Hammerhead Six: How Green Berets Waged an Unconventional War Against the Taliban to Win in Afghanistan's Deadly Pech Valley

Ronald Fry

Jan 2016 · Sold by Hachette Books

About this ebook

Two years before the action in Lone Survivor, a team of Green Berets conducted a very different, successful mission in Afghanistan's notorious Pech Valley. Led by Captain Ronald Fry, Hammerhead Six applied the principles of unconventional warfare to "win hearts and minds" and fight against the terrorist insurgency.

In 2003, the Special Forces soldiers entered an area later called "the most dangerous place in Afghanistan." Here, where the line between civilians and armed zealots was indistinct, they illustrated the Afghan proverb: "I destroy my enemy by making him my friend." Fry recounts how they were seen as welcome guests rather than invaders. Soon after their deployment ended, the Pech Valley reverted to turmoil. Their success was never replicated. Hammerhead Six finally reveals how cultural respect, hard work (and the occasional machine-gun burst) were more than a match for the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

Ratings and reviews

I spent three years,four deployments to Eastern Afghanistan and my final three months were at COP Honnicker-Miracle and FOB Wight as a construction rep. for the US Army Corps of Engieers in Kunar Province. I worked closely with the local people and enjoyed it. From what I experienced there and what this ODA experienced there and the way they chose to fight the Taliban was the correct path and should have been used all over Afghanistan.

What an amazing story and told in manner that draws a person into the war in Pech Valley. Hammerhead Six's cultural competency and prior experiences is unlikely to be replicated in other teams, but could be seen as the gold standard on what is necessary for the US to be successful in overseas missions.The lessons outlined by Captain Fry could be used to develop future engagements in foreign wars. A must read!!!

About the author

A third-generation veteran, US Army Captain Ronald Fry served in the 82nd Airborne Division and as a Special Forces team leader in Afghanistan. He has completed the military's Survival School and the Ranger, Pathfinder, Jumpmaster, and Combat Diver trainings. Fry lives with his wife and five children near San Jose and works in sales management.

Tad Tuleja, author of thirty-two books, has taught courses on war and conflict at Harvard, Princeton, Oklahoma, and American University.