Scott Zastrow: A Green Beret's Firsthand Account of the Afghan Invasion

In an exclusive interview with Scott Zastrow, Jack Murphy delves into the remarkable journey of a man who became a Green Beret in the United States Army’s Special Forces. Scott’s story is a testament to the power of determination, mentorship, and the unexpected twists and turns that life can take.

Note: More than ten years ago, Murphy, one of the pioneering writers of SOFREP, had the chance to conduct an exclusive interview with Zastrow, an 18D (Special Forces Medic), about the latter’s experiences during the initial invasion of Afghanistan as part of Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 555. Zastrow was among the country’s first boots on the ground on October 19, 2001. Enjoy the first of the two-part throwback interview below.

Scott Zastrow’s Patriotic Calling

Growing up in the heartland of America, Scott Zastrow was surrounded by a strong culture of patriotism and American pride. It was almost inevitable that he would follow in the footsteps of his father and brother, both of whom had served in the US Army. For him, becoming a Soldier was not a difficult choice; it was a natural progression and a way to contribute to his country.

Early Adventures in Germany

After completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), the now-veteran found himself stationed in Germany as a medic. Here, Zastrow experienced the typical adventures of a young soldier – from raucous nights in local pubs to bonding with fellow soldiers over shared experiences. However, a memorable encounter with a demanding Platoon Sergeant taught him important life lessons about discipline and resilience—transforming him and his fellow soldiers from naive recruits to capable, competent soldiers.

A Crucial Turning Point and His Path to Special Forces

A pivotal moment in Zastrow’s early Army career occurred during a road march when he, as a medic, mistakenly joined a platoon without his weapon. The fear of facing repercussions for his oversight quickly dissipated when the platoon leader recognized him as their medic. Little did he know that this incident would be the beginning of his reputation as a high-speed medic, setting him on a path toward Special Forces.

While serving in his unit, Zastrow had the privilege of working alongside an experienced 18D (Special Forces Medical Sergeant), who set a high standard for their team. The 18D’s unwavering commitment to excellence left a lasting impression and fueled the veteran’s desire to become an 18D himself. This rigorous standard became their baseline, instilling in them a relentless pursuit of excellence.

But the path to becoming a Green Beret was not without its challenges. Soon, Zastrow found himself competing against seasoned soldiers from prestigious units like the 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne, and Ranger Battalions during Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS). Despite feeling out of place initially – aside from being the youngest and least experienced candidate – the rigorous training and relentless encouragement from older candidates only fueled his determination to succeed.

Scott Zastrow with Northern Alliance fighters

After successfully completing SFAS, the veteran shortly joined the arduous journey through the Special Forces Qualification Course (Q course). It took approximately two years to graduate as an 18D, where his endurance and determination were tested to the brim. Pushing through the mentally and physically taxing process, he finally graduated, achieving his long-cherished goal and proudly donning the coveted Green Beret.

Life in the 5th Special Forces Group and the Impact of 9/11

In the interview, Zastrow provided a unique perspective on the state of the 5th Special Forces Group before the events of the September 11, 2001 attacks. While some felt the need to prove the Group’s relevance, others were immersed in training, FID (Foreign Internal Defense), JTF-6, and JCETs (Joint Combined Exchange Training). The Special Forces’ primary role as trainers ensured their continuous involvement in various missions, even in peacetime.

He shed light on the formation and reputation of ODA 555. Initially known as the “Triple Nickel,” the team became widely recognized and celebrated within the Special Forces community due to their high-profile missions and extensive media coverage. However, Zastrow humbly downplays the team’s notoriety, emphasizing that their accomplishments were the result of collective effort rather than individual fame.

Owing to their involvement in critical missions, ODA 555 received substantial media attention. The veteran recalls the sudden influx of reporters, interviews, and documentaries. While their accomplishments were accurately documented, he remains skeptical of the media’s ability to capture the full scope of their experiences and the nuances of their work.

Preparation Amid Uncertainty

On that fateful September 11 day, as the world witnessed the devastating terrorist attacks on US soil, Special Forces soldiers, including Zastrow himself, felt a profound sense of helplessness. The atmosphere on the military base shifted, with heightened security measures, but their training continued. The anticipation of a significant mission loomed, but the specifics remained shrouded in uncertainty.

Then, finally, as preparations for an imminent mission into Afghanistan took shape, the Green Berets were provided with only vague information about their objectives. Speculation ran rampant, with rumors of operating at high altitudes in the middle of winter. Despite the uncertainty, Zastrow, alongside his fellow soldiers, prepared as best they could, relying on their training and expertise.

“We did know we were going to do Unconventional Warfare [UW] so there were certain things you can do to prepare even without specific. But everything we were being given was so generalized to the country itself it was almost immaterial,” Zastrow explained.

He continued by comparing the situation to someone being told they are going to the United States to engage in UW but without specifying the exact location within the country. “Where? Arizona? Oregon? NY City? South Florida? The Rocky Mountains? Without specifics, you’re limited in your preparation, but only by certain gear,” he added, illustrating the diversity of potential locations within the country. Without knowing the specific location, it would be challenging to make precise preparations because each of these places has different terrain, climate, and local dynamics.

Regardless, Zastrow emphasized that there are certain aspects of training and preparation that remain constant. These fundamental principles, which include combat skills, tactics, and teamwork, do not change significantly based on the location or the specific details of the mission. So, they focused on honing these essential skills, knowing that while the mission’s exact nature might be unclear, their training and preparation would serve them well when more specific information became available.

Scott Zastrow’s experiences in Afghanistan were both challenging and enlightening. His training, preparation, and prior knowledge of the country proved invaluable. As they executed their mission, he and his team operated in a complex and volatile environment where every day brought new lessons and unexpected encounters.

This interview offers a rare glimpse into the life and career of a Special Forces soldier, from his patriotic upbringing to his heroic exploits on the battlefield. His journey from the Midwest to the Special Forces is a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment of those who choose to serve their country. His story reminds us that heroes walk among us, quietly bearing the burden of protecting freedom and democracy.

This article has been edited and rehashed for republication. You can read the full, unedited version here.