In this exclusive interview, Green Beret veteran Scott Zastrow shares his firsthand account as one of the firsts during the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Here, he also shared insights about his book, The Deguello, a fictionalized rendition of his experiences during service. This is the second of the two-part piece about the interview conducted over ten years ago.
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the United States found itself facing an unprecedented global threat posed by terrorist organizations. To combat this threat, American Special Operations Forces were deployed to various theaters around the world. Among these deployments was Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, which saw a unique team of soldiers, known as Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 555, play a pivotal role in the early days of the conflict.
This article delves into an interview with one of the members of ODA 555 back in 2012, shedding light on their insertion into Afghanistan, their interactions with the Northern Alliance, and the unique challenges they faced during their mission.
Insertion into Afghanistan
The story of Triple Nickel’s insertion into Afghanistan begins with a flight provided by the 16oth Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). This mission was not without its challenges, as the initial attempt to fly in was aborted due to instrumentation issues with the aircraft. The second attempt proved successful, and the team found themselves in the heart of a country teeming with uncertainty.
In the interview, Zastrow recalls the eerie quietness that followed their landing, with dust and darkness enveloping the scene as the helicopters departed. The realization that they were in Afghanistan, in a hostile environment where the slightest mistake could have dire consequences, was a surreal moment for the team. The fear of being spotted by the enemy loomed large, given the size of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters they were flying in.
“We didn’t even discuss it until a year later when one of the reporters asked us what it was like being the first men America called on in response to a terrorist incident, and if that much responsibility weighed in on what we were doing,” Zastrow recalled. “We all kind of looked at each other and were like, ‘Wow, never thought of it that way.'”
Linking up with the Northern Alliance
Oftentimes, Hollywood portrays Special Operations as lone wolves embarking on solo missions. However, the reality is often quite different. In the case of ODA 555, their integration with the Northern Alliance was facilitated by Agency (read CIA) involvement, serving as a crucial liaison between the two groups.
The initial impressions of the Northern Alliance were tempered by the team’s previous experience in the Middle East, allowing them to keep their expectations low. Language barriers and the need for translation added complexity to their interactions, but they soon discovered that the Northern Alliance had educated leaders who were familiar with American tactics, thanks to their training in Russia.
Zastrow humorously recalls the challenges of communicating through multiple translations, highlighting the absurdity of translating simple greetings through several languages. Yet, despite the initial hurdles, the Northern Alliance’s willingness to cooperate and their grasp of military tactics set the stage for a successful partnership.
The Mission’s Evolution
At the outset of its mission, ODA 555’s primary goal was to assess the situation on the ground and determine where it could make the most significant impact. However, every special operations mission carries a secondary mission: “Providing Ground Truth.” This entails delivering accurate and real-time information to higher authorities, which was especially crucial given the emerging technological age of special operations.
As the Northern Alliance leadership began to recognize the value that ODA 555 brought to the table, the mission’s focus shifted from reconnaissance to full-scale combat operations. Their intel expert played a pivotal role in setting the team up for success. With the Northern Alliance’s acceptance and cooperation, ODA 555 moved forward with its plans.
Taliban Lines and Advancement
Understanding the terrain and the positioning of the Taliban forces was paramount. From their vantage point at the airfield tower in Bagrahm, the team could observe the Taliban’s lines as they stretched south of Kabul. The Taliban had strategically positioned themselves just south of the Panjshir mountains to avoid artillery fire from the north.
Both sides hesitated to advance on each other, lacking the means to decisively push forward. With no significant air assets at their disposal, the Taliban had little incentive to assault the tower held by ODA 555. The standoff between the two sides across the street from each other was a perplexing sight to the team.
“The Deguello”: Fictionalizing the Experience
Zastrow, an ODA 555 veteran, later wrote a book titled “The Deguello,” a fictionalized account of his experiences alongside fellow soldiers in Afghanistan. The decision to pen this book stemmed from various factors, including the desire to provide a more authentic perspective on special operations, free from the sensationalism often found in media portrayals.
Keeping a journal during his deployment and reading other accounts of their mission fueled the veteran’s desire to share their story. The team’s experiences and camaraderie were at the heart of the narrative, aiming to create a relatable and genuine depiction of their mission. While the book is not a documentary, it captures the essence of their journey, complete with memorable characters and anecdotes.
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The story of ODA 555 in Afghanistan is a testament to the bravery and resilience of Special Operations Forces in the face of daunting challenges. Their insertion into a hostile environment, collaboration with the Northern Alliance, and evolving mission objectives provide insights into the complex nature of modern warfare.
“The Deguello” stands as a tribute to the team’s experiences and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and dedication of those who serve in the shadows of conflict. It offers readers a glimpse into the world of special operations, unfiltered and authentic, and is a testament to the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of combat.
This article has been edited and rehashed for publication. You can read the full, unedited version here.
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