In the chaotic days following the September 11 attacks, a small team of U.S. Special Forces soldiers embarked on a mission that would set the stage for America’s long war in Afghanistan.

’12 Strong’ chronicles this harrowing operation, where twelve Green Berets, who would often be referred to as “horse soldiers” due to their equine mode of transportation, teamed up with Afghan Northern Alliance fighters to take on the Taliban in some of the most unforgiving terrain imaginable.

Led by Captain Mark Nutsch (renamed Mitch Nelson in the film), Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 595  faced overwhelming odds, navigating both the complexities of unconventional warfare and the stark realities of a war-torn land.

CPT Mark Nutch
The real CPT Nutsch, second from right, in country.

Unlike many Hollywood war films, ’12 Strong’ strives to stay rooted in the real-life courage and sacrifice of these soldiers. It offers viewers a gripping look at one of the earliest and most pivotal missions of the War on Terror. Yet, the film also invites scrutiny, particularly from veterans who lived through the darkness and complexity of war that Hollywood often overlooks.

A Close Look Into the Reality of Warfare

’12 Strong’ is not your typical Hollywood war movie. It doesn’t rely on flashy special effects or exaggerated heroics. Instead, it grounds itself in the reality of modern warfare.

12 Strong 2
The Afghan landscape, characterized by its rugged mountains and unforgiving terrain, plays a crucial role in the film, showcasing the challenges the soldiers face as they navigate one of the most hostile environments on earth. (Cinemovie)

The soldiers portrayed in the film are not superhuman; they’re men who understand the gravity of their mission and the potential cost. The film does a good job of showing the complexities of war, especially when fighting in a foreign land with unfamiliar allies. It also does a pretty good job of showing how deployments affect our families and loved ones in different ways. Before 9/11, Nutsch was preparing to take a desk job. His wife was most likely of the mindset that his dangerous deployment days were over. Nothing could have been further from the truth. 11 of the 12 men were married, ten had children.

The combat scenes are intense but not gratuitous. The filmmakers focus on the tactical aspects of the battles, highlighting the challenges the soldiers face in coordinating with the Northern Alliance fighters.

ODA 595 in Afghanistan
Some of the real-life accommodations for ODA 595 in Afghanistan.

While unconventional, the use of horses in combat is shown as a necessity rather than a gimmick. And the hell of it was, besides Mark, only one other guy on the ODA had any experience at all riding a horse, and that was at a dude ranch. Green Berets, however, are resilient and learn fast. The film effectively captures the tension and unpredictability of warfare, expect the unexpected.

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