Ambush in Uruzgan

March 27, 2024 00:59:37
Ambush in Uruzgan
The Spear
Ambush in Uruzgan

Mar 27 2024 | 00:59:37

/

Show Notes

In this episode, host Tim Heck is joined by Lt. Col. Blake Schwartz. In 2009, Schwartz was a Special Forces team leader deployed in Afghanistan's Uruzgan province. Enemy fighters in the Langar valley, a restive area astride a vital road network, were a particular target for Schwartz’s soldiers. Schwartz attempted three times to enter the valley with his forces. On his final attempt, while countering a Taliban ambush, he authorized the firing of a Hellfire missile from an orbiting MQ-1 Predator. The impact had unintended consequences for the mission and for Schwartz.

Other Episodes

Episode 0

October 15, 2021 00:53:57
Episode Cover

A Horse Soldier Reflects

In late 2001, Scott Neil was a US Army Special Forces soldier whose team was among the first US forces in Afghanistan—the legendary Horse...

Listen

Episode

May 07, 2025 01:04:37
Episode Cover

Air Force PJs at War

Air Force pararescuemen, also known as pararescue jumpers or PJs, are special operations forces known for their wide range of professional skills and for...

Listen

Episode 0

November 04, 2020 01:09:25
Episode Cover

The Most Challenging Start to a Platoon's Year in Afghanistan

In 2010, Maj. Tyson Walsh was a platoon leader on his first deployment. Just ten days after arriving in Afghanistan, the platoon suffered its...

Listen