by John Parkinson
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 64 pages. 2026.
The US sent special forces troops into Afghanistan as part of the counter-insurgency strategy and later expanded the mission to include training Afghan forces.
You’ll find lots of acronyms within the text. Fortunately, a glossary (p62) is included for you to reference. The campaign to win hearts and minds, especially when it came to stabilizing the economy and ejecting Taliban control over villages, was only partially successful. As Special Forces increasingly ambushed and killed the Taliban, the Taliban shifted to attacking and influencing Afghan trainees.
As in Vietnam, secret negotiations were held in 2018 and 2019 and also like Vietnam, an election was held for the Afghan presidency. Also like Vietnam, the US and Allies withdrew to the consternation of many Afghans. And also like Vietnam, the victorious Taliban did what it wanted once US and Allied forces left.
One typo: “the beach Taliban defenses” (p13) is likely “breach.”
The booklet contains one black and white photo, 41 color photos, 20 color uniform illustrations, and 18 color insignia and latch illustrations.
Miniature painters of the ultra-modern war in Afghanistan will find much inside to use as a reference. The text explains the success and ultimate futility of special forces operations in Afghanistan.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
