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

November 04, 2020 01:09:25
The Most Challenging Start to a Platoon's Year in Afghanistan
The Spear
The Most Challenging Start to a Platoon's Year in Afghanistan

Nov 04 2020 | 01:09:25

/

Show Notes

In 2010, Maj. Tyson Walsh was a platoon leader on his first deployment. Just ten days after arriving in Afghanistan, the platoon suffered its first casualties when an IED—an improvised explosive device—killed one soldier and wounded another. Eight days later, the battalion chaplain visited the platoon's combat outpost to perform a prayer service for the soldier they had lost. Afterward, when he left, his vehicle also struck an IED, killing him and four other soldiers. It was only the beginning of a very difficult deployment, and led to leadership challenges Walsh would have to overcome.

Other Episodes

Episode

August 29, 2025 01:17:22
Episode Cover

Ranger Regiment J1 in Afghanistan

While serving as an infantry officer in the 75th Ranger Regiment, First Lieutenant Scott Filbert was deployed to Afghanistan to serve as the J1,...

Listen

Episode

February 10, 2026 01:06:02
Episode Cover

Combat Interpreter in Iraq

Ayman Kafel and his family survived civil wars in Lebanon and Liberia before immigrating to the United States. Following the September 11 attacks, Ayman...

Listen

Episode

April 13, 2022 00:35:19
Episode Cover

Dilemma on Route Mariners

Before his NFL career, Alejandro Villanueva was a rifle platoon leader in the 10th Mountain Division. During a deployment to an especially restive sector...

Listen