THE GREEN BERETS of OPERATIONAL DETACHMENT "ALPHA" 574

Episode 3: "The Sacrifice"

On November 14, 2001, U.S. Army Special Forces Operational Detachment "Alpha" 574 - an "A" team of Green Berets known as ODA 574 - infiltrated the mountains of southern Afghanistan to carry out a tribal revolt against the Taliban




Learn more about ODA 574 in The Only Thing Worth Dying For by Eric Blehm and look for the fourth installment of this incredible story in September


This is a fitting lead up to the observances of the tenth anniversary of 9/11 - it was my intent to make a special presentation dedicated to a friend and colleague who paid the ultimate price, but I'm on the road for the next two weeks and circumstances probably won't allow for much posting if any at all. The NRA's excellent Life of Duty presentation is a fitting tribute to all who have served and especially those who sacrificed everything - over there on distant dusty battlefields and here at home on the battlefields of that terrible day at Ground Zero in Manhattan, the Pentagon in Northern Virginia, and an otherwise nondescript field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania which marks the spot where our side first fought back against the terrorist enemy. Let us never forget all of those who have given everything in this struggle against barbarism. - S. L.

INSIDE THE GREEN BERETS - OPERATIONAL DETACHMENT "ALPHA" 574

MSG Jefferson D. Davis, SFC Daniel H. Petithory and SSG Brian C. Prosser of 5th Special Forces Group were Killed In Action on December 5, 2001 in the B-52 J-DAM fratricide incident.

ODA 574 was a part of 3d Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group. I say was because since 574 performed their heroic work in the winter and spring of 01-02, US Army Special Forces has gone to a four-digit designation system for the ODAs. 574's goal was to set the condition for a democratic government in Afghanistan to replace the insurgent Taliban rulers. Jason Amerine was the Detachment Commander, but as everyone knows Army Special Forces is run by the NCOs, and in many cases the Captain is just along for the ride. (This is not to disparage Amerine - he was an effective leader and was decorated after participating in several battles of the Invasion of Afghanistan.)

Codenamed "Texas 12" (Texas One-Two), the detachment's goal was to set up a new government in Afghanistan. The group was made up of 12 Americans under command of Captain Jason Amerine. They worked side-by-side with the anti-Taliban militia led by Hamid Karzai, who planned to take the Islamic spiritual center of Kandahar. The key to the province was the town of Tarin Kowt. The civilians of the town overthrew the Taliban governor, so Karzai and Amerince planned to defend it. The 12 Americans of Operational Detachment Alpha 574 and 35 Afghans defended Tarin Kowt from 100 Taliban trucks carrying 1,000 insurgents. The town was successfully defended by the brave troops of Alpha 574 as well as the Afghan freedom-fighters, who drove back the Taliban. Fighting again along the Arghandab River, Alpha 574 defeated the Talibans at Shawali Kowt and Sayyd Alma Kalay. These victories were the key to the Kandahar Campaign, ending when Kandahar fell to US Marines. When Kandahar fell, Karzai became the interim president of Afghanistan, so Alpha 574's mission was complete.


A charter member of Team STORMBRINGER found the following on Blackfive



I found it very interesting, and there are a whole series of them to be seen so get over to Blackfive and enjoy!

Take care and have a nice weekend - more to follow so y'all come back now . . .

- S. L.

ODA SIGNAGE

"ODA" stands for Operational Detachment Alpha - the basic organizational structure of US Army Special Forces. About the size of a large squad or a small platoon, an ODA is more comparable to a Battalion Staff - for that is the organization that it mirrors; the guerrilla battalion command element and staff - Special Forces work intimately with the local people and the "indigenous" forces.





These photos were taken in Firebase Chamkani - established 17 Dec 2004 - sent in anonymously by a member of ODA 3333 - I do not know if he is aware that I once served on that detachment. Judging by the initials, I suspect I know who it is.

Here is a link to an excellent article regarding US Army Special Forces activities in this area, involving detachments from my old outfit; 1st Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group:

US Army Tribal Engagement in Afghanistan


SEAN LINNANE SENDS


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