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Editor's note: Two Associated Press photographers Photoblogged this summer from an embed with the U.S. military in Afghanstan. This was their last post. The rest of the series is below, in reverse chronological order.
It’s nothing like the movies. There's no glamour when a young man loses his leg to a hidden bomb. There's nothing romantic about the ear-piercing shrieks from a man as his leg is torn from his body. These are images Americans back home rarely experience - the gritty horror of war fought in a land half a world away.
So it was when the bomb, or IED, went off about 30 yards from Combat Outpost Nolen in the Arghandab Valley, home to troops of the 101st Airborne Division. Everyone froze, expecting the worst. And it was bad. A soldier had lost his leg. It was the sixth limb lost among soldiers at the outpost in just three weeks.
The thought that the Taliban could sneak so close to the base angered many soldiers. Thick trees and mudwalls offer plenty of cover for Taliban bombers to hide. Cut down the trees? The idea had come up. But cutting down trees might anger the locals. And winning their friendship and support is a key goal of the campaign against the Taliban.
After the blast, the scene was chaotic. Soldiers scrambled to carry the wounded comrade to a helicopter landing zone. One soldier, Pvt. James Stennett, sat on the ground, dazed after being hit by a bomb fragment. Several soldiers screamed at photographers not to take pictures of the scene .
Soon a medevac helicopter arrived and flew the soldier who'd lost his leg to a military hospital. The men had a chance to decompress. A young officer walked over to apologize for screaming at us. The sun was boiling. And tensions were high. The American people need to see the reality that soldiers at Combat Outpost Nolen must endure every day, he says.
Editor’s Note: Pvt. James Stennett gave his permission to the Associated Press to have his name and image published. The second wounded soldier has not. Under standard rules for journalists embedded with combat units, the identity of wounded military personnel may not be published without their permission.
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Why in the world are they not using metal detectors? This should not be happening. Bring in the helicopters and find these bastards. Cut down the damn trees if necessary. Citizens of these towns should be made aware that if they support the Taliban, they are guilty of treason against the government of Afghanistan. If a town harbors Taliban, burn down the homes of the people that are guilty. Put the owners on trial and execute the owners for treason.
I always wondered what would be the outcome if for instance China invaded America and took out our government and defeated our Army and propped up a communist government from amongst our own people. Then our Army went underground so to speak and became an insurgent army. Then the whole international community supported the communist government and sent troops to help the Chinese and the traitor American puppets who formed the communist government.Would our insurgent army be wrong to asasinate and kill those Americans wether civilian or not who turned on our constitution and accepted communism over our republic? Just food for thought!
Richard, that is a terrible analogy. Comparing the Taliban to the US government is absurd.
Does America have a working functioning society and rule of law? Perhaps the best in the world. Are it's people decently well off? Very. Does America have openly hostile or subversive neighbors? No.
Now, did Afghanistan have a working functioning society and rule of law? Not really, a little above anarchy. Are it's people decently well off? No, terrible by most standards. Does Afghanistan have openly hostile or subversive neighbors? Yes.
Also, the "army" that went underground is more like an occupying force. Afghanistan became independent in 1919, descended into civil war in 1970 Occupied by the Soviets 1979-1989, then the Taliban took over in 1996 and imposed one of the nastiest rule by fear and violence over a population ever seen. They even set about destroying the cultural and artistic history of the region, even dynamiting the largest ancient Buddha statues in the world at Bamyan. And placed all women in the country under virtual house arrest and removed all their rights.
So America might not be perfect, but thinking that your analogy has anything close to merit is repugnant.
Perhaps look into your own heart when you spout hatred and fear,you will find the Taliban there.
I don't think Richard was "hating", but there does seem to be a reflexive aversion to harsh reality.
This is disturbing. Why doesn't every combat outpost have a strict line-of-sight clearance policy? If you cant' see the area 30 meters away from your wire, then you don't need to place your outpost there. Simple as that. Put it on a hill or some other high ground. I understand the desire to "get in among the population" and the whole "community policing" approach, but six guys losing limbs in such a short period of time doesn't balance with any popular gains that could potentially be made with the locals.
Get the boots off the ground and the jets in the air.
Agree wholehearedly!
Say goodbye this nightmare and open our eyes now
So let's get this straight......GI's get maimed because we don't want to offend the locals by cutting down some trees? I say the commander who make a decision like this is just as responsible as the enemy. Did we not learn from Viet Nam? Either do what is necessary to win or come home. So sick of this......
Sounds like politically correct B.S. to me. And also not giving a damn about our troops.
It's unimagineable horror in a place with no easy answers. I wish those wounded soldiers, well; I wish those still on the ground, safe; and I wish their families peace. You can argue this situation whichever way you want, but what it comes down to, there's a mission to finish and our sons and daughters, nieces and nephews are carrying on. Honor that anyway you can.
While quite graphic, these images are a far cry from everyday life as it goes on in America despite two wars. These pictures should be displayed in malls, schools, and houses of worship. Perhaps then, the American public will get involved when they see Johnny or Jill or their friends picture - war is disturbing but for some reason our country has become immune and quite insensitive to the personal tragedies that so many soldiers and their families experience. Congratulations for publishing the pictures and safety for our troops.
This post is not aimed at you, "H", , what you said has simply triggered some long held feelings. Life does go on as long as it can. I'm amazed that you are surprised by it. It has happened in every war no matter the participants, as long as the general population is not itself under assault. It is the soldier's lot, we don't get to choose it any more than we get to choose which people in our country we fight for, even our brothers and sisters in arms (the people we really fight for). I share the frustration for sure, but have to try daily to not let it keep me quiet There are people who may be "immune and quite insensitive", but there are more of us who are not. We just don't have the reigns, so to speak, on what people see and hear. And, of course, the only people that glorify war are those who havent been there. The rest do what they can in their own way to survive it, psychologically as well as physically. Whats worse than glorifying war? Saying "support our troops" when you don't really mean it. I see it all the time, especially our politicians, from the top down (and some of our people) who do not understand the difference between talking the talk and walking the walk. Take the time to thank any vet you meet. Visit a VA hospital when you can. And cut the walking wounded some slack too. When you see outright disrespect of our heroes, men and women, stand up and be counted! Don't let it go, your silence will be affirmation that it's OK.
They are using mine detectors as well as bomb dogs, but a lot of these IEDs are command detonated, which means some guy sits and watches and when our troops go by they detonate the IED. They know they can't win this going toe to toe with us mano y mano we'll kick their ass
In early 1960's communism came to Cuba, but, our govt. sent us 14000 miles away to fight in Vietnam, communist aggression. Twelve years later and 58,000 dead Americans later, we decide it was a mistake. Meanwhile, 50 years later, Cuba is still communist and so is Vietnam. Now we have drugs flowing across OUR border with Mexico, thousands of Mexican citizens killed in horrible ways by drug cartels, and we send our all volunteer force to Afghanistan where over 1,000 have been killed, so far, trying to find Binladen, eradicate their major crop of opium poppies, without pissing off the corrupt in power over there, while we can't even get so much as a fence built on OUR southern exposure. As a 20 year old marine in Vietnam, and a 55 year old navy seabee in Iraq, and a blue collar american tradesman for40 years, my heart goes out to all who go to the wars, that will no doubt be called senseless, too soon from now, by the ones who sent us.
Terrorism is the weapon of the politically impotent. The IED is the weapon of choice to the insurgents. Papa 1400210 is correct - they are either command detonated or pressure detonated. Our enemy knows we use metal detectors and bomb dogs. They plant in areas and ways that one would not consider clearing. LOS in defending any position is imperitive; we had pressure sensors in SEA and it would appear motion sensors would be an advisable solution and techonoligically available. Offending the local populace is of concern, but looking at the cover of Time magazine in line at the grocery store last night, it would appear that the local populace is unconcerned with the Taliban and their interpretation of Islamic Law. This is a difficult balancing act: the last time we won an entire country's "hearts and minds" was pushing the Nazi's out of France, or so it would seem. We must remember that the Afghans, with a great deal of help from Charlie Wilson and the American tax base, helped bankrupt the Soviet Union. The past administration certainly has left a pile of crap for the current administration to clean up. Until then, this man will continue serving those who've returned to his AO. To my brothers and sisters in harms way, keep your ass down, your head up and come home safe. Soon. Semper Fi!
My son is one of the soliders at Combat Outpost Nolen that is story is written about. I can't imagine the horrors they witness everyday seeing several soldiers being injured in the months they have been there. Everyday I pray when the phone rings or someone rings the doorbell "please Lord don't let it be them". I want all the families know I pray everyday that your child gets home safe the way I pray for my son. My son says he is there to do the job he was trained to do. The same way if he was a plumber. He doesn't believe he is a hero. To me every soldier is a hero. I thank you for writting the articles about this post and the soldiers so people realize how dangerous it is everyday. My son calls just to say "mom just wanted to let you know I am safe today". God bless each soldier and their families.
dear mother of a soldier member at cob nolen. my airforce man is there as well and has been included in some of the footage. i pray for him and all the soldiers that are in that hell hole everyday. i can't tell you how much i appreciate a glimpse of him doing the job that he is trained to do. i too am military so i understand the horrors of what they see and what they do. today and everyday i will pray for you as well. - jennifer
My son is one of the Combat Medics with 101st Airborne at Combat Outpost Nolan. I just saw him in one of the photos. I pray everyday for my son, all our Troops, and their families. My son calls too, thank god. It makes me feel better just to hear his voice. Always thinking of all our men and women over there. I can't imagine it. Never forgetting their sacrifice. Proud Army Mom~Joyce
My son is also there with the 101st. I pray everyday for all of our soldiers and thank god that we have young men and women with the courage to do what they do. I don't think many can really understand the scope of what our troops are doing except our troops that are there fighting. I have spoken with many soldiers returning and they have all said the same ... the people back home just don't understand. I have never been more proud than I am right now of my son. I pray every day for him and all of our soldiers. They all deserve to be remembered everyday. My son told me before he left to try not to worry to much. They have a mission to complete and they will do it. As hard as it is to see some of these pictures, I want to see them to understand what my son and all our soldiers are going through. My dearest son Rich - I love you tons and am so very proud of you. - Proud Mom - Robin
Ladies- This brought tears to my eyes. My heart hurts for your sons and I know the anguish you're going through. I too have waited, wondered and prayed that the knock on the door is not what it could be. That the phone ringing will be positive news. One of safety and security instead of the worst. I don't know how you look at the pictures. I couldn't even watch the news. I was BRAND new to this when my husband did his second tour in Iraq. I should've been stronger. You are the women I strive to be like. I pray that as we continue our life in the military, that I'll someday be able to have the strength that you have.
Please know that I pray for our troops and their families several times a day. I'm so proud of your sons and of our troops. My husband also doesn't think he's a hero, but he's a hero to me. Your sons are heroes to me. I'm lucky enough to have my soldier here with me for now, knowing that any day he'll go. And that's ok. We're ready. But I hold him a little tighter, for a little longer every chance that I get.
When you get a chance to talk to your sons, tell them Thank You for me. A simple Thank You never seems enough for what they've done for me. I wish I could tell you the gratitude and love in my heart, but I'm afraid I don't have the words.
And to your families: Stay strong, I know it's hard. I know the things that you have to hear about the wars on a daily basis with complete disreguard for your feelings. I wish it got easier when they get home, but my experience wasn't so. We found the pains of war to be very present in our daily lives as we worked through PTSD, nightmeres and uncertainty. Hang in there. Their brothers in battle and their families is what they rely on when they come home.
Thank you so much for your service to this country, I am in awe at what strong women you are.
May they complete their mission, with a job well done, and come home to loving arms.
-Proud Army Wife
my son just returned from dubai he is in the airforce. he was not allowed to even leave the base because of the security risk. what a terrible thing we are doing to our boys. i remember the vietnam war very well i lived with the body counts every night on the nightly news. i hate seeing us dig our selves into a hole with no way out. i bless every day my son is home safe with his family knowing full well that that could change at any minute. if they must fight then give them a way to win. they should never have to be in a position where they are trying to win with one arm tied behind their backs. if you can't do that bring em home.
amen d. collins i so agree. my son, my only son is headed there soon and i am torn, no sickened, between being supportive because i know this is what he really wants to do and i love him so. then i cant help but also think, im gonna break his knees or something drastic to keep him from going. of course i wouldnt do that, not after we raised him to face the good and especially the bad. Its sickening, we send our troops bullets and bandages and call that support? what about some ice water or "cool water" for a start, maybe the afghans would like some? i was in the army and i remember how 110* water tastes on a 110* day. and "hearts and minds" come on man thats the best unkool sam can come up with? how about we try being realistic for a change with bellies and billfolds?
Praying for you all. You aren't forgotten. Godbless
I can not believe the irresponsible "journalism" of Evan Vucci, Photojournalist at AP.
I think is is disrespectful of you to print these photos when these soldiers family members could see their loved ones all bloody like this.
Shame on you!
Lets not forget that permission from the soldiers was granted before pictures were posted. Personally I think the general public should be seeing more pictures and articles like this because I'm sick to death of reading and hearing about the latest screw ups of the Lindsey lohans in the world when there is real news to report. More people need to be aware of what our military is doing for them instead of out of sight out of mind.
My son is also in this area. @ jamie 124417 shame on you, war is hell and these young men and women are deep in it 24/7; while the rest of the country sips Starbucks and is more concerned about the next available app and the administration plans it's next vacation in Hawaii. Well, how about a "vacation" at COP Nolen?? American's need to be faced with what's really going on and demand our troops be brought home. Too many limbs and too many lives have been lost already.
i hate to tell you this but i have just been happy for a glimpse of my wonderful AF soldier. I don't think he is being irresposible. he is showing the public the horrors of what really happens... its not all fun and games. these pictures were taken days ago and the soldiers have spoken to their families since this incident happened... before they were posted.
we should see photos of our loved ones, however, we also need to do it with their permission. If a photographer takes a photo like what just happened, ONLY after he gets permission from the wounded, and the wounded has informed their family that they are alright or what happened, only then should the pics be posted. I am currently a GF of one of the soldiers posted at COP Nolen, and its not that I am worried, OMG that is an understatement, but I have had 'Boots on the Ground" I understand the perils of WAR... I have seen some very horrific things that happens, and trust me, its something that everyone can not handle. ANYTIME YOU WANT TO TRADE PLACES, FEEL FREE TO STAND IN FRONT OF A SOLDIER, OR TAKE HIS PLACE....
war isn't about comprime
These are powerful images which immediately transported me to the grit and the dust and the seriousness of the scene. It is a fine line to walk to show what is happening and respecting the brave men and women placed in such danger. As a photographer, I have tremendous admiration for fellow photograpers who document and share these images with us. It is through their camera lenses that we are enabled to see our sons, daughters, husbands, wives or siblings trying to do their very dangerous jobs and trying to live so far away from home. It is close to impossible for us here in our safe little worlds to really grap what it must be like. Thank you for documenting that war is not entertainment found in an air conditioned theater
Cut trees down and save lives, or make the locals happy? I vote for cut the trees down. My son is currently in Afhanastan. I worry everyday and pray all the boys are safe. God Bless them.
@Jaime 2144177 - the journalist got the permission of the soldier pictured....so I guess he is ok with his family seeing him like that. He is a hero. Hero's get wounded and sometimes die and his family should be proud of his bravery and his willingness to sacrifice for his country. I am grateful to him and these pictures allow me to see the price that is being paid over there for my freedom to see these pics.
History repeats itself and the horror of a no-win situation comes back to haunt us! It appears we learned nothing from the Vietnam War as our leaders continue to place our young men's lives at risk, to preserve trees? We don't want to alienate a country whose citizen's have repeatedly betrayed our trust? It's time to bring our brave young men and women home! Please!! My husband went to Vietnam as a 19 year old fresh faced innocent kid and came back broken, loss and very sick! What did the VA say about his nightmares, fears, inability to sleep and irrational behavior? They called it 'jet lag' and told him to get some sleep! Back then the medical profession did not recognize PTSD, 40 years later they still refuse to provide him the medical care he rightfully deserves. He volunteered to defend his country. He was not drafted. Why did this happen? To defend a country that did noy seek nor want out assistance! The Taliban does not trust us nor do we have any business in their country. Allowing our young men to die in that country well not prevent an act of terror on our soil! Our young people return from the curent conflict and many commit suicide. I say enough is enough! Bring them home! I well continue to pray for them.
My heart and prayer go to all our soldiers. My son just got back from Afgahnistan several months ago. I could tell you one thing when he arrived the US he had change so much , this was not the son that left the US to help the people and children of Afgahnistan. He was hurt in Afgahnistan several times. He will tell his superior about his headache and blurry vision and they will still have him drive and do other duties where he was putting himself in danger and others, were he will need his coordination and perfect vision. He had also lost some hearing. The only reason he is here is because of kidney stone, they send him to Germany where they discover he had a blood clot in his brain and then send him here to the US to diferent Hospitals in our country because they could not find any hospital for his treatment for weeks they had him like a PIN PON BALL, thats how full our hospitals for our soldiers are. I am still very thankful to GOD because he is here with us. If we need more DOCTOR for them and HOSPITAL we should stop giving so many MILLIONS of DOLLARS to Afgahnistan. Just like Ed Papa says, Cuba and Vietnam are still comunist and Afgahnistan will be Just what the are.
Just maybe their are factions here and abroad that don't want this war to end. Maybe they don't care about our soldiers being killed or maimed. Maybe all they care about is how much money they are making while the hostilities last. Food for thought.
All I want to know is why the hell do we have such strict bull@!$%# (excuse the language, im pissed off) ROE? Why do they not send out every day/night counter attack/ambush teams to wait in the bush/desert for the enemy and bring some bad news onto them? You know, poppping up out of the wilderness and kill the enemy. Walking or driving down known roads is just gonna get you killed. We are not fighting a stand up ARMY of any sort, its a guerrilla war, as such "WE" should also employ guerrilla tactics on the battlefield. The enemy does not like to engage us toe to toe so you need to force that engagement on them and kill them! I was there when it all started, cant say with who, but we did use these tactics including claymores in some cases. We literally scared the pants off the taliban at that time. What happend??? Whos the genius who decided to put OP's/FOB's in narrow valleys? One more thing to the media, if your gonna list our deaths in the battlefield you need to list enemy deaths as well. Let our poeple do what they are trained to do (kill the enemy, plain and simple) and we could own that place in a short time. Thats all I have to say about that.
My son in law is a BlackHawk pilot. He is stationed in Bagram,Afghanistan. He is my FAMLIY'S hero. He is our protector. God bless all of the men and woman who serve in the armed forces. The pictures are a reminder of thier unselfish dedication to all of us. If you read this K... We miss you ,keep safe and come home. love mom
B---S--- Jaime, maybe OBAMIE might see the photos. After all he is the one that is making our troups fight his fellow Muslims with one hand tied behind their backs. Also I can see November 2 from my house. art
Drones all day all night. spec ops if needed... no WW2 archaic presence. Spot on bh455602
RE: If a town harbors Taliban, burn down the homes of the people that are guilty. Put the owners on trial and execute the owners for treason. - Richard-195856
Burning down homes and executing Taliban sympathizers will not win the war for us or make our troops or the people of Afghanistan any more secure.
Reprisal actions turn us into an occupying army and the people against us. It is a recipe for disaster. And plays into the hands of the Taliban. It didn't work for the Russians and will not work for us. The key to victory - if there is such a thing - is to turn the people against the Taliban.
Perhaps look into your own heart when you spout hatred and fear,you will find the Taliban there.