11 days and a Wake Up
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2019
- Real Life Documentary film written by Gold Star Father of Cpl Pruitt Rainey KIA 7/13/08 in the Battle of Wanat.
The Chosen Few had only 11 days before returning home when their platoon was attacked by 200+ Taliban Insurgents.
9 KIA 27 wounded. Eleven days later 9 Heroes returned home to be buried on the 24th of July 2008.
This is their story... - Hudba
I did a combat tour with 10th Mountain in Northern Afghanistan of course up in the mountains a few years after this happened. I knew the story of Wanat and it terrified me to go... I lost a few friends, the closest being Sgt Michael Kirspel my team leader and an older brother of sorts. That feeling of losing a brother is worse than anything I thought was possible it makes you want to collapse and give up. To lose 9 in one battle like that? To see 27 more bloodied and in pain and to keep fighting? Everyone of of these soldiers are heroes in my eyes, thank you for making this, these stories need to be immortalized. Not to glorify war, not to shove it in the face of the higher ups who put these men in an impossible situation. But so the story of these soldiers bravery and love for each other can be remembered forever.
Rage keeps you going. It's the only reason any of em are still here, they all had the right primal mindset.
I was in 10th mountain also did a tour to Afganistan
Eastern Afghanistan definitely has the toughest terrain to fight in and hosted some of the bloodiest encounters . Wanat and the Korgal Valley are the two most publicized but that whole section of Eastern Afghanistan is just one Valley of death after another. I mostly fought in RC south but moved around alot in 2014 on my last tour. Had been west, south and north and finally got a taste of the hindu kush mountains and learned just how wild Eastern Afghanistan is. I was in kunar, next to the province where Wanat is. Belive its called nuristan. Even further east than kunar so I can only imagine.
@@elduraco6890 Climb to Glory Brother!
10th right here. 4/31
I never served with these young men, but as a British paratrooper, I would’ve been proud to serve alongside them. God bless each and everyone of you.
Thank you sir
@@BattleofWanat i cant beleive how badly let down these heroes were let down by what ever fool decided to place that outpost its an excellent example of where not to build any type of emplacement its nearly 360 sarrounded by cliffs even the ops were overlooked by cliffs im surprised anyone made it out of that position but it shows how well trained and disciplined these troops were they stood and fought toghether till there last breaths i hope all their souls are now at peace and god bless their familys as an ex pioneer i can only hope i was half the man they were while i served my country i hope this tragedy never happens again may god protect our servicemen and women god bless you all salute to the fallen from scotland
@@rossnaylor81 Thank you sir. Greatly appreciated sir
FG
Gold Star Father Pruitt Rainey
@@BattleofWanat
thank you for the great documentary ive watched it twice now keep up the good work
Everyone knows the army was at fault in Wanat. It doesn’t take a genius to realize you do not set up a base surrounded by mountains swarming with the enemy.
Leadership failed. These soldiers are legends. They actually won the battle.
I’ve watched this over 10 times now. At first I thought you were lucky to have a such a hero of a son. After watching this, I realize your son is just as lucky having YOU as a father. I salute you sir. Thank you for this documentary
Thank you sir
Thank you again.
I think the brass used them as expendable bait to draw the taliban in to where the apaches could engage and take them out. If not then the brass was completely incompetent.
@@seNor916x4 they were incompetent. Idiots. Never should have been in charge of other soldiers lives. Now they have to live with that the rest of their lives. Makes me mad. Our soldiers are too precious.
I was with the unit that replaced these guys (1-26 Inf). We were in Kyrgyzstan on our way into country while some of the 173rd guys were also sharing the transient hooches with us on their way out and back home when word came down on July 13th that Wanat had been nearly overrun and there were lots of casualties. It was some of the worst mental and emotional tension I've ever been in. The 173rd guys were devastated. Their feeling of being out of control and helpless to affect their brothers' fate was so heavy you could feel it. And us? We were a mix of nervous and feeling just plain awful for them, but we knew our time would come. I thought about that moment pretty much constantly until I was on a chinook inbound to the Pech valley and finally had a new focus - it was our turn to gamble with fate and try to stay alive.
I made it through the first 3 minutes of this documentary before I had to stop it. This one is going to take me a while to get through. Much respect for my 173rd brothers.
Thank you sir. Greatly appreciate your thoughts and words.
Hope you’re doing well.
🇺🇸
Thank you young man for serving our country I’m extremely proud of you soldier may you find peace on this earth because I know how much you deserve it, much Respect soldier.
Wow man, thanks for your service. I did a couple tours in Iraq, 11B. I can’t even imagine arriving for your deployment and hearing about such a loss from the previous unit. Glad you made it out alive. We live our lives to the fullest for those who never made it back. Take care brother.
Never served myself but the respect I have you men is unexplainable. God bless you all
@@tracygibson5783 I appreciate you saying that. It seems everyone nowadays discredits what we did and just blame it on a war for resources. We did a lot of good there and lost some good men/women there. Seems to get forgotten about. Thanks for the kind words.
I’m 17 from Wisconsin and I think everyday how blessed I am to live in the USA with the freedom I have only because of these hero’s fighting for me God bless you all 😢🇺🇸 you all will always be in my heart can’t thank you enough
For me, what makes the death of the soldier all the more tragic is the journey. Nobody thinks about the amount of time it took to arrive at that moment when they're struck down in battle. The formations, the down time, the long flights, the days spent in temp barracks just waiting to arrive in theater, the long nights of guard duty, the shit details, and the emotions and calories spent just to struggle to arrive at that moment. You've been away from your loved ones, and shouldering heavy hearts and minds, and yet you continue on giving the best effort you can possibly give because you know the men surrounding you are doing the same for you.
And then it ends. I am grateful to all my brothers who paid the final and ultimate price for the rest of us to continue on. The weight of your memory will forever, inspire, motivate, and haunt us all until we see you again.
@@christopherormonde2149 nah plenty of people talk about them. And that is sad, it's a casualty of war. However I'll never say I'm sorry for the savages we're fighting over there, the slavery, the religious persecution, the violation and murder of women. They absolutely deserve to no longer walk this earth and you'll never hear me apologizing for that or for the fact that America is largely a force for good.
@@christopherormonde2149 you sound like the biggest jerk ever. I feel way sorrier for your mom than anyone else’s. And this is coming from a third world peasant you choose to condescend to.
I think about that as well. So much life lived up to the point of being pointlessly killed.
@Christopher Ormonde gonna be less than 20..the crazy as a 💩 🏠 🐀 president we have now will push into ww3.
@@christopherormonde2149 Nationalist Russia in 2022.or 23. Never allow your mind to hijack by the left or the right. Use both sides of your brain together
I’m honored to be the wife of a disabled
OIF Combat veteran. It hurts my heart hearing how much these guys already blame themselves & the fact that 1st Lt Brostrom was blamed for their deaths made me so mad I was brought to tears. He was given a $h!t sandwich on a turd platter. He did his best with what he had. No higher ups will ever be blamed or take any accountability. That’s how it always is. It’s not your guys fault. You guys did your best & did what you had to. Thank you for your service. I love & appreciate every single one of you. You guys are worthy of & deserve love, respect, support, peace & happiness. ❤🇺🇸
Thank you so much. We send you guys much love & respect from our families to yours.
I’ll forward all your kind words.
FG
Man that initial montage of the soldiers who died with that music was heartbreaking. To think these guys were a week and half from going home, and now never get to live out their lives. Such a terrible loss. I’m glad they at least died alongside their brothers fighting for the men around them. RIP.
Some of the greatest guys I ever served with, and very proud to call my brothers. RIP, and Chosen Few.
Fuck Communist. No I PCSed from Chosen back to Ft. Campbell before that deployment I was with Chosen from 2003-2006 and did the Iraq and Afghanistan deployments prior to Wanat.
FUCK AMERICA
@@ANZACS100 Yur MommA!
@@ANZACS100 pussy
@@ReptleBros669 FUCK AMERICA
Freedom is not free, God bless the men and women who keeps us safe everyday.
Sadly this had nothing to do with our freedom
@@spiritwarrior2942 the people did though, most heroes don't die perfectly meaningful deaths
FUCK AMERICA
Freedom starts at home and you don't have it.
So wake up
@@center__mass FUCK AMERICA
Ex British Army, served in Kabul and Helmand. The feeling of frustration and anger I get when I see what we have abandoned Afghanistan to eats at me. My thoughts are with you and your family, Mr Gay, as you grieve the loss of your son. The Chosen Company were brave, tenacious men and you can see their Brotherhood. I hope the families of those who passed are finding some sort of peace and that the lads who made it home are looked after too. Selfless Commitment.
Thank you Allan. Your service is greatly respected and appreciated.
The families are doing ok but it’s never easy. The guys are all still with us and thriving. Extremely proud of them all.
Blessings sir
Frankie
@battleofwanat what's this sings name i can't find this anywhere that's on the video.. "kinda like a troubled dream filled with hopeless dreams oh i'm lost inside of you and all i dream comes crashing down on me i dont need this anymore'' it's on around 1:08:00 I believe.
Wars are political DECEPTION lies as humans we need stop killing eachother for governments gains
I have never in my 24 years of living watched something that made me feel pain inside the way i feel for these soldiers, man.
Thank you
FUCK AMERICA
@@ANZACS100 you definitely have the rights to feel however you want, Buddy. In fact, these soldiers gave their lives to do their part in insuring your rights remain. I feel like the least you can do is show them sole respect here. They died believing in something better. Don't piss on it in the comment section of a documentary honoring them, please.
FUCK AMERICA , FUCK NATO !
@@BattleofWanat FUCK AMERICA , FUCK NATO !
Don't ever blame soldiers on the ground. They are just following orders and making the best out of the situation.
Not even. Yeah you can blame troops on the ground for poor decision, however in this case I wouldn’t dare do so. Why? Because they shouldn’t have been in that position in the first place
@@khalidam1999 why begs the question... why set up our boys for failure? sitting f'ing ducks man.
@@wickedgarden3183 100% my thinking too
USA ran away.😮
Did you say the same to the Japanese? Or the Germans?
Heartfelt Thank you to all!!!
Based on this documentary about the Battle of Wanat and the Chosen Few, a movie script has been written by Ricky Schroder, Ricky Schroder Productions & writer Kevin Haskins in LA. The “Wanat” movie hopefully starts production soon in 2023/24 for the world to see. A 501c3 foundation has been set up to help fund the Wanat movie along with other Hero stories that need sharing. ReelAmericanHeroesFoundation.org will be online in February 2023 for everyone to follow the movie. Honoring and Never Forgetting the selfless sacrifices of the Heroes of Chosen Company, US Army Airborne 173rd.
Thank you again for your support and please help us share, subscribe and follow their story and keeping our 9 sons memories alive. Also, honoring their surviving brothers valor in war. They’re Never Forgotten.
God Bless the Chosen Few ⭐️
REELAMERICANHEROESFOUNDATION.org
I'll buy ten tickets, I hope they don't take too much "artistic license" with it. -Sgt. US Army 2004-2009.
Chosen Few “The Rock”
Man all I can say is Thank You from the bottom of my heart for your service to our country to keep us from fighting here on our home land. RIP to all who passed on and gave the ultimate. True HEROS here man. You guys deserve all our deepest gratitude. Awesome documentary of some awesome ppl man!!! I’m not military but my whole family brother is a Marine toured in 04 Iraq, niece is Navy, uncles Were Nam grandfather ww2 brother in law Army Afghanistan vet!!! Thanks to u all!!!
This country still needs to be here for these men!!! I hope not one single American turns their back on these Hero men. I see their pain man fking sucks to watch but the whole country should sit and watch what these men and women go through when their are sent into battle!!!! 🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🤙🏼🤙🏼👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks
RESPECT 🇨🇦🇺🇸
-my life wouldn't be as easy or comfortable as it is without these guys
Thank you sir. Greatly appreciated
RIP SGT. Israel Garcia - gone, but not forgotten.
This day was one of my most vivid memories of our entire deployment. Today, I remember and grieve again; as well as wish and hope for the best for all the families who lost loved ones that day, and for my fellow soldiers who are forever marked by the day's events.
#173rd #Airborne #SkySoldiers
Thank you sir ⭐️
Did you see any ghosts like OP Rock?
I can relate to these voices and their emotions. There isn’t a way to describe the complex emotions you experience before you go to a hot zone. Those with kids will be affected badly. Having kids puts an entire new emotional perspective on your situation. You question why you’re even there.
As a Brit, I can honestly say, we did 0 in Iraq and Afghanistan
Absolutely illegal invasion of other countries.
The political establishment still languish in riches and avoid responsibility
Makes me feel physically sick with burning rage at how these wars are portrayed before we blunder into Vietnam style warfare
@@ukraine7249. If you’re a Brit what’s your obsession with Ukraine?
@@Evergreen1400 money laundering
Rest in peace fallen heroes. You will never be forgotten. Every laugh of a child in NY, every hug of teenagers in FL, every breath a hiker takes in NC, all of this is possible because of you. You gave your lives to let America live. Thank you, thank you so much words cannot describe.
Thank you 🙏
In today's media world of special forces,nothing else matters unless you are specfor, it's hearwarming and with teary eyes I watched this. Normal regular Army, everyday grunts showing the heroism, mateship, courage,endurance, perseverance and solidarity. Creating a bond that can never be broken.
I understand that,
Stand down, rest easy chosen, you are all legendary
Thank you sir
All the best to you
"Abad was going home today, to see his fiancé and his unborn child. As soon as I looked away, I swear I heard the only single gunshot, and Abad hits the ground. headfirst, into the mud."
He had every right, every reason, to not be there anymore, but unfortunately, he will be there forever.
Rest in peace to The Chosen Few who fought so valiantly.
This definitely was NOT the fault of Lt. Brostrom, it was the fault of the higher ups who refused to listen and catch the intel that Chosen was sending out
Thank you sir
Sergio was a friend from school. This part till this day kills me. He never knew he was expecting a baby girl, he only knew Christina (his fiance) was expecting. Till this day I can’t believe I got that phone call about Sergio knowing he was coming home soon.
@@BattleofWanat hey frank just wondering is this the battle that they based the film Outpost on? Also just wanna say thanks to you and your son.
@@sharkbite5744 The Outpost is based on the Battle of Kamdesh, when COP Keating was attacked from the surrounding ridgelines just like at Wanat. It took place about 20 miles away from Wanat in 2009.
I PCSed to the Brigade in 2007 when you were already down range from 1-4 Infantry in Hohenfells. I had just come back from DeChopan Distict (Zabul down South) and was already wounded so could not re-deploy. I wound up working in the S2 and Brigade HQ. I was the guy that took the report on Wanat and had to brief Col Preysler. I got to be good friends with most of the guys from Battle Co we did physical therapy together everyday. I was supposed to leave 1-4 much earlier but volunteer ed to go down range to relieve some guys who got wounded first and then I got blown up as well.
I guess by now, I've watched this documentary at least 5 times. I cry every time. Please, never forget these guys and love your own.
Thank you sir. Never Forgotten
Life is pretty crazy, I was in chosen company from 2002-2006. From our jump into Iraq in March 2003 until Afghanistan end of 2005. We had created a reputation for ourselves, we were ready to go/do anything at any moments notice. We had crazy ass firefights, ambushes, assaults etc. A big number of us where stopped loss right when getting orders to go to Afghanistan. Doing/seeing some of the missions and orders that came back down from higher up i had a feeling that it was only a matter of time before we would find ourselves in something so overwhelming that there was no coming back from. When my time was up i ETS out of the Army in 2006, i never looked back and started a whole new life. I will always be proud to have served along all my chosen brothers and can unequivocally say these where some of the best men to have served with. This came up on my CZcams feed randomly, I have not kept up with anything military related since i left the service, definitely brought back memories and my heart goes out to all my brothers.
Thank you sir for your service.
Hooah. Chosen Few
Frankie
It's funny that you said this came up randomly. I'm pretty confident it wasn't. The walls have ears. . . and eyes.
Chosen Few!
Pruitt was one of my best friends in college. I miss him every single day.
Absolutely fantastic film mate, it's important that people like you allow the soldiers to tell these stories and have their voices heard through films or TV programmes.
RIP to all the lads who lost their lives on that awful day, gone but never forgotten. 🇬🇧🇺🇸✌✌
Thank you Gooner
@@BattleofWanat You're welcome mate.🇬🇧🇺🇸✌✌
I’ve watched this film about 10 times and I still cry every time. I don’t come from a military family or background but this movie makes me proud to be American that’s for sure.
Thank you for watching. We’re grateful
@@BattleofWanat I’m grateful to you for sharing this film. These are the stories that need to be told. I can tell there is no bond greater than that of men/women who have served along side each other. So thank you so much for sharing this and for your service. 💜
Hands down the best thing I’ve ever watched. Rest In Peace Soldiers, thankyou to you all for your great sacrifices. So very proud to be an American. God bless you all.
I don’t cry often, but this brought me to tears. Thank you for the sacrifice that these brave men made
Thank you for posting this documentary. RIP to those brave men who laid down their lives. I cannot put into words how much this has moved me. Thank you to everyone who has served this country.
You’re very welcome. Thank you for yr kind words.
Defaet
Thank you for sharing their story…I can only imagine how difficult it was for everyone to relive this experience. Thank you!
You’re very welcome. Thank you 🙏
R.I.P. Cpl Pruitt Rainey and his fellow soldiers that died in the battle. Awesome video. God bless all our vets.
Thank you sir. Thank you for your service 🇺🇸
173rd 2nd 503rd Chosen Co. 2nd Plt. Miss you dudes " trample the weak, hurdle the dead".
FUCK AMERICA
@@ANZACS100 hey daddy
I've seen this documentary about 4 times and it still breaks my heart. Their leadership sent those young men to their death. The amount of sheer guts those men showed was incredible.
Thank you sir
@@BattleofWanat Thank you for getting their story out there.
I served in 3rd plt Chosen Company from July 2018 to May 2021. We would make the new privates watch this and tell us what they learned from it. Just like SSG Pitts said, being in Chosen will be the greatest expirence, not only in military career but in my entire life. Trample the weak, hurdle the dead! Chosen Few!
Chosen Few!
As an infantry vet with combat experience, I can agree with the assessment of the fighting position at Wanat. They did what they could to make it the best fighting position available but anyone in combat MOS's will tell you you ALWAYS try to find the high ground. Period.
LT Bostrom was dealt a shit hand by the higher ups by placing him and his men in a fucking bowl surround by mountains (high ground). All the while, expecting him to pull a rabbit out of his hat and develop a hardened fighting position for his men.
As far as I'm concerned, the men above him who's decision it was to send him and his men out to Wanat while being 2 weeks out from going back home, are at fault. There is NOTHING these men could have done to fortify that position in two weeks for the next rotation of war fighers coming in. Negligence at the highest level but it's the Army so what do you expect?
** Edited 9-5-23 **
I wanted to edit this post since it's received some traction. Many people are wondering why/how officer could make such piss poor decisions. This is why: OER.
Most officers don't give a shit about anything else other than their OER. Many will send their men into the meat grinder and chase CIB's just to make their OER look better. Even at the expense of their own men. I'm speaking from experience. My LT almost got me killed by making a last minute decision but that's a story for another day.
Don't take this post the wrong way either, I knew what was expected or the job and I'm not whining about it, just wanted to give insight to those who are looking at this from the outside with no military experience.
This is just MY opinion from everything I've gathered on the battlefield. There's no other reason other than OER.
If I could do it all over again, I would have gone to Ranger Batt or SF. The officers there know their shit and everyone is held to a higher standard. Hope this helps.
#11B
I totally agree mate, you couldn't get a worse position to have a PB if you tried to be honest. On the ground, totally surrounded on all sides by wooded mountains where the enemy can set up ambush positions without them even knowing. The platoon commander did the best he could with what he had, and boy was it utter shite..... O
You can tell he had no other choice because the NCO's have not criticised his decisions, in fact they clearly loved him..... and each other.
What makes it even worse is the senior officers got away with making absolutely horrendous decisions, in reality, their choices cost the lives of 9 exceptional men and the serious injuries to over 25 men.
I'm a 68W, so not a combat MOS, and I got chills up my spine when they said the COP was in a bowl. Long as I love, I'll never understand how that was a good idea.
I'm only seeing this for the first time and I'm into the film only a few minutes BUT like many prior service I cannot for the life of me understand why Battalion felt that COP was a good idea. Not for the life of me can I understand what motivated the decision these men build their position in a fish bowl,, unless they (command) wanted to draw out the Taliban and hope these brave men could kill them before they themselves were killed. I'm going to continue watching but my heart breaks for those who set foot in the base. Those who were KIA and injured trying to hold that absolutely impossible to hold position, GOD Bless them and those who did their duty to the best of their ability. RIP soldiers.
@@quickdeuce most all of the FOB's & COP's in Afghanistan were in a valley(low ground) which is the last place you want to try and defend.....I can't figure out were they learned this from......I guess they didn't pay attention in their war fighting class.......or the puppet master hemmed them up....
@@quickdeuce As a boot going into basic, my drill sergeant was actually involved in that battle. His name was Drill Sergeant Delaney. He never went into detail about how bad it was though. Just stated that he was in the battle of wanat. Wasn’t till years later after my 1st deployment that I looked up the battle and saw how much of a clusterfuck it was. No disrespect to Delaney but he had PTSD like a motherfucker. You could see he was carrying some heavy demons just by the look of his eyes.
There’s a saying i use to describe the Army in a nutshell: If it’s right, it’s wrong and if it’s wrong it’s right. Or, if it makes sense, you’re WRONG (knife hands)
It's hard to convey through a youtube comment the gratitude I have for all of our fallen heroes, if I can say anything, it is that their sacrifices are not lost on a civ like me. The true heroes are these service members that gave it all and I will always be so grateful for them. My heart is with you. May they and their families be blessed wherever they may be. Thank you.
Thank you sir. Very appreciated
Frankie
GSF
This is one of the saddest stories I’ve ever heard.
The men that fought and died that day are far greater than I could ever dream of being, the same goes for the surviving few
Thank you
@@BattleofWanat Thank YOU sir.
Writing from Australia. Having watched this documentary, I feel a palpable sense of deep disappointment that those ‘commanders’ did not receive disciplinary action or worse. Incompetence doesn’t cut it. Respect to all those who survived and deepest condolences to the family and friends of those 9 who were killed.
On behalf of our families. 🙏 thank you.
The movie is starting production soon as u can follow us at
ReelAmericanHeroesFoundation.org
All the best
Frankie
Gold Star Father of Cpl Pruitt Rainey
Of course they blame the Lt who died, typical of the brass. RIP to the Chosen few. Good documentary.
The ending Hurt like hell
The LT?? Lol damn no one is the chain of command ever take responsibility they always have to put it on someone. You ain't putting it on any of the e-1 to e-5s because they are all just following orders. Even e6 through e7s. Not even the first sergeant or LT or 2nd LT. Ifs higher than that. To make a decision to put an OP right there. Or ive seen OPs in the bottom of a valley where your on the low ground.where you can see mountains on all sides of you. You could probably look down into the base from the mountains. They could easily take pop shots. Motors. I mean i don't understand who looks at the layout and say oh thats a perfect spot to put an OP. When you damn well know your gonna lose men and be open targets. Im not saying this specific one but my friends told me about one they were in. It comes down to the decision of no one on that battlefield. It comes from way higher up. Those cowards that are in the safety of a control room. That brass in there that are cowards to blame it on the soldiers that are following your orders! Of an impossible mission.
The Army Brass always cover their asses. Even General Petreaus faulted the Commanders. Same shit happened with Pat Tillman. Army Brass deliberately lied to everyone about the circumstances surrounding his death. Even his own family members.
FUCK AMERICA
These Men are too good, their sacrifice too great for us who were not there to pass a day without remembering them. God Bless These Men, and may what they've done never be forgotten.
RIP This really made me think about what it must have been like for these CHOSEN FEW thanks for this documentary. It's 2023 and these MEN are still touching lives.
Thank you sir. God bless
@@BattleofWanat Very much appreciated thank you .I have been trying to watch other documentaries similar to this. And I am in no way being disrespectful because all of our men and women in our military are truly heroes to me. But after watching this documentary its been kinda hard to find any that really touched me like this one. Bless your heart and all the mothers and fathers and family members. I know the soldiers will never be forgotten I just pray for the family's friends and Parents that in time things will get better for each and everyone 🙏🙏❤❤❤
@@jeffcardcard5070
Thank you 🙏
@@BattleofWanat Thank you and you are very welcome.
Pruitt was one of my best friends in college. I miss him every single day.
🙏
Seems like a solid guy
Iraq Veteran, but never deployed to Afghanistan. My heart hurts after watching this documentary! God bless each and every one of you! Thank you so much for making this documentary about these Warriors, who were put in the worst situation possible and didn't quit! They gave their all for each other and this video lets the whole world see the brotherhood that exists in the Military! Rest Easy, Brothers!
Thank you Brad
Appreciated sir
I served in the Marine Corps and I am about to get into the Army and this has to be the most emotional I have gotten for a documentary. I couldn't Imagine losing my brothers from 1st Mar Div 1st Marines they are my extended family. God Bless you for having the courage to move on and the courage to sit down and hear the stories of the men who fought with your son. Your son would be proud of you!!!
Thank you sir
Thank you for serving. You’re greatly appreciated sir 🇺🇸
Frankie ⭐️
Just watched this for the first time. I tend to stay away from these documentaries but as ive seen through the comments this documentary was so well done and raw. I had just gotten back from first deployment from Iraq in July 2008 and went to helmand a year after this happened in 2009. These guys had the bond and never gave up. Pure beasts. Thank you again for keeping their memory alive. Semper fi 1/5 infantry Marine.
Thank you sir. Greatly appreciated from the families to yours.
Oorah 🇺🇸
I am not a soldier, but when I see these Brave Humans just kicking ass on the enemy, it makes me cringe. Seems like they are in a questionable place with higher ground all around them. Hmmm.
Anniversary comin up and I’ll have these boys on my mind…absolute warriors
Such a emotionally moving story. I don’t even know these people yet I’m crying over them and I feel like I’ve gotten to know each of them throughout this film. God I pray their families get the peace they desperately need, and may those 9 heroic men of Chosen few who died rest in piece. Gone but never forgotten😪🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
FUCK AMERICA
I feel so disappointed / disgusted that whoever picked that spot for a Cop or OP (which was a terrible idea) and got American soldiers killed tried to blame the platoon leader. Obviously this decision was way above these men’s rank! RIP for the Chosen Ones... We know the truth and will never forget you heroes. Bless you for your service.
I was gonna say something very similar.
I know I'm 2 years late but man a amazing documentary of these guys. I served 6 years in the army national guard. The kid at the end got me. It makes me miss the comrodiary of being with people like that. They sucked together and fought together. Embrace the suck. RIP gentleman. You are real warrior's.
Thank you for serving sir 🇺🇸
I fought next to these guys at the K.O.P....i will forever love and respect 173rd.....true heros!
I read, "the Chosen few', book 3 times now.... When life feels like it's starting to suck for me I read the book and shit no longer seems like such a big deal... These men are remarkable and Myself, and my entire family, honor yall every night in out prayers..We thank the Lord for all of you that volunteered to keep that shit off our soil... Truly !!!!!!
Thank you sir.
Words are hard to come by after watching that,i am ex Royal Green Jackets,we are known as Chosen men,its a special title and these heroes earned it,may they Rest In Peace.
Thank you sir.
I just want to say thank you for your son's sacrifice for protecting our freedom's that every American enjoys and I can promise they will never be forgotten...God Bless
Thank you 🙏
God bless
Barbarian American
You guys are in our memories, and in our prayers. Thank you for your service.
To put yourself up to be a barrier of evil; unselfishly..... is a hero
My God I just finished watching this and I can't stop crying. This is so infuriating and heartbreaking just to hear their story. Im so grateful for these braves mens actions. They all were true Heroes and this should be taught in every school in America. Theres no words for the families. I just pray they are doing okay and dont let this break them. I will pray for all involved in this and forever changed by it. Thank you for your service. 🙏🙏🙏❤️🙏🙏🙏
The Lessons learned of the Battle of Wanat is currently taught in all military schools in the US and primarily at West Point.
CSI Study: WANAT: Combat Action in Afghanistan 2008
You’ll be infuriated even more. The study blames the platoon leader and not the commanders.
The commanders who were charged helped write the csi study and now help teach it.
Go Army
One of my DS were from Wanat and another from the famous Outpost movie. Biggest thing I learned was the politicians and the military do not care about your life and you may get sent somewhere where survivability is basically zero. We watched Restrepo in basic to drive this home as it had just came out. Respect to you for surviving.
Thank you sir. Greatly appreciated
Merry Christmas
GSF
You guys deserve the world. Rest in peace, and sincerely, thank you.
I have never cried so much watching a documentary. RIP to those heroes
Thank you 🙏
Still fighting tears as I'm writing this ...RIP to those brave soldiers . That place was totally indefensible in capital letters,really felt this emotional rollercoaster .I hope all hurt parties find comfort in the memories of the many better times had with the CHOSEN FEW past and present.
You can look at these boys when they talk. Some of them are dealing with this better than others but as a combat vet myself in Afghanistan in 2008 to 2009 and losing some brothers. I understand the loss and that medic is not doing okay. You can see it all over his face. He is reliving that battle every day. I hope he reaches out and get some help because that young man is hurting
Thank you sir. Scantlin is doing ok. Studying to become a dr and contracting/private in Iraq.
Thank you for serving sir.
08 definitely unforgettable for many.
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@@BattleofWanat glad to hear he is still coping. What those boys went through is horrible and it's terrible that the higher echelon that told them to put that at the bottom of the valley has not been held accountable, but that seems to be the case with our military these days. That wasn't the only valley that should have never had a cop put in, but the outcome was the same at all of them. I hope all those men are doing well and I salute them all! Scantlin was the one that stuck out to me the most. The pain in his eyes and all over his face says everything! To all the families that lost someone on this day I salute you as well. Not sure if this is the father that was doing the interview in the video but he is one hell of a man. His final thoughts at the end about letting go and forgiving speaks volumes of his character. A father isn't supposed to bury his son and to be at peace the way he is should give everyone something to strive towards to be like! I salute you sir!
Thank you sir. Thank you for your words. They mean a lot. All of the men in Chosen are still with us today. They all had a very hard time coping and accepting. Many of them returned back to the same place in OEFX. Some went on to become rangers, special forces, a green beret, Apache pilots, Sniper commanders and on. Most importantly most have families & children today.
On a mission to find out what really happen to my son, I reached out to the survivors and I know that soldiers don’t lie. They all honor each other in ways most will never understand unless you know. I feel you know.
Getting to know and listening to their stories, saved me. I hope that I’ve had a small role in helping save a few of these true warriors. Heroes who I now call son’s. We’re in constant communications and spend a lot of time together.
I love each and every one of them.
GSF⭐️
Pruitt Rainey KIA Wanat
@@GRUFF.. yes. I noticed. That also. He couldn't even look in the cameraman's eyes.
@@BattleofWanat Sir, I am so sorry for your loss, but also appreciate you telling their story as well as helping the ones that did make it by giving them someone to talk to. I don’t know if you know how much that matters, but just the fact that you’re the father of one of their brothers and they are able to talk to you I know helps these men so much. A lot of wrong calls were made by higher command that put these young men in a situation they should’ve never been in, but they fought for each other and in the end unfortunately, some were lost including your son, but they truly fought like warriors to make it home. Again, I am so sorry for your loss but thank you for honoring these young men and their memory.
I am still angry to the point of tears. Every damn person that was involved with putting a base there should be prosecuted to the limits of the law! But I'm still so very proud of those soldiers, both living and dead! Thank you for your service. You are not forgotten!!!
Thank you 🙏
Never Forgotten
@@BattleofWanat great story 😎😎😎😎😎😎
Watched twice today. Speechless.
I lost a good friend I served with in the early days of Afghanistan. He was killed in December of 2001. Fighting alongside the Northern alliance. It’s a horrible thing to lose a guy and 3 were killed that day. I can’t imagine losing all the guys this unit did in a single battle. It would be hard to go on and stay in the fight but they did. God Bless you all.
Thank you sir. I’m sorry about your friend. He’s a true Hero
Salute to all you heroes. I served during 09/10 Westpac during OIF/OEF. Much respect and thank you for serving our country.🙏🏾🇺🇲
Thank you sir. You’re very appreciated sir
Wow what a powerful emotional documentary. Thank you for bringing it to us, A HUGE THANK YOU to all service men and women past and present! Thank you for your service.
You’re very welcome. Thank you sir
This is absolutely a phenomenal documentary on these men and what they went through fighting this battle!!! Every single one of these soldiers are the purest definition of total fricking Bad Ass! Thank u gentlemen for all that you do.
Everyone of you Soldiers are hero's in my book, Thank you for your service and my freedom! Much ❤ to you.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for your service lads from a british infantry afghanistan vet, you boys had it rough on this one 🇬🇧 rip to your country brave men 🙏 god bless prays for the familys and friends
Thank you sir. Appreciate your service
As a veteran myself, I can tell you this is the most raw and visceral stories/documentaries I’ve ever seen now. Just watched it for the 3rd time. So gripping, so riveting. May God bless and protect these guys - the ones who died, the ones who survived and were forever changed, and for the many gold star families that were created as a result of this awful battle. Chosen Company is a perfect name for these warriors.
Thank you sir. Thank you for serving sir
I was in Cpl Jason Hovater's Infantry basic training platoon (1-19 Aco 3PLT). He wore his faith in Christ on his sleeve. He was the best soldier, by far, in the entire company. He helped me max my sit ups by working with me on it in the evenings. He also had a great Arnold Swarzhenagger impression and could mimick the Drill Sergeants too. Before going on the last ruck march I told him he was going to be an amazing soldier, that I would miss him, and that I thought he should have been Soldier of the Cycle, an award given to the best soldier in the company bestowed, I believe, by the DSs. An award that means nothing after basic, but seemed important at the time. He shook my hand, told me I would be a great soldier too and we prayed. I learned of his death watching the news. Having severe PTSD myself, I began screaming and crying while spitting on my TV as they showed the battle from the view of the Taliban. It broke my heart that one of the best men I ever knew was killed and I wasn't. The best of us dying seems to be a running theme in my experience with war. I was a 240B gunner in Iraq. I saw a lot of combat and have lost my friends from combat and many from suicide since. I hate war. I hate that it takes away great young men who have the courage, honor, and morality to really make a better world, country, and community for us all to live in. Something in 2021 we can feel and see missing like a black hole in our society. Hovater is one of the best soldiers I ever knew. I think of him all time. I'm deeply pained and sorry for his family and their loss. Rest in Heaven young men of the Chosen Few, you are the very best of us all. In Jesus name I pray and plea for their eternal soul... amen.
Thank you sir. Thank you for serving. I’ll share with his family respectfully.
God Bless 🙏🇺🇸⭐️
@@BattleofWanat My name is Justin Watson, btw. Id be honored if you would let them know I really did look up to their son. Hovater was openly and proudly Christian and I, as a new Christian just before joining the Army at 24yo, had never seen that before. I try to be more like that now... unafraid, open and honest about my faith and conversion. God bless you. God bless The Chosen Few.
@@jaggedcut8603
As a Chosen Gold Star father. Im very proud of you.
Blessings
@@BattleofWanat Thank you, sir. Means a whole lot coming from you.
Good afternoon, sir. I just wanted to remind you that it would take more than a bumbling dipshit like Biden the Selected to take away from what great men like your son and the rest of the Chosen Few accomplished in Afghanistan. Your son's honor and memory will remain for all eternity in the hearts of his brothers and in the mind of God, Himself. God bless you and your family and hold your head high. As a US Army infantry veteran, my greatest honor is being a part of the same Army as great men like your son.
So sad, I wasn't ready for this documentory. Thank You for your service. Rest In Peace.
SADDEST THING I've ever seen, these guys will never know how special they are doing what they do for each other.❤
Thank you 🙏
Had to come back after what’s happened with Afghanistan. Your sacrifices weren’t for nothing, and your lives and the rest of the fallen are not forgotten. Rest In Peace sky soldiers 🙏
Mad respect and genuine love for these men who saw and did so much. I feel especially for the acting medic who showed-up for his brothers, to save some and bear witness to the fallen. This account brings home the truth that the true costs of war are borne by the men in the dirt and in the air, in the fight. Respect to the Chosen. Respect too to their enemies, who stood for their own beliefs and fought not with a coward’s IED but with their own hands and paying their own price.
Thank you
I was in Laghman Province during this incident also getting ready to rotate out. My condolences to my brothers as well as the families. Absolutely no excuse whoever was in charge of this mission! I can only hope accountability someday happens!
Thank you sir. Appreciated
Laghman Province same time when this happened. I remember the black out at the time on all phones /internet.We were not far away at Punisher Base.I have upmost respect for all these men and the heroes that had fallen.They had 11 days left and never should have been put in that position. The leadership had failed these men at the highest level on down. It's very unsettling they put the blame on the 1st lt who can't even defend himself since he gave all. Rest easy my brothers!!!! We will never forget!!!!
Thank you Gary ⭐️
I'm not military but most of my family is/was. Thank you. This was very hard to watch. I had to stop it when that man's son started to talk. These are brave men. Thank you so much.
R.I.P to those who paid with their lives and God bless those still alive. Thank you all servicemen for your service.
Men like this make me so damn proud to be an American. Rest easy legends. A greatful nation honors you now and for an eternity.
Thank you Rob. Greatly appreciated sir
Invading other countries makes you proud? Okay then.
This could make even the toughest man cry! I’m proud to be an American!!!
Thank you sir
God bless!! NeverForget!! Every American should see this!!! Thank you each and everyone of The Chosen Soldiers!!!
Thank you sir 🇺🇸
Awesome job on this doco. I’ve watched a lot of different documentaries on Afghanistan from Restrepo, Armadillo, Hornets Nest. This one really hit home for me, how young these guys where and they knew they stood no chance but still went and did their job. Finger pointing blame on someone when the persons/person pointing the finger wasn’t even there is just a complete slap in the face to the soldiers that died on that day and the soldiers that returned. Respect to all who have served and or serving. Great work again on the doco look forward to more in the future.
Thank you sir. Greatly appreciated.
Stay tuned
The fact that those who cast blame are the ones who weren't there, have never been there and would never go there is what grinds my gears.
THANK YOU! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 My love and prayers are with you all! #Armywife #Navymom
Good Documentary and r.i.p to all the soldiers that died and thank yall for yall service.
I took off the uniform 2 years ago. Proud to have worn it and even more proud to have been associated with brave men like them. May they rest in peace and may God bless the families of the fallen and those that carry the scars of war throughout their life. I've seen the heavy toll it takes on our Soldiers and they deserve our utmost respect.
Damn right.
Salute to you
"To the brave men who stood tall and fought with unwavering courage at the outpost of "Bella", Afghanistan -You are "The Chosen Few" ,Your sacrifice & dedication to the defense of freedom will forever be remembered and deeply appreciated. Thank you for your selflessness, bravery, and unwavering commitment to protecting our country and our way of life."🇺🇸🇺🇸
We honor and thank the 9 Paratroopers of Chosen Company who game their lives in defense of our country, as well as the 27 Seriously Wounded. They will forever be remembered as heroes, and their sacrifice will always be a source of inspiration & strength to all who follow in your footsteps. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you Liz 🙏
Your words are so greatly appreciated and will be forwarded.
With honor ⭐️
My God boys, I am so sorry. Thank you for watching each other's backs. Welcome home! Lest we forget the Chosen Few.
Thank you Larry.
Dang. Thanks for telling this story and honoring all these good men.
Every man who fought there is a HERO. SURVIVORS AND EVERYTHING. WE LOOK UP TO YOU MEN AS AMERICAN HEROES
Every soul will experience this, not 1 in the 8billion dwellers on earth can escape it! Yet all will experience love❤
Glad i watched this documentary.
This story of American soldiers carrying out there orders knowing what was ahead of them. I hope our country learns from these hard lessons so the sacrifices aren’t in vain. God bless our soldiers. 🇺🇸
Thank you 🙏
I grew up with Gunnar here in florissant. RIP chosen few. Till Valhalla brothers.
That brother hood between them is beyond words. Thank you for your sacrifice.
These stories really make me sad man. So much respect to all who served. The families, the friends of those that didn’t come back and for those that will be forever changed. Thank you for your service.
Thank you sir
Nothing but respect gratitude praise for all of our armed forces, past present future❤
Thank you
All of these men are heroes. I was flying jets and was in Kunar province when this happened I remember hearing about it but unfortunately I was never sent to help. R.I.P to all of the fallen.
This made me Teary Eyed. Rest Easy Warriors. AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!
America has given their very best men (and women) down through the years! We succeeded in giving many countries their freedom and paid for it in lives lost. I have been blessed in knowing several of these extraordinary men. My dad who was a Navy Gunner assigned to protect transport ships to a sniper serving under Patton, to a Marine who made it through all the islands, and many others, my husband included (Korea and Viet Nam). Ordinary men who did the extraordinary! They are and should be shining lights for freedom.
Thank you. Well said.
Honors to your dad & family as well. You’re appreciated
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God bless these Warriors, both the living and the dead. Thank you for the sacrifice you paid for me and my family. My thoughts and prayers to those who lost family, friends, or battlemates in Wanat.
Thank you. God bless 🙏
Watching that man cry and grit his teeth together in frustration and pure sorrow and helplessness breaks my fucking heart, I am not a crying man, but goddamnit that almost got me.
FUCK AMERICA
Feel better?
@@nickpickett8415 yes , the only thing that could make me feel any better is watching america burn to the ground
You sound like a big pussy to me cupcake. Get over yourself.
@@ANZACS100 Get fucked weirdo
This documentary hits where it hurts. God bless the men and women of the military. Both American and Canadian. May they Rest In Peace. And to the survivors. Thank you for your service
Thank you sir ⭐️
@@BattleofWanat were you a part of that battle ?
@@craigbarker9608 my son was a part of it. He was KIA serving with his brothers side by side he loved.
Pruitts home
God bless
@@BattleofWanat I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m Canadian but I have a huge amount of respect for all service members. May your son Rest In Peace. From what I watched they were true warriors
@@craigbarker9608
Thank you sir