Green Beret Horse Soldiers: Unconventional Heroes in America's Response to 9/11

The Unforgettable Footprints of Green Beret Horse Soldiers

In the wake of the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States found itself thrust into an unprecedented era of warfare and counter-terrorism. Determined to seek justice, the country's response was multifaceted, with various military units playing crucial roles. Among these unsung heroes were the legendary Green Beret Horse Soldiers.

Green Berets: The Elite of the Elite

Before we delve into the remarkable tales of the Green Beret Horse Soldiers, it is essential to understand the distinguished legacy of the Green Berets themselves. The United States Army Special Forces, colloquially known as Green Berets due to their iconic headgear, are a highly trained and versatile group of soldiers.

Swords of Lightning: Green Beret Horse Soldiers and America's Response to 9/11

by Jim DeFelice(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	930 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	347 pages

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Green Berets undergo rigorous training in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and special reconnaissance. They are masters of high-altitude parachuting, competent in multiple languages, and experts in guerrilla warfare. Their strategic skills, adaptability, and unwavering courage make them an indispensable asset in military operations.

The Birth of the Green Beret Horse Soldiers

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the hunt for Osama bin Laden intensified, leading to the initiation of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. While the mountainous terrains posed significant challenges for conventional military operations, a group of Green Berets identified an unconventional solution – horses!

United under the banner of the 5th Special Forces Group, these Green Beret soldiers were assigned the mission of joining forces with the Afghan Northern Alliance in ousting the Taliban from key strategic locations. However, their ingenuity and expertise extended beyond their training; instead of relying solely on advanced technology, they embraced a time-honored and often underestimated ally – horses.

The Horse Soldiers' Legendary Valor

Equipped with saddles, weapons, and profound determination, the Green Beret Horse Soldiers ventured deep into the treacherous mountains of Afghanistan, where the oppressive Taliban forces held sway. Their mission was to establish contact with the Northern Alliance, train Afghan warriors, and capture or neutralize high-ranking Taliban members.

Their equestrian skills proved critical as they navigated challenging terrains inaccessible to traditional military vehicles. Riding alongside their Afghan counterparts, the Horse Soldiers demonstrated resilience, resourcefulness, and unparalleled valor, charging fearlessly into battles that changed the tide of the war.

An Extraordinary Victory by an Extraordinary Unit

The pivotal Battle of Mazar-i-Sharif showcased the true mettle of the Green Beret Horse Soldiers. Outnumbered and fiercely outgunned, they orchestrated a remarkable victory that played a crucial role in the eventual defeat of the Taliban.

Despite sustaining heavy casualties and facing imminent danger, the Horse Soldiers fortified their positions in an Afghan fort, using their strategic prowess to call in powerful airstrikes on the encroaching Taliban forces. Through their indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment, they prevailed against all odds.

Green Beret Horse Soldiers: America's Unsung Heroes

As the dust settled on the Afghan battlefields and America commemorated the fall of the World Trade Center twin towers, the remarkable tale of the Green Beret Horse Soldiers began to emerge. Their valor, adaptability, and quick thinking in the face of adversity embodied the very spirit of America's response to 9/11.

While their achievements initially went unnoticed by the public due to the nature of their classified operations, Hollywood later brought their incredible story to the forefront. The 2018 film "12 Strong" depicted the incredible journey of these unsung heroes, ensuring their contributions to the nation's security would never be forgotten.

The Green Beret Horse Soldiers continue to serve as a testament to the unyielding resolve and innovation of the United States military. Their ability to adapt, think critically, and work effectively in unconventional environments played a pivotal role in the outcome of Operation Enduring Freedom.

These remarkable soldiers have left an indelible mark on the annals of American history. While their story is marked by selflessness and sacrifice, it is also a reminder that the true strength of a nation lies within the courage and determination of its people.

© 2023 The Green Beret Horse Soldiers

Swords of Lightning: Green Beret Horse Soldiers and America's Response to 9/11

by Jim DeFelice(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	930 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	347 pages

FREE

The first-person account of how a small band of Green Berets used horses and laser-guided missiles to overthrow the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan after 9/11.

They landed in a dust storm so thick the chopper pilot used dead reckoning and a guess to find the ground. They were met by a band of heavily armed militiamen who didn’t understand a word they said. They climbed a mountain on horseback to meet the most ferocious warlord in Asia. They plotted a war of nineteenth-century maneuvers against a twenty-first-century foe. They saved babies and treated fevers, trekked through minefields, and waded through booby-trapped streams—sometimes past the mangled bodies of local tribesmen who’d shared food with them hours before. They found their enemy hiding in thick concrete bunkers, dodged bullets from machine-gun-laden pickup trucks, and survived ambushes launched with Russian tanks. They fought back with everything they had, from smart bombs to AK-47s.

They overthrew a government, mediated blood feuds between rival commanders, and argued with generals and politicians thousands of miles away.

The men they helped called them gods. One of their commanders called them devils. Hollywood called them the Horse Soldiers.

They called themselves Green Berets—Special Forces ODA 595.