Book SummaryThe Chosen Few, by Gregg Zoroya

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Chosen Few

The "Chosen Few" faced a succession of fierce clashes and hostile engagements that molded their military journey in the Waigal Valley.

In the Waigal Valley, the unit was embroiled in intense fighting, including coordinated strikes against the Ranch House stronghold, an abrupt offensive against Lieutenant Ferrara's team, and a major clash at Wanat.

The intensity of the insurgent attacks underscored the harshness of the war, characterized by the substantial casualties and damage experienced by the Chosen Few, as well as the courageous resistance of the paratroopers.

Zoroya highlights the severe battle conditions faced by the Chosen Few through an in-depth examination of three pivotal clashes: the attack on Ranch House, the encirclement of Lieutenant Ferrara's squad, and the battle at Wanat. In every encounter, the rebels demonstrated significant strategic skill and synchronization, often catching the Chosen Few off guard and leading to substantial casualties.

The Chosen Few's unyielding resistance was underscored during the August 2007 highland attack on Ranch House, along with the harsh tactics used by the insurgents. The base was infiltrated by adversaries likely consisting of local fighters and members from groups including Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, who possessed a detailed knowledge of the base's layout, potentially acquired through local collaborators. During the heightened attack by the rebels, as they overran the Afghan security barriers and took control of key positions, it was initially believed that Private First Class Jeddah Deloria had lost his life in the skirmish. The remaining members of the Chosen Few, despite facing an enemy force that was six or seven times their size, mounted a fierce resistance, utilizing their combat skills and available weaponry, including mortars, and with support from A-10 Warthog attack jets, they successfully repelled the assault. The fortress was unmistakably targeted by a well-orchestrated offensive from the enemy, demonstrating their determination to inflict considerable damage and compel the withdrawal of American forces from the area.

The rebels' guile and the brutality of the conflict were highlighted by the surprise attack on Lieutenant Ferrara's patrol in November 2007. Ferrara, after a meeting with village elders in Aranas, found himself and his small band of paratroopers ensnared in an ambush meticulously planned on a goat trail. The Chosen Few were caught up in an intense battle, which may have been set up by members of the sophisticated extremist group Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, leading to many injuries and confining them to their location. Ferrara, Langevin, and Roque perished, whereas White, Schilling, Takes, Begaye, Kalenits, Johnson, Albert, and Derry sustained severe injuries due to bullets and explosive fragments. In the Waigal Valley, the constant threat to The Chosen Few stemmed from the insurgents' meticulous planning, their strategic choice of location, and their effective use of firepower, which culminated in an overwhelming victory.

In July 2008, the establishment of a new outpost at Wanat, intended to assume control from the far-off Bella base, precipitated a fierce clash that culminated in the loss of nine paratroopers' lives and wounded twenty-five members of Chosen Company. Mullah Maulawi Muhammad Osman, the leader of the insurgent forces, potentially with backing from LET and various terrorist organizations, launched a substantial and well-organized attack, penetrating the local area and adjacent slopes while strategically employing residential and commercial structures for combat. The Chosen Few's defenses were overwhelmed by the ferocious assault, which aimed at their strongest weapons including the TOW missile launcher, the 120 millimeter mortar, and the .50-caliber machine guns. Despite the conflict's closeness and the unyielding hostility from the opposing forces, the Chosen Few succeeded in maintaining their position, aided by Apaches and F-15s providing cover from the skies.

Despite enduring significant losses, including the deaths of key personnel like Brostrom and Hovater, as well as the fatal attacks on Garcia and the critical wounds Pitts suffered, the residual troops held their ground with unwavering resolve until reinforcements arrived. The relentless attack, the heavy casualties, and the decision to abandon Wanat underscored the considerable challenges faced by the Chosen Few, as well as the futility of their attempts to bring stability to the Waigal Valley.

Context

• The insurgent attacks occurred during the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, which began in 2001 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The conflict involved NATO forces and aimed to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.
• Despite having advanced weaponry and air support, the Chosen Few often faced adversaries who were adept at using the local environment to their advantage, neutralizing some of the technological superiority of U.S. forces.
• The bond and trust among paratroopers are vital for their effectiveness in combat. This cohesion allows them to operate efficiently and support each other during high-stress situations.
• Effective communication systems, possibly including the use of modern technology like encrypted messaging apps, allow insurgents to coordinate attacks and movements with precision.
• Language and cultural differences could have hindered effective communication and intelligence gathering for the Chosen Few, making it challenging to anticipate insurgent plans.
• Insurgents might use media and propaganda to amplify the impact of their attacks, aiming to gain support or sympathy from local or international audiences, and to demoralize enemy forces.
• Insurgents often had the advantage of cultural and linguistic knowledge, allowing them to blend in with local populations and gather information without raising suspicion.
• The geographical...

The Chosen Few Summary The book explores the bravery, leadership, and individual experiences of the members within the unit.

The skilled and courageous leadership of officers like Matt Myer, Bill Ostlund, and Jonathan Brostrom, who guided the unit through intense combat.

The steadfast decisions and resolute dedication of these leaders to safeguard their soldiers ultimately led to the ultimate demonstration of bravery by Brostrom and Ferrara.

Zoroya underscores the pivotal influence that leadership had in molding the journey and eventual fate of Chosen Company. The writer highlights the distinctive leadership styles, acts of bravery, and steadfast dedication of three particular officers to the soldiers they led, along with the challenging choices they faced during combat leadership.

Captain Myer, recognized for his contemplative disposition and kind demeanor, distinguished himself as a dedicated leader who placed the welfare of the troops in Chosen Company at the forefront. He argued for the establishment of a new stronghold in Wanat to bolster the defense of the Waigal Valley, asserting that Bella's stance could not be justified. Myer demonstrated remarkable courage, skillfully orchestrating reinforcements from both the air and artillery among his forces, and courageously participated in...

The Chosen Few Summary The unit meticulously strategized and made decisions for their departure from the Waigal Valley.

Ostlund strategically consolidated his troops to strengthen the defenses around Wanat, opting to unite them rather than maintain their spread throughout different locations in the Waigal Valley.

The rationale behind this decision based on the limited resources and difficulty of maintaining outlying bases.

Zoroya examines the tactical considerations that shaped the deployment and subsequent extraction of the Chosen Few from the Waigal Valley. The book provides a detailed account of the rationale behind Lieutenant Colonel Ostlund's strategic decision to pull back from the remote outposts of Ranch House and Bella, opting to consolidate his forces closer to Wanat. Ostlund, a commander with a focus on data for resource allocation, argued that maintaining security at these isolated locations was increasingly unsustainable because of limited personnel, air support, and logistical provisions.

The challenges faced by "The Chosen Few" at Ranch House and Bella underscored the complexities of maintaining operations in the depths of the Waigal Valley. The hazardous terrain, coupled with unpredictable weather and the constant threat of ambushes, necessitated the use of aerial...

The Chosen Few Summary The conflict's wider repercussions, including its impact on the troops and their families, held considerable significance.

The strategic importance of the Waigal Valley stemmed from its role as a conduit for militant groups and the efforts of the American military to extend the influence of the Afghan administration.

The strategy of American military units, aimed at isolating, engaging, and reshaping the situation, faced obstacles due to the challenging and remote landscape of the Waigal Valley.

Zoroya adeptly establishes the context for the Chosen Few's combat actions in the Waigal Valley, emphasizing its significance as a crucial passage for insurgent groups and the efforts of the U.S. military to dominate this area, which is an essential part of the broader conflict in Afghanistan. The author details a counterinsurgency approach termed "separate, connect, and transform," which proved successful in several Afghan regions, yet encountered significant challenges stemming from the harsh terrain, entrenched insurgent groups, and local resistance, particularly within the confines of the Waigal Valley.

The Waigal Valley, located in the Hindu Kush Mountains in Afghanistan's northeast, was pivotal for the Muj Highway, a notorious smuggling path that extended from Pakistan's border all the way...

The Chosen Few Summary The challenges faced by the US military in executing military engagements and counter-rebellion efforts in Afghanistan.

The struggle against an adversary who was determined, strategically organized, and deeply rooted in the community and the terrain.

The insurgents possessed numerous tactical advantages including rapid mobility, an in-depth knowledge of the surrounding terrain, and the ability to blend in with the local populace.

Zoroya adeptly portrays the intricate challenges of executing operations against Afghan insurgents, highlighting the battle with a tenacious and deeply entrenched adversary who leveraged the difficult terrain to their tactical advantage, gained assistance and intelligence from the residents, and seamlessly blended with the civilians. He underscores the benefits that enemy forces had in contrast to the limitations encountered by US troops, illuminating the complex and demanding aspects of warfare where traditional military tactics often proved inadequate.

The select group faced considerable opposition from a coalition of local fighters, members of various terrorist organizations, and global jihadists. They utilized their deep familiarity with the terrain to move stealthily through the highlands, establish hidden positions for combat, and launch unexpected...

The Chosen Few Summary The impact of the Wanat conflict profoundly influenced not only the "Chosen Few" unit but also had wider implications for military operations.

The unit referred to as The Chosen Few faced a devastating reversal during the conflict at Wanat, characterized by a significant loss of life and the tragic passing of esteemed comrades including Brostrom and Ferrara.

The survivors bore enduring psychological and emotional scars, accompanied by a burden of guilt stemming from their belief that they had not done enough to prevent the tragedy.

Zoroya's final remarks poignantly express the deep and enduring impact of the Wanat conflict on the Chosen Few, underscoring their intense sorrow, persistent psychological scars, and the substantial weight of survivor's guilt they carry. The author emphasizes the strong bonds of fellowship that develop within the harsh conditions of combat, while also revealing the individual battles faced as people reconcile with the traumatic experiences they have survived.

The clash at Wanat was a defining event that led to the death of nine members of the Chosen Few and wounded twenty-five more, signifying a major change for the group and altering the course of military actions in the Waigal Valley. The squad was deeply affected by a profound sense of loss following the deaths of key members...