised to help. We are embarrassed on an international stage, tucking tail and running after we literally allowed our enemy of twenty years take over and dictate terms of our exit. WE ARE LETTING THE TALIBAN, WHOM ARE PARADING AROUND IN US MILITARY UNIFORMS, GEAR, AND WEAPONRY, "pull security" and have check points up for the airport? What in the actual shit is this? WE LOST the war, and the enemy, whom is also still considered a terrorist organization, is gloating by parading around in our shit. That's a psychological jab at their victory also.

POTUS cannot be disturbed with it and the high brass is more concerned with their paychecks and retirement than upholding the values instituted by each branch. The same values they evaluate their subordinates by. Talk about not practicing what they preach.

Lt. Col Sheller sacked up and said this is wrong, and wants accountability - as a leader should, and it's cost him everything.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Aug 30 at 2021 1:51 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 13:51:03 -0400

It's kinda' looking like we (the general public) are giving our returning Afghanistan servicemembers more respect then we gave our returning Viet Nam veterans. I was only a teen at that time, but that was truly sad. While the circumstances could certainly be better, I'm happy that we're giving our returning vets more respect (assuming my perceptions are correct).

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Aug 30 at 2021 1:59 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 13:59:20 -0400

My gut feeling is that the Taliban has for as long as there is a Democrat as POTUS and/or control of Congress is Democrat, to be/do whatever the [deleted] they want to be. Once the GOP gets back into the White House, and/or the GOP take back Congress, then they might need to consider how to play nice. If I were them, I'd use the present time to practice.

Of course, they're not me, and are likely unwilling to listen to my advice. In that case, I'll get some popcorn...

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Aug 30 at 2021 2:50 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 14:50:47 -0400

If Trump was President (as he rightfully is) that wouldn't have happened.
We got people who are so delusional that 'mean tweets' ruin their entire lives and now look at Dementia Pedo Joe.
Great job! Ignoring America. Rising prices in a lot of things.
Mounting evidence of election fraud by the Left and so much COVID misinformation.
Recently leanred we got some 'transgender thing/it' E6 who's talking about shooting American people?
I don't care what is in Afghanistan or Iraq. Leave those sh**holes, bring all Americans home, and finish the wall while running it up CAs eastern border. Put another on our N border.
America FIRST permanently and a lot of our problems will get fixed.

Response by SFC Freddie Porter made Aug 30 at 2021 7:58 PM

SFC Freddie Porter — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 19:58:20 -0400

It seems no one in a leadership position in today’s military has ever heard of a thermite grenade. Pull pion as you’re existing the AO. Don’t leave anything sensitive for the enemy to have and/or use.

Response by SPC Cherie Sanabia made Aug 31 at 2021 11:44 AM

SPC Cherie Sanabia — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 11:44:22 -0400

I am heartsick, frustrated, and feeling betrayed by this administration. No, it would probably never have been an easy withdrawal, but we don't leave our brothers, sisters, military dogs and allies behind. We don't secure a civilian airport when we have a military one that is bigger and better defended. We don't leave $85B in weaponry behind to fully arm our enemies. This should make every American mad and those responsible should be held accountable! Period.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 9:33 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 21:33:23 -0400

Our brave men and women sacrificed so much, some did not make it through to the end. And for what? For this? I don't disagree with getting out... but the way it was done was lacking strategy... and I am being very generous.

Response by LTC Michael Hrycak made Sep 1 at 2021 8:01 AM

LTC Michael Hrycak — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 08:01:16 -0400

I still remember this part of our curriculum at Command and General Staff College- civilian leadership of the military. It is difficult to understand, but it would appear that the withdrawal of forces was not becoming of a military operation, almost capitulating to civilian leadership in the wrong areas. I am personally concerned, just as I was when the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, GEN Milley testified before Congress that he wants to know what "white rage" caused the January 6, 2021, attack of the Capitol Building. Our military is not a corporate feel good entity, but a well organized and trained machine of war. We are concerned about winning wars, not social experiments. In the Army, we are all green, and when this is violated, then the leadership takes corrective action. Finally, I saw the deployment of the National Guard to Washington, DC, as a total failure of military leadership. Military support of Civilian Authorities is one of the missions we train for, but the degradation of perishable military skills or our National Guard, as well as the improper employment in a law enforcement role, should have heads rolling, just as this embarrassing Afghan withdrawal.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2021 9:12 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:12:59 -0400

If a terminator tells me he can kill off the rats in my house for only $50, GREAT! If I come back to find he burned my house down, well, I'm a little less enthusiastic about his methodology. It's not the "what" but the "how" and it's ramifications that disturb me.
I believe we had two opportunities to leave with our heads held high:
1. Under "W" after the Taliban were driven out, Al Qaeda was in shambles and OBL was scurrying away.
2. Under BHO right after the SEALS put a hole in OBL's head.
I'm not surprised that terrorists have taken it back over; Hell, it's their f***ing country and the non-terrorists can't seem to hold it therefore, so be it.
I fear the 2020's post-Afghanistan military will look like the 1970's Army post-Vietnam military and with China's machinations in the Pacific and in the cyber world, this does not portend a bright next few years.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Sep 2 at 2021 2:29 PM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 14:29:00 -0400

I believe we lost our way. We can’t establish American culture and colonize foreign lands. We can help them, but if it takes 20 years, what are we really doing? Our national security interests have been global. With today’s technology and the belief that we should interfere only when there is a national defense reason. Otherwise, diplomacy and aide to build allies. Invest our blood and money wisely with the foundation that we use full force in targeted missions. Colonizing drains resources and creates enemies. Ask the British or the Russians. I’m glad that Biden ended what Trump started. It is never pretty when you leave. There is a sadness and feeling of loss, but we were as successful as we could ever hope for considering the context and culture. This was not a wasted effort or mission. We gave them a chance to change. Let’s hope they figure the rest out.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 3 at 2021 12:07 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 12:07:06 -0400

No one can ever know if we would have had future attacks whil the country was under control, what we do know is the is no evidence that any attacks, large or small that have been based out of the country. As we have Military deployed around the globe for strategic reasons, this was as well. I would venture to bet that no Intel professional who has been a part of the data mining and analysis thinks it was wise to give this up.

I won’t drone on, the force that should have remained would have been in an advisory/air strike control team. The numbers in the low thousands. I will say that not staying and providing over watch for the Afghan Army was a mistake that we will pay for for years to come.

God Bless our Service Members, and our country. I pray I am wrong.

Response by 1SG Todd Sullivan made Sep 4 at 2021 11:41 AM

1SG Todd Sullivan — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 11:41:42 -0400

The whole thing is disgusting, and now the Taliban are holding Americans hostage until the US Government recognizes them a legitimate! Unbelievable how did we get here, who is going to pay for this? Someone needs to be held accountable and not just a single someone either.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Sep 4 at 2021 12:01 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 12:01:07 -0400

My deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 was to front line train the Afghan National Police (ANP) and Afghan Border Patrol (ABP). We had about 200 Asian Security Group (ASG) personnel and 100 local national workers, interpreters/translators to be managed by about 75 US troops. My experience has given me a very cynical view of the Afghan people which I won't delve into. Because of that experience I predicted for years that the Afghan government would fall 24 hours after a NATO/US pullout. The fact the Afghan government lasted 11 days deserves a golf clap.

To my fellow Afghan veterans I have this: we did our jobs. It doesn't matter if you were a grunt, cook, MP, engineer, or a human resource specialist that never threw on your armor. We did the job required of us. Those that were injured, perished there, or fighting the war that followed them home did their jobs too. Their lives were not in vain and should never be forgotten. Never let the poor decisions by politicians and politically motivated ranking service members detract from the mission you did and accomplished.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2021 12:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 12:38:15 -0400

Sometimes the politics in the government makes your efforts meaningless. The only thing left meaningful is making sure your buddies come back home safe with you. Right now 200 American civilians were left behind.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 5 at 2021 1:32 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 01:32:23 -0400

A real FUBAR

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Sep 5 at 2021 11:27 AM

SFC Gary Fox — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 11:27:00 -0400

I was there twice and quite frankly thought we could never win this war. The problem is our elected leaders will not let the military do what it's supposed to do. Instead they establish these ridiculous rules of engagement that many times tied our hands.

During World War II, Eisenhower and McArthur's hands weren't tied. Their job was to defeat the enemy and we did. Politics started to get involved in how we fight wars during the Korean war. Truman fired McArthur because he spoke the truth. We had the North Koreans and the Chinese on the run, but when they crossed back over the 38th Parallel, he was told to stop pursuing them. That allowed them to regroup and resupply and come back across once again.

The wars in Vietnam and Afghanistan have so much in common. I remember the fall of Saigon very well. I was stationed at Ft. Eustis and watched it on the news. All the Vietnam veterans in my company were pissed.

Response by SSG Bob Teachout made Sep 6 at 2021 2:16 PM

SSG Bob Teachout — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:16:02 -0400

In one sense, we did not accomplish the mission
BUT - there was no mission.
In war time - we should demand unconditional surrender.
if ii takes 10 divisions to accomplish the mission - send in 15

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Sep 8 at 2021 11:49 AM

PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 11:49:05 -0400

To put it point blank… I’m pissed, sad, hurt, degraded, but most of all scared! I lost several friends in Afghanistan. I’ve lost several friends from suicide who returned jacked up from Afghanistan. Now we are watching everything we tried to help with over there disappear in minutes!

Response by SFC William Linnell made Sep 8 at 2021 5:02 PM

SFC William Linnell — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 17:02:09 -0400

That is one heck of a question SSG. One that does touch the strings of those who physically trained and did missions with the Afghan National Army, National Police and Afghan Border Police.

I actually went over with a team of Advisers for the 201st Kandak, ABP along the Pak/Afghan border. The situation that happened could be blamed on our politicians and the Pakistan Government, who are suppose to be our allies/friends. As we reported on this back in 07' having the PakMil train, house and equip groups against the New Afghan government and its allies. We have caught PakMil in civilian clothes driving in Afghanistan with loads of weapons, ammo, grenades, RPGs. We even reported on a PakMil training site which was confirmed by some people.

So all the ground that the Tali took in such a quick fashion, mostly contributed without a shot being fired. We knew that the Afghan forces could not would not stand against anyone if we were there for them to "prove" themselves. That's the only time they actually showed initiative. Once it hit time for lunch that was it. They became lounge lizards. So it is of no surprise to a good deal of those who served/trained directly with them.

Also a huge blame goes to the Afghan government itself with Karzi. For fear of a coupe' they kept the three branches at odds with each other. With the main focus for everything going to the National Army, then the National Police and lastly for the scraps was the Border Police. Their whole government was corrupt. Could never track down or get a clear view of their pay. With the Pay officer taking his cut, then the Kandak Commanders down to Company Commanders. They would keep men on the books even though they upped and disappeared.

So with the news coming out of men not being paid for months, I understand how a lot of them just changed clothes and went home. Family is more important to them. Where were the US advisers that was suppose to be helping the new president in advising him with the Nations money? Looks like their President took off with a lot of it. The so called "political advisers" screwed the pooch here. They failed the US taxpayer, US forces and allies and worse they failed the Afghan People.

Upon hearing how our "experts" didn't see this coming? They all should be fired. They failed at their jobs and ignored decades worth of valuable intel of just how quickly the Afghan country would fall. it was all right there written in black n white and for what ever reason, whether they were too high on themselves, too smug, or just plain stupid passing up false analysis to make themselves look good, they seriously screwed that one up.

Upon the notice of President Trump saying that the US was going to start pulling it's troops out, the "geniuses" should've have had a plan in play to start the second round of screening of the Afghans that served the US and other allies. Since they were heavily screened before they could work for us and come onto any camp or FOB. So a second part to get them cleared should've been the last step before getting them on the planes. Another epic failure.

Now, with Bagram being the main hub of ALL that was Allied Forces, should never have been vacated. It was much more fortified than Kabul air field and could house those thousands of Afghans and American civilians with ease. They wouldn't have had the cluster they did at Kabul. But the "geniuses" in charge took a double whammy on that one.

Now we hit on the most heated topic. How in the name of Christmas baby Jesus did ALL those SENSITIVE ITEMS get left behind?? We all know that those sensitive items are individually signed for. It's a life or death situation for the individual to lose them. SO who was the authority that said specifically to leave them behind?? Plus to leave all those vehicles and helicopters serviceable? Those should've all been treated with a thermite grenade. Along with some much other equipment.

Now the Biden Admin is bargaining with the Tali like their a legit government?? It's only going to lead to an avalanche of other would be terror groups to be pushing for the same. They already done it with the Muslim Brotherhood. Everything that has happened and will continue to happen is ALL on Biden and his Administration. They can't use Trump as an escape goat, all his fault excuse. Own it and take responsibility for your actions. It's what is meant to be in the leadership position. Complete incompetence.

Was that too much?? I guess I could've made it short by saying, A complete and total command failure. I hate every action that was taken and so very embarrassed and ashamed of the President and his Cabinet.

Response by SFC William Linnell made Sep 8 at 2021 5:05 PM

SFC William Linnell — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 17:05:50 -0400

Response by MSG Joe Hemphill made Sep 8 at 2021 8:29 PM

MSG Joe Hemphill — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 20:29:48 -0400

After serving in this area and also having my Son serve here I feel that the current leadership has failed the Afgan people our allies and our Nation. God Bless the USA and our Service Members and our fallen Heros.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Sep 8 at 2021 10:37 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 22:37:04 -0400

Our Nation, being led by a Liberal, Senile, politician that will never put America First, has snatched Defeat from the Jaws of Victory and he and his cabinet and advisers deserve to be tried for treason.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Sep 8 at 2021 11:49 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 23:49:56 -0400

I sincerely hope this is fresh enough in people's minds about a year from now.

Response by PO3 Thomas Martinez made Sep 9 at 2021 8:15 AM

PO3 Thomas Martinez — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 08:15:42 -0400

I'm not surprised the Taliban never left they were in the army. That's why they folded so easily.

Response by PO1 Ricky Allen made Sep 10 at 2021 11:47 AM

PO1 Ricky Allen — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 11:47:01 -0400

When you think about the time spent from family, friends.
When you think about the lives lost.
When you think about everything politically connected to this, yes, you can and will be angry, so I’m not going to say the anger isn’t justified. I was a Journalist on an Aircraft Carrier during that time. I can recall the 1MC calls on how the fighter jets were hitting their marks and the encouragement of mission. I can recall the times I called my wife and watched my son grow up on a VHS tape (when that was a thing…) I can recall helping my shipmates battle depression, crumbled marriages and career drama.

Yet, there was still a mission to complete on top of all of this. So when I saw what was happening you realize we didn’t build solid foundation but a sandcastle — It looked good but completely erased at a moments notice of a strong wave.

But I’m a Believer in Jesus Christ, and sometimes things have to happen for things to happen. First thing never looks good, but God is Alpha and Omega. We have thousands that have come to the country and need to be helped mentally, physically, and spiritually. These are foundations we should have built in their homeland. This is our second chance to build in their hearts. That’s how I take it, that’s how I’m thinking, and you don’t have to agree. We’re all sharing here.

Regret eats at the heart and weakens the spine. We need strong Veterans and Servicemembers. We need people who will work this land called life, and pull the weeds, plant the seeds, and harvest when ready. Give thanks when appropriate, and have hope always.

And if you read this to the end, you’re part of what changes. Good luck.

Response by PO3 Thomas Martinez made Sep 10 at 2021 12:09 PM

PO3 Thomas Martinez — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:09:09 -0400

Taliban never left they made it look like they did. How do you tell the difference.

Response by LTC Patrick Turner made Sep 11 at 2021 9:57 PM

LTC Patrick Turner — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 21:57:09 -0400

The conduct is the President us a disgrace. Abandoning American citizens and frequent half truths are embarrassing and totally unnecessary

Response by SPC Bill Ratajczak made Sep 11 at 2021 11:17 PM

SPC Bill Ratajczak — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 23:17:17 -0400

I am ashamed that our government handled the pull out this way. We did exactly the wrong things at the wrong time.

Response by SSG Tim Jessen made Sep 16 at 2021 11:52 PM

SSG Tim Jessen — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 23:52:22 -0400

This is going to be a time where we have to stick together a lot more. The politicians need to be more concerned about the constitution and what it means instead running their own agenda. The government is going down hill. And it’s those that have been in those positions for 20 plus years that need to be replaced.

Response by SSG Daryl White made Sep 20 at 2021 7:38 PM

SSG Daryl White — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 19:38:31 -0400

When I sign up for this I knew this Ugly war would end one day. I did many mission in country Baby sitting The ANA's Training these soldiers blood and sweat. I agree our leaders should of given a emergency meeting with our leaders and allies in this big move and ask if our allies wants to take over if they had any back bone to take on this task but we blame our country for some thing that would of came to and end sooner or later no one is saying any thing about there leader that took his staff and money and fled his own country we gave them the equipment to secure his own country. It were time to take the big bottle out there mouth and let the ANA take over we only spoil them rotten. I take my hat off for those who help The U.S and have much respect for the ones who gave all and were willing to stand up for what were right. Lets move on get ready for China and Russia they planning to take us down. Lets fix home USA We are starting to Crumble deep in side so lets stand together and fix our issue.

Response by CH (MAJ) Tim Meier, SJ made Sep 22 at 2021 4:28 AM

CH (MAJ) Tim Meier, SJ — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 04:28:15 -0400

I believe we were sold a bill of goods twenty years ago; Afghanistan didn't attack us -- most of the hijackers were from Saudi Arabia. Moreover, in the HISTORY OF THE WORLD, no foreign power has *ever* been able to attack, subdue, and change the culture of that region of the world -- to include the Soviet Union which SHARED A BORDER with them!! How the hell could we believe we could change the culture over there?? Finally, we were set up by previous administrations for failure in withdrawing from our involvement there.

With regard to the withdrawal: NOTHING IN THE PRESENT CAN CHANGE THE REALITY OF THE PAST. This means, then, that military service characterized by valor, courage, intrepidity, guts, integrity, honor, loyalty, duty, discipline, patriotism, etc. HAS NOT BEEN CHANGED AT ALL BY ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION IN THE PRESENT!!! It may SEEM to make "emotional sense" to say "our service and sacrifice back then over there mean nothing now because of what's happened in the present." No matter what has happened in the present, the present cannot ever change the past! That means that ALL our military service characterized by valor, courage, intrepidity, guts, integrity, honor, loyalty, duty, discipline, patriotism, etc., back then over there STILL HAS ALL OF ITS VALOR, COURAGE, INTREPIDITY, GUTS, INTEGRITY, HONOR, LOYALTY, DUTY, DISCIPLINE, PATRIOTISM -- AND VALUE, no matter whatever else has taken place recently.

I did not join the military until I was in my 50s with no prior service, in 2006. I believed then that we had been lied to about WMD, and that we'd have been better to have "bombed them with butter" (i.e. spent gazzillions of dollars building infrastructure, schools, hospitals, etc. in Afghanistan, given even my rudimentary knowledge of the military history of the place). Given my views at that time, *I* was the type of person whom certain bloviators on cable news were saying "hated the troops." None of them signed up to serve, but I fucking did! None of them would have had to go to the lengths I did in order to garner the age and other waivers I needed in order to be able to serve. None of them would have dreamed of deploying in uniform to a war zone without a weapon, but I did! So to the naysayers who will try to denigrate *my* service because of what I've written here: blessings upon you, and thank you for *your* service!

Response by SGT Justin Singleton made Sep 22 at 2021 6:47 PM

SGT Justin Singleton — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 18:47:00 -0400

Although I never served in Afghanistan (I was OIF), it breaks my heart to see this.

Response by SGT Dc Townes made Sep 23 at 2021 5:29 PM

SGT Dc Townes — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 17:29:15 -0400

Not surprised, but it was long enough.

Response by PO1 James Akins made Sep 23 at 2021 6:05 PM

PO1 James Akins — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 18:05:54 -0400

I have never served with any ground troops while serving in the navy but they have my undying respect and gratitude for the things that they did and sacrificed. Being over there. I firmly believe that there was nothing to be gained in being in there, we propped up the government and kept the wolves at the gate but in the end it all came crashing down and made the “United States” look bad. We took the brunt of the pain even though there was other countries still present assisting us. I also believe in president “Biden’s” comment that the military should be the last resort in any world situation. I believe if we use our military it should be a swift and decisive action not a long drawn out war or campaign, but before we go to war we do everything in our power to prevent it diplomatically. The people and even the worlds governments and leaders have to come to realize that there is no place to run anymore. There was a time if you didn’t like where you lived you could just up and move but in today’s world that can’t happen because every where you go there’s problems that have to be dealt with. The world even though it is large is getting smaller everyday and we have to start getting along. I feel real sad for all involved what happened was a great personal tragedy but in the end it was what needed to be done and some far off day we will be thankful it happened but not for the loss.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2021 9:25 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 09:25:22 -0400

I grieve and pray for those we abandoned. But my opinion of and feelings toward the U.S. decisionmakers in this event will not be expressed in a professional forum. Make of that what you will.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Sep 24 at 2021 11:29 PM

SGT Scott Henderson — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 23:29:28 -0400

It was to be expected; anything else is just seeing yourself up for disappointment. People have attempted to conquer that region over and over again throughout history an NO outsider has ever been able to do it. The only people capable ate Afghanis themselves. However, constant attack and power in ever changing hands has taught them that everything is temporary and the best way to survive is to keep your head down and wait it out.

Response by SN Kristi Kalis made Sep 25 at 2021 12:52 PM

SN Kristi Kalis — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 12:52:48 -0400

When tfg surrendered to them, it was inevitable they would take over the country. They had a year to make deals with the tribal leaders. I don't think the sacrifices of our service members were in vain. We did a lot of good for the Afghanis.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2021 4:41 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 16:41:55 -0400

SSG Madden,
Due to my current duty status I cannot tell you my true feelings. As I told my youngest son who is still in college. When he asked me in the midst of our Soldiers and Marines returning to Kabul to rescue our civilians and Afghanistan allies who wished to evacuate. “Son, as you know I spent 22 months of my 34 months of deployment after 9-11 in Afghanistan and the vast majority of it in Kabul. I am truly saddened at the recent turn of events and that’s all I can say in this forum. Perhaps when you come home for Christmas I can elaborate more. Until then just know that it tears at my heart to even think about it.” Sergeant Madden, I’m sorry I could not be more open with you, but ask me again after I retire and you and I are sharing stories of I time in the military around a camp fire with a cold drink of each of our choosing. Until then God bless.

Jimmy T. Robinson
MSG, USA

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 25 at 2021 6:30 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 18:30:51 -0400

Thank you my friend SSG Carlos Madden for posting a poignant question.
International affairs tend to be problematic at the national level and range from financial and power gain at local level to devastation of ways of life, families, and towns and villages.
1. Afghanistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (the tribal lands) of Pakistan have been intertwined for generations.
2. The Pakistani intelligence [ISI] has enabled camps for training among the various terror groups which operate primarily in Afghanistan. The ISI shielded Bin Laden for scrutiny. The ISI 'guard's the wives and children of terror groups in the northwestern. In this way they have leverage over what the groups do [to an extent, most likely].
3. I am glad that Congress is looking into our relationship with Pakistan. I hope we will work to label the ISI as a terror supporting organization and take appropriate action against their funding streams, etc.
4. I was saddened that the coordination on the drawdown was so unorganized [hindsight] at the strategic level. We transferred Bagram to the Taliban before using its airfield to evacuate foreign nationals, SIV holders, etc. We did not inform the Germans and other allies until the decision to close the base was fulfilled. This also enabled the Taliban to free the terrorists imprisoned there.
5. No doubt there were contingency plans at various echelons [in varying degrees of planning stages] from pessimistic [rapid Taliban sweep] though the expected year-end Taliban sweep. The fact that we unilaterally pulled back our air support and drone support was a bad strategic and operational decision IMHO. The Taliban [potentially ISIL-K as well] had been killing US trained pilots before the evacuation escalated. We had trained the Afghan national military to fight with air support and intel including drone support. When we pulled out all of that air cover, we left the afghan national military to the intel assets of IS, etc.
6. The ISI was instrumental in the offensive to capture Panjshir province where those able to flee to join the resistance gathered. Taliban claims to control the province yet the remote areas still hold some rebel strongholds, most likely.
7. My heart goes out to the women, girls and those men who assisted us and allied forces in Afghanistan. I am thankful that volunteers have been working to get many out of Afghanistan. I hope and pray that many more will be able to be extricated in the coming month.

FYI Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. LTC Jeff Shearer LTC Bill Koski LTC Greg Henning Maj Marty Hogan SFC William Farrell SMSgt Lawrence McCarter PO2 Private RallyPoint Member SSG Bill McCoy SGT Mary G. MSgt James Clark-Rosa GySgt Jack Wallace SPC Michael Oles SR SPC Michael Terrell Cpl Vic Burk Cpl Private RallyPoint Member SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

Response by SPC John Donovan made Sep 25 at 2021 10:26 PM

SPC John Donovan — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 22:26:07 -0400

I am so pissed that I'm afraid to say much for fear of being taking off of Rally Point. This should have never happened this way, what are our leaders thinking (or drinking)?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 25 at 2021 10:42 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 22:42:07 -0400

I think it needs to be looked at how Afghans survived Alexander the Great, Mongols, Brits, Soviet Union, and the US.

Response by MSG Carl Crump made Sep 26 at 2021 10:51 AM

MSG Carl Crump — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 10:51:37 -0400

Just a matter of time. They have more resolve that our govt.

Response by SPC Joshua Pruitt made Sep 28 at 2021 12:56 PM

SPC Joshua Pruitt — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 12:56:57 -0400

Did we leave Germany after WWII??? NOPE, Did we Leave Japan after the Bombing of Peral Harbor??? NOPE..... We never should have left Afghanistan.....

Response by SGT David King made Oct 6 at 2021 8:02 AM

SGT David King — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 08:02:00 -0400

I watched for 3 years our people fight to live on the back of my medevac helicopter
And the wound destroyed for nothing all our people dead and ravaged for fucking nothing. We were disgraced by Biden and his administration all that suffering for nothing

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2021 12:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:13:17 -0400

Before politicalizing the exist plan. Keep in mind of several facts.
1. Trump made a deal with Taliban without involving the Afghan government.
2. Trump released 5000 Taliban prisoners disregard the Afghan president's protest.
3. Trump did push for the pull out in June. Now, did Trump have a plan to pull out?
4. The Taliban took over Afghanistan faster than expected. (See #2). And we did a hasty pull out with very time restrained fashion. If you have been in the military more than a few days, you know exactly what that means.
However, I and some of the veterans do regret that we failed the local nationals that helped the US because we didn't help them leave.

Response by SSG Keith Evans made Oct 19 at 2021 6:54 PM

SSG Keith Evans — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 18:54:37 -0400

Our exit was going to leave a vacuum of power regardless of when we left. But I think we did it all wrong. They way we left people over there, our allies, civilians, servicemembers.... I can't agree with that. I wish it was executed differently, and better.

Response by SFC Donald LeBlanc made Nov 8 at 2021 8:25 PM

SFC Donald LeBlanc — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 20:25:31 -0500

Honestly it didn’t surprise me. Billions of dollars wasted, countless american lives lost, innocent afghan civilians caught in the crossfire. This is history repeating itself! Our country should have departed years ago, but didn’t have the courage to do so. Don’t get me wrong, I’m saddened by the end result, but thankful no more American lives are to be lost there.

Response by LTC Richard Wasserman made Nov 16 at 2021 8:55 PM

LTC Richard Wasserman — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 20:55:36 -0500

1 word answer--DISGUSTING!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 6:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 18:14:34 -0500

I am Proud of all of the Soldiers and Veterans who have served in the "Stan"... I was not one of them. My 5 deployments were in Iraq. I am Sad and dismayed about what has happened. There can only be changed when they want it. It can't be forced. Hearts and Minds may have worked on a few but not for the culture overall.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2021 8:22 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 20:22:54 -0500

We all knew it would happen, but for the life of me after almost thirty years I can believe we use to put so much effort and time with sensitive items. Remembering the times when the base would get locked down for a pair of missing NVG's or a weapon. Now we have a president that either has no clue or secretary of defense doesn't either.

I never would have believed we would have a president that gave our enemies the tools to kill so many Americans. It will sadly happen . Both Biden and Austin should be tried for treason.

Response by SSgt Stephen Desrosier made Dec 14 at 2021 7:04 AM

SSgt Stephen Desrosier — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 07:04:58 -0500

Pissed, Betrayed and Ashamed!! BIDEN needs to be charged with 13 counts of Murder and treason.

Response by Capt Robert Chewning made Dec 15 at 2021 11:07 PM

Capt Robert Chewning — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 23:07:29 -0500

I personally am disgusted. It shows this administrations lack of understanding of the culture in that region. The Afghan people are good people and do not deserve to be ruled by terrorist thugs. I went into a deep depression because I felt like a failure because I was there 11 times, I supplied the Afghan army with the weapons the Taliban stoled, I trained the logisticians. I put a lot of myself into that country and feel betrayed by our country because sleepy joe turned it back over to the people I had been fighting for 20 years.

Response by SSG Karl Fowler made Dec 27 at 2021 9:44 AM

SSG Karl Fowler — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 09:44:37 -0500

as i sat in my living room watching helicopters evacuating troops and people and waiting for a phone call from the red cross or other religious groups letting me know that my dad was out of the country .This was april 1975,fast foreword to now and i am watching the same thing happen again except my dad is resting in peace. i felt let down then and the same feeling came back now .i keep our military in my prayers all the time and to keep them safe

Response by SPC Chris Early made Jan 29 at 2022 10:04 AM

SPC Chris Early — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 10:04:10 -0500

To me what was the point of placing our military on the line for reasons that don't improve the lifes of those we are fighting for. Many young men and women place themselves in harm way for our country and others only to come home to see things are not better. When do we say enough is enough, myself and many others have place our lives in the hands of our government just to have no effect that improves anyone situation. Please understand if asked i would do it all over again but when do we stop fighting for things that only effect the pockets of industrial companies. It's so much we all know that is wrong but as a military members we have no say we are just pawns on a bigger board.

Response by CSM Elmer Feick Jr. made Mar 9 at 2022 9:37 PM

CSM Elmer Feick Jr. — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 21:37:42 -0500

After spending over 52 months in Afghanistan in uniform and another year as a contractor, I was deeply saddened by the fall of the GIRoA...one of my missions there was working as the Deputy Commandant to the ANA Sergeants Major Academy in which I was also the Senior Trainer. Most if not all of my students became senior leaders in the ANA and even one of them became the SMA of the ANA. To see all of the work that the US and NATO countries who fought and helped to rebuild that country go down in just a few weeks was devastating to watch.
I have many Afghan friends who have reached out to me begging for my help but unfortunately cannot do anything for them as they do not qualify for any of the US Dept of State Programs....these are the same ones who I have trained and who have supported their government and Coalition Forces throughout the past 10 years and now must fend for themselves to escape capture from the enemy...very sad indeed

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Mar 10 at 2022 4:49 AM

SrA Ronald Moore — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 04:49:05 -0500

Praying for all our Active duty and veterans of that ERA

Response by PO3 Bob Johnson made Mar 10 at 2022 10:22 AM

PO3 Bob Johnson — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 10:22:44 -0500

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Frequent_Wind#:~:text=Operation%20Frequent%20Wind%20was%20the%20final%20phase%20in,during%20the%20last%20days%20of%20the%20Vietnam%20War.

Operation Frequent Wind - Wikipedia

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2022 2:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 14:07:34 -0500

While the loss of American lives, followed by the way we withdrew, pissed me off, we needed out. I don't think it was done correctly, but I don't know if there was a correct way to do it. The longer we stayed the more we became the occupying enemy. Just like the Maurya Empire, the Greek Empire of Alexander the Great of Macedon, Rashidun Caliphate, the Mongol Empire led by Genghis Khan, the Timurid Empire of Timur, the Mughal Empire, various Persian Empires, the Sikh Empire, the British Empire, and the Soviet Union before us. Most of the population does not care who is running the country so long as they can herd their goats, farm their land, sell their wares, or grow their poppies. Whoever runs the country is Insha'Allah.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2022 12:06 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 12:06:29 -0400

The ANA were garbage. No real discipline. Barely soldiers. Afghanistan has always been a tribal nation & will always be it. They probably will never be a democratic nation. But the events that happened that day are a betrayal to everyone that served & gave their lives there.
A planned withdrawal I think we all could have lived with. Not leaving civilians there. Brining out our allies that helped us. Those things should have been done. Then we could have left. All done without the loss of life.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made May 23 at 2022 2:50 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Mon, 23 May 2022 14:50:38 -0400

[Author's note: I had originally replied to SSG Madden's post in October, 2021. He had asked me to add it to this discussion post, and I am only now just responding. My apologies for the belatedness.]

It's a tragedy and a travesty both at the same time. We don't have a lot to show for 20 years of irregular and asymmetrical conflict in a place that's rightfully known as the Graveyard of Empires. Did we do some good there? We certainly did. Do we need to change some business practices and do some serious soul-searching before we engage in any further, open-ended, ill-defined conflicts? Yes, we absolutely need to do that. It in no way, however, diminishes the sacrifices and service of the men and women, both in and out of uniform, have contended with over the last two decades.

Response by A1C Richard Freymuth made Jun 8 at 2022 3:30 PM

A1C Richard Freymuth — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:30:17 -0400

Sorry to say your feelings don't mean nothing.

Response by SPC Tj F. made Sep 28 at 2022 11:57 AM

SPC Tj F. — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 11:57:02 -0400

I can never get a good grasp on what to call the Dem's worst atrocity. Do we call it Hillary Clinton's lack of response in Benghazi? Or perhaps Biden's withdrawal from the region, leaving not just very valuable equipment behind for the enemies to seize, but also our personnel?! Is this to be our modern-day Bay of Pigs?

Our troops are trained well. And for the most part, they are equipped well. Our troops have our allegiance, our faith, and our moral doctrine to back up upon. But I ask: Do the Afghans? Will they rally to their own defense? Will they fight for their own Independence Day? Will they fight for their freedoms, against their own tyrannical oppressors? Or will they wallow back down into their old lifestyles, hoping another Hero will come save them, while not becoming their own heroes by fighting for themselves?

We fought alongside many of them for many years. Hopefully they will now continue their own fight. If Democracy doesn't succeed over there after we leave, at least we can honestly say that it wasn't becuase of our lack of assistance.

Response by LCDR Bruce Cooley made Jan 12 at 2023 5:58 PM

LCDR Bruce Cooley — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:58:34 -0500

It is extremely frustrating to see just how far the 'far left' 'snowflake' mentality has taken our foreign policy. In order to appease the noisey micro minority, and the similarly minded media, we've allowed a foul up of colossal proportions to take place. I cannot place the blame anywhere except on the senior leadership of the govt's bending to this clearly naive group of people who, I am assuming, have never been in the 'real world'. It disgusts me.

Response by SSG Alvin Amezquita made Jan 30 at 2023 10:41 PM

SSG Alvin Amezquita — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 22:41:57 -0500

I didn’t serve in Afghanistan I retired before I got a chance. But I have lots of buddies who did. And it really hits home when u see ur fellow vets feeling down because of such shameful act. But in the end it’s not up to us to dictate policy. But it is up to us to vote out the incompetent politicians in Washington.

Response by Sgt Bob Feltey made Sep 13 at 2023 7:58 PM

Sgt Bob Feltey — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:58:10 -0400

Why we try to fix countries that have nothing to offer us as a country. Every time we "fix" these places, they become our enemy. We do repetitive wars expecting different results. Our politicians don't seem to get it

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Dec 20 at 2023 9:30 AM

Sgt Adam Jennings — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:30:04 -0500

It's irritating that things happened the way they did. While extremists can't be completely eliminated, I'd tether fight them outside.ofnour country than in it. I get the whole "we can't stay there forever" mentality, but since when have we fought a war that we won, or tied (Korea), and just completely withdrew any military presence? Germany, Japan, Guam, etc. (WWII) still all gave active military bases in them, even though the Cold War is over. We have an active military presence in 85 countries and territories outside of CONUS. What makes Iraq or Afghanistan any different? Did we really think that a couple of decades of our presence would be enough to undo decades of mental and social effects from oppressive and abusive rule in these countries? All we did was come in, screw things up, and then said, "It's all yours now, figure it out." Oh, it would also help if our government officials would be a better example of how we're asking them to rule their countries as well.

Response by SPC Greg Carr made Mar 23 at 2024 11:23 PM

SPC Greg Carr — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 23:23:34 -0400

I say we need to get educated about why this happened in the first place. Why did 9/11 happen? OBL literally told us. So go read what he said. It's because he saw our bombs dropped on Lebanon in 1982 and he wanted to do the same to us. I was born a decade after that war even happened--still, I want to know the truth. Iraq happened because Israel didn't like a strong neighbor. That's all it was. I want truth. Not to bathe in lies and "hasbara." Please read, folks. Look up "john perkins confessions of an economic hitman."

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 24 at 2024 4:18 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:18:31 -0400

What we learned is the Taliban ideology of Sharia Law is the Center of Gravity. Ideology can be impossible to break.