The Only Thing Worth Dying For: How Eleven Green Berets Fought for a New Afghanistan (P.S.)

This is by far the best book on the contemporary U.S. war in Afghanistan published thus far. Eric Blehm is both a gifted storyteller and a meticulous researcher. He makes you feel like you are on the ground in Afghanistan, serving as a member of a Special Forces "A-team." The narrative recounts the struggles of a small group of men who defeated the Taliban in their tribal heartland and brought Hamid Karzai to power in 2001. Despite our American fascination with technology and firepower, war remains a uniquely human endeavor. Blehm's characters are fully developed because he captures the human condition in extraordinary circumstances: valor and cowardice, the altruistic and the self-interested, skill and luck. Those of us who directly participated in these events have praised this book as the first one to paint the full picture of what happened after 9/11. Accurately capturing every facet of this strategic turning point required exhaustive research. The author interviewed everyone from Special Forces teammates to Afghan President Karzai. He uses official documents, but steers clear of CIA or Department of Defense self-appraisals that paint an overly flattering picture. In total, this provides the reader with a visceral understanding of both modern combat and the timeless concepts of the fog and friction of war. "The Only Thing Worth Dying For" is an engrossing read that is also enlightening. Eric Blehm provides a rare look at Hamid Karzai as our nation makes pivotal decisions on the way forward in Afghanistan. And as our nation grapples with terrorist threats in places like Yemen and Somalia, this book provides a lesson in succeeding on the ground without a large commitment of forces.

This is simply the best book I have read in several years. I could not put it down. While I rarely read fiction, the narrative of this book read better than most fictional accounts. Throughout the book I was struck with how masterfully Eric was able to weave together details from so many sources into a compelling, engrossing, and evocative story. It is rare to find such a meticulously researched book, where the historical backdrop and the background of the people involved is weaved into the storyline is such a way where it does not feel like you are digressing from the main narrative. When I finished reading "The Only Thing Worth Dying For" I was struck with the poignancy of the story, incredible respect for the men involved, pride for our men and women in the armed forces, and concern for the way our military machine operates. I don' feel like Blem took any sides in portraying the account and really offered a view as a neutral observer allowing you to draw your own conclusions. Several days later I still have vivid images in my head from certain parts of this book, and find myself reflecting upon the situation all of these people and our country find ourselves in.

Books like Eric Blehm's "The Only Thing Worth Dying For" should be required reading for anyone wanting to talk about the war in Afghanistan - not just because it's well-written (which it is), but because of the insight it offers into the pre- and immediately post-9/11 landscape of Afghanistan and the American warfighters who accomplished so much in those early days. The Green Berets chronicled here manage to set up a successful rebellion against the Taliban in their own backyard (so to speak) and how they do it speaks volumes about these men's abilities. One can't help but feel that if Special Forces ODA's like the one in this wonderful account were in charge of every war we fought, we'd be much more effective both at war and in the peace that follows. Still, the team's sudden end to their mission highlights just how little control we have when it comes to combat. If you want to know what elite warfighters have to go through to accomplish the mission; or want to see why certain "big-picture" decisions were made before the perfection of hind-sight; or you just want to read a really well-written account of incredible men fighting an unconventional war, then pick up "The Only Thing Worth Dying For."

The vast majority of the reviews have rated this 5 stars. I would rate it higher if possible. The author, Eric Blehm has done an excellent job explaining the life of a SF team and what they can be assigned to accomplish. As indicated by the book the team was given a job in a new environment following 9-11 and as usual for SOG given very little specifics. They were making some of it up as they went along and by all accounts doing the job and accomplishing their assigned goal. Their problems started when the REMF's arrived from HQ to only "observe" the operation. Never in my lifetime have I ever experienced an observer who out ranked the troops on the ground "strictly observe". There is some defect within these "observers" brain that malfunctions when they arrive onsite. In this case the observers were an 0-5 and a 0-4 watching over the shoulder of a 0-3. The 0-3 was a team leader and was qualified for the position or he would not have been there. We have all seen it before the REMF's wrangle a way to get to the action so they can get a notation in their 201 file that says "he was there" and maybe pick up a medal. In this case their involvement was to interfere by directing the team leader to follow their orders and then they involved themselves into an unnecessary airstrike that took the lives of over 50 friendlies and crippled most of the survivors. Their obvious desire to earn battle stories for the "O Club" cost these men their lives. If these observers had of admitted their "war" had past them by and stayed in the rear where they belonged those who died might still be with us today. Both Officers should have faced a court martial. Excellent book but rotten result. It is a must read.

I was enthralled by The Only Thing Worth Dying For: How Eleven Green Berets Fought for a New Afghanistan (P.S.) I am a Vietnam Era Veteran. When I went into the Army, there were VERY few jobs for women. I ended up as a Drug and Alcohol counselor. I did get to jump out of Hueys and toward the end of my term a few airplanes. I was a qualified expert with my rifle but knew at the time that I needed a lot more time and experience. Towards the end of my term, the Green Beret helped me to become a better counselor. One man, an older Green Beret, had a serious bout with his wife. It ended in her death. I bought this book because it seemed interesting and thought it might give me more insight into my experience. I believe it did. Thank you!

Coupled with "First In" and "Jawbreaker", these three books tell the story of the first U.S. Special Forces/CIA/Delta operators on the ground in Afghanistan after 9-11-01. This is the real story, sourced and told by the actual men involved. All three books leave an indelible imprint and perspective on ones mind that the so-called News Media doesn't even come close to, let alone understand. These are the brave-hearts of today, and I for one stand in awe of them all. Great Great Stuff ! PLUS, "The Only Thing Worth Dying For" provides a down-to-earth look and enlightening perspective of the man, Hamid Karzai. Wonderfully written, thoroughly and brilliantly sourced; it is a testament to all of the men of ODA 574, the Afghan's who fought with them, Hamid Karzai, and Eric Blehm, for his superb authorship. Thank You, Monty Lee Malden - a proud American

I just got this book yesterday and began reading it. I am not done yet but the first 3 Chapters state why we are here, why the men and women in uniform continue to do what they do to protect this great country of ours. The bravery and heroism portrayed in this book is the heart and soul of why those that choose the Warrior Path. They do so to answer a higher calling. They sacrifice themselves for the greater good of our Nation that many people will never know. 1% of Americans answer the call to duty. Less than 1% retire from Military Service and have spent at least 20 years of their lives to Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies. Foreign and Domestic. September 11, was a foreign enemy attack on American soil. These men answered the call to duty and have given a country a new start on self governance. Many will never know of the impact that these men made on the history of Afghanistan. Many people in Afghanistan will never know what these men did for the people of Afghanistan. This book is to remind them that a few Americans altered the course of history for a country that has been at war for so many centuries.

Blehm's book is a true account of a U.S. special forces unit sent to Afghanistan in the fall of 2001, following 9/11. The unit of green berets, ODA 574, led by captain Jason Amerine is airlifted with helicopters to southern Afghanistan with Hamid Karzai, with the aim to train guerrilla forces of local Pashtuns, loyal to Karzai to wage war against the Taliban, still strong in the southern provinces. Things develop faster than anticipated and the unit finds itself fighting alongside locals to take over towns soon after their landing. Working closely with Hamid Karzai the group and Pashtun leader learn to respect each other. Against special operations doctrine, headquarters soon send more senior officers on site to "support" Amerine's and Karzai's efforts to oust the Taliban. Tensions soon develop between ODA 574 and the newcomers, when superior officers start to mingle in the day to day operations. ODA 574's tour in Afghanistan ends in tragedy. The book is well written and Blehm has managed to keep it interesting on two levels. On one hand, The Only Thing Worth Dying For is a traditional war hero story, packed with adrenalin filled descriptions of firefights and cool military technology. Reading about a massive air operation against a hundred Taliban trucks threatening to overrun the unit's and their guerillas' positions, kept me glued to the book. It also gives a look into the politics inside the military. However, the book has another background story; that of Hamid Karzai and the political situation in Afghanistan. Karzai in 2001 was just one Pashtun leader among many warlords, unknown internationally. Blehm's book sets the stage for Karzai's ascent to spokesman of the interim government in Afghanistan, and ultimately presidency of the country, his current position. The author gives a exceedingly positive picture of the Pashtun leader (as does Rashid), who has come under heavy criticism in recent years. In these uncertain early months of the Afghan-American offensive against the Taliban, Karzai is portrayed as the only possible leader for the whole country. Blehm's writing style is quite light and despite being documentary, the book relies much on dialogue. There must be quite a lot of the author's influence in the story, but it makes this shortish book immensely readable. If you like books filled with machismo and modern warfare action and want to learn something about recent Afghan history at the same time, I can recommend this one!

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Hintergründe zum Engagement der USA in Afghanistan.

Fantastic book and didn't end the way I thought. So angry at the lack of true leadership combat men and women have to put up with. Morons who think they know it all and fail to listen to men who really know what they are doing.

Love the writing style, and as a combat vet found the topic compelling and “true”. This work is an honest look at war, from many levels. Hats off the the SF community, families included.

Vivid portrait of Green Beret quiet professionals work on war on terror. Recommended reading for any SF enthusiasts. De Opresso Liber