Weapon of Choice

"Weapon of Choice" presents a history of the U.S. Army special operations forces in Afghanistan from 11 September 2001 to 15 May 2002, during America's global war on terrorism. The purpose of the book is not to resolve Army special operations doctrinal issues, to clarify or update military definitions, or to be the "definitive" history of the continuing unconventional war in Afghanistan. The purpose is to demonstrate how the war to drive the Taliban from power, help Afghan people, and assist the Afghan Interim Authority (AIA) rebuild the country afterward was successfully accomplished by majors, captains, warrant officers, and sergeants on tactical teams and aircrews at the lowest levels.

Contents:

Prelude to Terror

Awakening the Giant

"Subdue Without Fighting"

Developing the SOF Campaign

Top Draft Choices

Committed to Middle East Exercises

Civil Affairs to Islamabad, Pakistan

Site Coordination With the Uzbeks at Karshi Kanabad

Uncorking the Bottled Airlift

Toppling the Taliban in Afghanistan, 19 October-7 December 2001

Jumping Into the Dark

Showing American Power

"Look, We Have to Get the Special Forces Teams Into Afghanistan!"

On Horseback With Dostum

A "Bump" and Missiles in the Abyss

500 Afghans Can Die, But Not One American Can Be Injured

Al-Qaeda Uprising—Qala-i-Jangi

The Karzai Way to Kandahar

The Campaign in Transition, 8 December 2001-28 February 2002

Old Glory Flies Again in Kabul

Taking Down al-Qaeda at the Mir Wais Hospital

Politics, War, and Rapport

End of Mission—Aerial Resupply in Afghanistan

The New War

Entering the Valley

D-Day ANACONDA From the Viewpoint of Force Multipliers

"Good Morrrrning, Afghannnnistan"

Driving the Taliban From Power

Transition and Combat Operations