First Casualty: The CIA Secret Paramilitary Teams in Afghanistan | Toby Harnden | Ep. 121
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- čas přidán 18. 11. 2021
- America is reeling; Al-Qaeda has struck and thousands are dead. The country scrambles to respond, but the Pentagon has no plan for Afghanistan-where Osama bin Laden masterminded the attack and is protected by the Taliban. Instead, the CIA steps forward to spearhead the war. Eight CIA officers are dropped into the mountains of northern Afghanistan on October 17, 2001. They are Team Alpha, an eclectic band of linguists, tribal experts, and elite warriors: the first Americans to operate inside Taliban territory. Their covert mission is to track down Al- Qaeda and stop the terrorists from infiltrating the United States again.
First Casualty places you with Team Alpha as the CIA rides into battle on horseback alongside the warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum. In Washington, DC, few trust that the CIA men, the Green Berets, and the Americans’ outnumbered Afghan allies can prevail before winter sets in. On the ground, Team Alpha is undeterred. The Taliban is routed but hatches a plot with Al-Qaeda to hit back. Hundreds of suicidal fighters, many hiding weapons, fake a surrender and are transported to Qala-i Jangi-the “Fort of War.”
Team Alpha’s Mike Spann, a former Marine, and David Tyson, a polyglot former Central Asian studies academic, seize America’s initial opportunity to extract intelligence from men trained by bin Laden-among them a young Muslim convert from California. The prisoners revolt and one CIA officer falls-the first casualty in America’s longest war, which will last two decades. The other CIA man shoots dead the Al-Qaeda jihadists attacking his comrade. To survive, he must fight his way out against overwhelming odds.
Award-winning author Toby Harnden gained unprecedented access to all living Team Alpha members and every level of the CIA. Superbly researched, First Casualty draws on extensive interviews, secret documents, and deep reporting inside Afghanistan. As gripping as any adventure novel, yet intimate and profoundly moving, it tells how America found a winning strategy only to abandon it. Harnden reveals that the lessons of early victory and the haunting foretelling it contained-unreliable allies, ethnic rivalries, suicide attacks, and errant US bombs-were ignored, tragically fueling a twenty-year conflict.
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#paramilitaryoperations #cia #sad
It was great to be on the show
Thank You Toby, great show. Good Health and God Bless.
Listened to your episode of Spycast. Thank you for telling us their story.
I’m about to listen. Can’t wait, brother.
Given your experience in Ireland, would focusing on familial connections and history take on greater significance for intelligence collection and analysis than our persistent focus on organizations?
@@JC-zl4mq I think you're referring to ODA 574 in Tarin Kowt on December 5, when three Green Berets were killed by a JDAM called in on a friendly position. While that's referred to briefly in the book, it's not part of the main narrative because it happened in southern Afghanistan with CIA Team Echo and First Casualty is about Team Alpha in the north. There was a similar incident at Qala-i Jangi on November 26, 2001, when a JDAM hit a friendly position, killing some Afghan allies and wounding five Americans and some British SBS - that's covered extensively in First Casualty.
This was the best interview.
Period.
The quality of his work, the quality of his storytelling and his commitment to getting it right is unmatched.
He is a gem.
If Mr. Hernden is as entertaining a writer as he is in this interview then his books are must haves...and I must have! I was laughing way to much for an interview on subject matter as grim as much of this is. But I challenge any one to keep a straight face while listening to this. Bravo Mr. Harnden, cant wait to read your books.
Well, it was a Friday evening and time to kick back a little bit!
Go and must have it
The History Behind The History!
one of the best interviews... but then they are all good!
Thanks Jeff
Damnit, I missed the Live Stream. Will watch playback now but anyways.....KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!
I’ll do my best!
May God bless - protect our military - their families - Thank you for your service ! 🙏🇺🇸
Just read Horse Soldiers.... can't wait to dive into his POV of that time. Awesome talk, guys
Awesome interview. I’m on my second listen!
Fantastic!
Outstanding show as usual! Can’t wait to read the book. Keep up the good work, god bless
Great to hear - thank you!
Pale horse is great coffee. I recommend you trying it if you haven't already. My new favorite.
Thanks for the amazing show, I am à big fan from Montréal. Ex Military
Just popped the top on an Espresso and Cream Black Rifle. Never had one before and can't think of a better time to try a veteran owned company. Salute from Florida.
I feel bad that I unintentionally dissed the sponsor by declaring myself a tea drinker! But I like coffee too...
Great interview
His story is so well told with not just facts, he even conveys the feelings as if he was personally there.
Hoaah from
An Old Paratrooper
Dead Men Risen is an exceptional book about exceptional men. Currently looking over at it on my bookshelf.
Bit Rude how Toby was cut off when discussing the plight off Rupert and his men in Afghan. I hope you remain true to your word and have him back on. 🇬🇧
My ancestors got on a boat at Plymouth, and stepped off on a rock . My father's a Warren, and mother a Ward. Sister married a Smith.
Brilliant episode. This book will be next on my ‘to read’ list.
Great to hear!
@@tobyharnden Didn't expect you to reply. Just finished the Schrade multi-tool scene. Cracking book - a great read and a great insight into the job those guys took on when they were the first in.
Lads if you want to know about the battle of Battle of Qala-i-Jangi read Bloody Heroes by Damien Lewis, tells the side of the story from the SBS point of view. Bloody amazing account.
Read that a few years ago. Absolute brilliant read.
I drew on Damien Lewis's book but interviewed members of the SBS team myself, including Steph Bass, the Navy SEAL in an exchange billet with the SBS who was awarded a Navy Cross for his actions on November 25, 2001, and in addition a Military Cross presented to him by the Queen at Windsor Castle (along with Conspicuous Gallantry Crosses for Tony and Jess)
@@tobyharnden definitely be giving your book a read too mate. Sounds really interesting.
@@pauliemc2010 Thank you!
@@tobyharnden Ive got your book on the way bro, I cant wait to read it!
Great podcast!
Just downloaded the Audible version of First Casualty.. lookin forward to it.
One of the Biggest regrets of my life is not being able to serve in the Military. Tip of the hat to all those who have
We are in a new era brother. The fight now is here at home (applies anywhere in the western world).
On the battlefields of Ukraine we are seeing the first genuine application of the 21st century warfare paradigm. The ancient principles of war remain, but the decisive tools and techniques have evolved as they are wont to do.
To my reconing, the Russo-Ukranian War is critical, yet it is still just part of a broader war which has been going on for some years now. It is a culture war. I call it Woke War One.
By educating yourself about the facts and realities of wars in our lifetime (which require you to go beyond the leftist agenda of western universities), and by helping others to learn, you are taking part in the war I just identified.
It is no small thing these days to choose the path of truth and manly virtue. A strong body helps, but it is not the key essential. A sound mind, a courageous heart and a fire in the belly are much more critical.
If there is any similarity in this war with those of the ancient past then it is this: Most of those who fight in this war will not be wearing any uniforms, they will not be awarded colorful and shiney medals, and yet the enemy is not inclined to show them more than the slightest mercy.
- Semper Fi
There are many other ways to serve your country than joining the military.
Why risk your life for these bs wars. You would have been a pawn for politicians and billionaires
@@heathallen7864 True enough, but a country worth serving is one where the virtues of masculinity and femininity and family values and Western freedom are not dead.
Historically and traditionally the US military (maybe now a thing of the past depending) has been one of the best places to exemplify service values.
@@roninkhan9669 Government administrations come and go, but the need to have men at the ready for the American people remains. No other nation has been so blessed, yet that blessing has ever depended on strong men willing to fight.
For those who have short memories of history I only need to go back less than 21 years. No distressing follow up attack on US soil has succeeded. This is not by accident. Blunders and missteps may have occurred when the reins were taken over by weak woke bumbling individuals, but it is not for them that honorable men put on the uniform; it never has been and never will be.
Outstanding podcast. I have since purchased and read Toby's book -- EXCELLENT! Thoroughly researched and most entertaining!!
02:24:12. Brilliant comment by Toby Harnden, and I agree, his book is exceptional at explaining all the elements.
What’s the book name???
What a great discussion. Thanks guys
Thanks Mr. Haste, or can I call you Toxic?
I am an American warrior who cannot stand coffee. Give me tea, gobs of it with heaps of cane sugar. Oolong is my preference, but basic black tea will do if prepared smartly (not over-steeped).
Outstanding episode, excellent book, thankyou Tony Harnden. This channel is so priceless for the guests and their books which explain the full backstories. The audio book I'm listening to, I highly recommend.
02:24:12. Brilliant comment by Toby Harnden. And his coverage in this book truly lays out all the elements.
",,,,it's just sort of the nature of life...." 02:25:57. This book is exceptional at laying it out.
Incredible insight into the dawn of the GWOT era from a strategic perspective of a covert unit standpoint!
@The Team House Thank You so much for both giving a platform for our Heroes to share their heroic selfless sacrifices made in defending our Freedoms and upholding the ultimate civic duty and letting us the viewers come along for the chat! I didnt serve and was never in the brotherhood but I consider each and everyone one of you my brother.
Much love and wish you guys the best!
Trevor @ Canada
ALMIGHTY God KABIR 🙏🙏🙏++🙏🙏
Great job on the discussion to all and kudos to Toby...read BANDIT COUNTRY years ago and was blown away by it. Looking forward to checking out FIRST CASUALTY
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Excellent, Based on the credibility of his podcast I bought the the book that night( Audio). I’m halfway done , decided to come back a give a 10 out of 10 with no doubt it will hold up.
This post should not disappear Jack, but we will see
Thank you Skip - I really appreciate it.
@@tobyharnden Ditto. This book's detailed coverage and the leadup, just exceptional writing. Brilliant comment, by Toby of so many things in life: 02:24:12
I know a lot about warfighting, but very little about Afghanistan. This much I think I know: You cannot buy an Afghan's loyalty at any price, but you can rent it
A Northern Alliance man I know said that David Tyson played a large role in laying the foundation of contacts with Northern Alliance folks before September 11.
He said lots of mormons in the CIA? But they need some Jacks 🤣
Wow. Real piece of history.
I really love the episodes with the actual door kickers. Getting a glimpse of these guys' mentality and the way they think is always interesting to me.
But there is something about authors/journalists like Toby which can make them really really amazing guests on shows like this. They have such a great knowledge of the particular events they are talking about. It really gives you a great insight into these things. They also tend to be very comfortable and charismatic talkers.
The icing on the cake is that you can then go and get a copy of their book or read their articles for a even more detailed description.
Thank you. This is very kind of you.
@@tobyharnden You're welcome. I bought first casualty and dead men risen.
Disappointed I can't find a copy of Bandit Country that I can afford. But it's on my Christmas list. From everything I've heard there's no better book on the subject.
Totally agree. But there are different tiers of journalists and authors. Before watching I always go check their credentials and background. I was impressed when I read his background and the interview didn't disappoint me. Proper journalist snd author, obviously hard-working, immersed in his work and has the clout to get access needed to get the details. 10/10.
@@AGfrom83 Working on a plan to get Bandit Country published again
@@simonnilsson5356 Thank you Simon
Going to give Palehorse a try. The other well known vet coffee is not for me after trying a couple blends. Hopefully theirs is better. Great episode
In light of the events of 15th August 2021, where the Taliban were effectively handed power in an organised transfer of power, from the joint proxy of US and Pakistan - namely Ashraf Ghani to the joint proxy of Pakistan and US, namely the Taliban, it would have been useful to look critically at the whole 'War on Terror' paradigm in Afghanistan. Was there really a war against the Taliban or were the Taliban allowed to withdraw into Pakistan back in September/October/November 2001? The same re-invasion from Pakistan took place in July August 2021, unopposed.
Recall the Oct 2001 'Airlift of Evil' which occurred concurrently with the Qalai Jangi incident... where Pakistani airforce was allowed with US agreement to fly into Kunduz and to airlift thousands of Taliban and their Pakistani military forces that were fighting alongside the Taliban against the United Front ( erroneously referred to as Northern Alliance). In other words there was a high degree of strategic coordination between the US and Pakistan which by default meant that the Taliban were a strategic US asset.
Trump signed it I heard. But idk
You can hear a wee South Armagh twang on the mans vowels so you can
Oh Wow I've watched the video footage this guy was in of the prison revolt and blue on blue bombing... didn't realize it was the same guy until now. Thats such a crazy story and incident.
Here after reading suprise kill vanish. Incredible
War has always been about smoke and mirrors, in many different forms, some more ethical than others, personally I’m not comfortable with resistance fighters being co-ordained, paid and supported only to attack friendly forces, that was being done in Afghan, the whole deal seems to of achieved not a great deal, and as for the pull out, it was so disrespectful to all that loss of life and badly injured young men and women, I hope some lessons where learned, but wasn’t that said after Vietnam, salute everyone’s efforts and a very good interview
Just checking in working at mobil on Euclid in Ontario CA
Good Friday agreement signed a year after he arrived lol.
Is it safe to assume the weather nixed any airborne, halo, or haho insertions?
there were a few MFF jumps early in Afghanistan. Delta did one, RRD did one or two(?) and AFSOC guys did some as well, maybe as attachments to the previous two units, not sure about the exact circumstances
@@dkroll92 I did not know that. Thank you for the info.
More officers🤣 I know Mark, last thing he needed! Also know Scott Spell - America was lucky these studs were in place to execute🤙🏼🇺🇸
Both fantastic men - and heroes
Anyone know where to find that footage of David tyson?
Search Qala I jangi on here there’s 3 seperate documentaries on it from around the time
@@DannyB497 much appreciated!
@@joeyphieffer Best doc is House of War. Good Morning Afghanistan also excellent. Footage is also in a National Geographic doc and very recently Detainee 001 (about Lindh) on Showtime.
@@DannyB497 agreed, if you refine the results to over 40 min duration and search Afghanistan war documentary it should (depending on your algorithm) be one of the top results
Just come across this video after reading the book about the qala-i- jangi uprising. These blokes are SBS ( special boat squadron) not sas as some of the videos state. These blokes wouldn't like that they feel they don't get the recognition unlike the sas. What makes these blokes top operators is the SBS only take candidates from the royal marines who are already a tough well trained outfit. Read a few books about the SBS they are top operators.
Jesus, how on earth and under WHAT circumstances does shaving one's bits impress your in-laws???
SUBSCRIBED!! THANK YOU!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!
I wouldn't know anything about this if it wasn't for Mat Best ranger from BRCC that said I have to try pale horse coffee now! But I heard him say he was CIA contractor over there. Google, CZcams stories and it took off! You guy's are definitely built different and thank you for your service! Never forget 🇺🇸💪🙏
You guys should go over how you’re gonna start off the show or idk if jack doesn’t like being co host 😭
The first hour is just talking about his past and how much he wanted to write a book.arghghhhhh they don't even talk about the cia
Yeah the good parts start at 58:20
Shame about all the “you Know” had to turn off 😢😢😢
I need an electric shock every time I say "I know" - that would cure me
Manchester is a port, and home to HMS Bronington, Prince Charles's first command
any chance to get Dave Tyson or R. Scott Spellmeyer on the show?
We have Justin Sapp(first SF in Afghanistan) in a few weeks
@@TheTeamHousePodcast thats awesome! you guys are great!
Thanks for the support!
DT is in the works!
RIP Milo.
2:10:50
dramatic voice intro
2:08:40
👍
Awkward intro lol both guys gave the intro and dude on the right was like wtf xD
Tigers…in Zimbabwe?
Sad to see there is no feed back from you to any of the comments.
Man, doing anything with a Special Forces unit is dangerous lol. We had to do outer cordone security during an SF mission to pick up someone, and it went south QUICK lmao!! I don't know how many EKIA there were, but it lasted for almost 2 hours at the time, or at least 2 hours until the QRF back up arrived, and by then everything was sort of contained, but if you want to get into some harry situations lol. The prayer as well, oh man lol, one of the SF guys said this weird prayer before we rolled out from the FOB into the village just north of us. I guess that shouldve been a tell lol.
Either way, Special Forces in any country is some BAMF lol. This guy and everyone who served with him gets my total respect. His story sounds freaking insane, but they train for that type of stuff. I was scarred for life after just 2 deployments of that stuff lol.
Cant even finish listening because of the tongue clicking before every sentence 😢
Great story
this channel always hits my auto play after any video i watch i wish there was a block button
Sorry I drink black rifle
Yes
Say it how my country got destroyed
It's funny for most of the people but not me
Sorry for those who enjoys the destruction of another country
David tyson was armed with and shot his attackers in the fort with a 1911 .45 acp, not a browning high power. But other than that pretty spot on.
It was a Browning Hi-Power, issue in Tashkent CIA station, serial number ending in 007. Other members of Team Alpha carried Glock 17s. From First Casualty: "David, added to the team late, had no rifle. Instead of a Glock, he had drawn a 9mm Browning Hi-Power pistol from Tashkent station. The pistol had been a running joke among CIA officers in Tashkent: its serial number ended in 007. David, who was an unlikely James Bond, had traveled with it many times before. "
as soon as army big wig shows up he bombs an empty cave just to say he did something then friendlies were blown up by our own because of a useless bombing and then that guy still to this day acts like it was no big deal
You guys really couldn’t have come up with a better introduction? It’s terrible
Sorry that was our best effort