Outlaw Platoon
Heroes, Renegades, Infidels, and the Brotherhood of War in Afghanistan
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4.5 • 47 Ratings
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
A riveting story of American fighting men, Outlaw Platoon is Lieutenant Sean Parnell’s stunning personal account of the legendary U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division’s heroic stand in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Acclaimed for its vivid, poignant, and honest recreation of sixteen brutal months of nearly continuous battle in the deadly Hindu Kesh, Outlaw Platoon is a Band of Brothers or We Were Soldiers Once and Young for the early 21st century—an action-packed, highly emotional true story of enormous sacrifice and bravery.
A magnificent account of heroes, renegades, infidels, and brothers, it stands with Sebastian Junger’s War as one of the most important books to yet emerge from the heat, smoke, and fire of America’s War in Afghanistan.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Former Army officer Parnell and collaborator Bruning (Shadow of the Sword) reprise Parnell's 16 months as an infantry platoon leader in Afghanistan in this heartfelt memoir. In 2006, Parnell and his 10th Mountain Division platoon, the self-styled Outlaws, arrived in Afghanistan's Bermel Valley, which borders Pakistan. Their mission was "to stanch the flow of enemy troops and supplies into Afghanistan." Besides their 32 Purple Hearts, the platoon which "usually patrolled with about 30 men... loaded into six Humvees" earned seven Bronze Stars and 12 Army Commendations for Valor, making it one of the most decorated units in the Afghan war. Parnell vividly captures the sounds, sights, and smells of combat, and proves most eloquent when describing the bond "selflessness was our secret weapon" that developed among his men. Studiously nonpartisan, Parnell still raises important questions about Afghan president Hamid Karzai's integrity, the competence of the Afghan police, and the sincerity of our Pakistani "allies." Parnell balances sentimentality with sincerity and crisp prose to produce one of the Afghan war's most moving combat narratives.
Customer Reviews
Outlaw platoon
Absolutely an outstanding read which describes the effects of war on all involved. The pain and suffering that these warriors went through to ensure their efforts to change the barbaric ways of the despots they waged war against to protect us and the local villagers was described in a way that those of us who have never faced battle could only shudder when read. Thank you for sharing your military life's story and thank you and all of your men from saving the rest of us from having to experience in real life what you have. God bless you all.
Outlaw platoon
An extremely well written authoritative account of the ground War in Afghanistan. I can say that this concise account gripped me as reader and made me recall my deployments and the many exhaustive operations I conducted over my short military career in the Australian Army. That said this is the first time I can truly say that the tempo of modern military ground operations is conveyed in such a manner as to be truly accepted as reflective of the dangers faced by troops engaged in counter insurgency operations. Lastly, many who read this book must put perspective that what Sean has achieved is not a common occurrence and therefore Outlaw Platoon is a must read for junior Officers and NCO's alike should they ever wish to wield a formidable and effective fighting unit. Message to the Author; as you were aware then your 'warrior brothers' will always need you and you them. As i found the years rolling by all your experiences take years to process sometimes it's a call you didn't expect and I found out the hard way when i/we didn't recognize the signs that our strong personalities weren't doing well after deployment. Look out for each other always as there are hards times ahead made easier by the love and support of all your families.
Great Read!
Amazing story of what it is really like over there!