Have not thought much of the war in Afghanistan. We hear a lot about Iraq, but not much these days on Afghanistan - until now. Our son in law's air guard was called up, and he left Sunday for Afghanistan. After seeing the National Geographic clip on the war there, it now brings things home, to the home front. My prayers go out to the brave soldiers and their families that are connected with the war in Afghanistan.

Considering everything the soldiers are going through in Afghanistan, it makes me incredibly sad to see how many people in the states criticize instead of motivating them. My prayers go out to them and ask the Lord for their victory and survival. We know your job and tasks are extremely important for the people of that country and ours. My prayers are with all of you, God Bless!

It does seem that the war in Afghanistan has not been talked about as much as the war in Iraq. These young Americans are not as staffed as well with people, and supplies they need to do the fighting because most supplies goes to Iraq. I do indeed pray for these Americans that are over there fighting, and for their families. May they be home soon. God Bless Them!

Thanks for doing this story. I'll miss it since I'm in Iraq now; however, I was there last year. I frequently flew into Cobra on my way to/from my firebase further north, I lost friends there at Cobra and know how bad it is. Keep up the good work NGC, we'll hold down the fort.

When I heard that this documentary was going to air I got pretty excited. One of my best friends growing up and over the years, Captain Charlie Robinson was KIA on June 3rd, 2005 by an IED in the Paktika province of Aghanistan. Charlie was special forces, and I'm hoping this documentary helps myself and others understand what is going on over there. An inside look at how green berets live and work will help me know what it was Charlie died for.

Simply put, all Americans need to pray daily for these very brave soldiers. I wish we could here more from news sources about this war in Afghanistan and the sucess stories that our soldiers are having. We will never forget why you are there fighting for American freedoms!

Listening to Steve Hoggard talk about making his film, I was really choked up. That somebody could sit there and wait to detonate an IED on aonther human being disgusts me. I am writing this as news sources are reporting arrests of people who had plotted to blow up jet fuel tank farms at JFK airport. I have so much admiration for our Army volunteers serving there, and for Steve and his National Geographic film crew for helping to ground all of us in the reality of what the Green Berets must contend with.

Back in the 80s I lived near Fort Bragg, in Spring Lake, and had a few friends that were in SF. The charges of torture leveled at the US are routine training volunteers go through in their efforts to win the coveted Green Beret. It's administered by Army Rangers. A lot of these guys will go on to Delta Force, along with SEALS, Marine Recon, and other elite soldiers. They are the very best. I've known that since the first day I met one of them.

Our brave men and women are doing WONDERFUL things in Afghanistan and in Iraq. They need our support more than ever. The Taliban and AlQada murder the citizens of these countries on a daily basis. Our troops provide the security they need till their countries are able to protect themselves. Please support our troops! They need us!
www.soldiersangels.org

I hope the rest of the series is like the first night. Having served 2 tours in Iraq and getting ready for a third, this show gives Americans an opportunity to see and get some idea of the hardships America's warriors go through. Thank you for doing this and portraying them not as individuals but as a true brotherhood. RLTW

I am a very proud Army mom. My son just finished an extended tour of Afghanistan and scheduled to returned there next summer.

Afghanistan IS the forgotten war and the American people need to be awakened that very real danger exists there.

My best friend, her son is a Green Beret and was very close to one of Special Forces soldiers that was lost while fimling this piece.

She couldn't watch it this evening. Just "too close to home" for her.

Please pray for ALL our troops! No matter what your position on the US involvement, our sons & daughters deserve and NEED your support!

God Bless our Military!
You all ROCK!

Proud Army Mom of Chris, 10th Mountain

It was a great opportunity to work with Steve, John, and Ryan. Overall the production stuck to the facts and that key in telling the story! I am glad to see that you are all doing alright. Again remember, we were all were doing our job on the hill that night no need for thanks! Take care.

what an amazing group of soldiers! To go out and put yourself in harms way day in and day out and remain focused on their mission. Thanks for all that you do.

I served in the Army for three and a half years and did one tour in Iraq for 12 months. I just saw this program and I just want to say that while my experience wasn't that bad, your show means the world to me. I think every person in the United States should have to watch it. I cannot begin to express my gratitude at the work of National Geographic. I thank you; and those men and women who are still out on the front lines fighting for every American and more importantly fighting for eachother. Thank You!

Unfortunately Afghanistan is heading back towards tribal warlords and Taliban. Karzai, the "president", is pretty much just the Mayor of Kabul, and even he rarely leaves his compound. I know these guys are doing a great job over in Ghazni, but I don't think it's having much of an overall effect--we left and diverted resources way too soon. The author of the new book "Blood makes the grass grow green" sums up the absurdity of life in Camp Cobra very well.

I am a former Green Beret. Thank you for your comments about these brave men. To be more precise regarding Joey's comments, the "torture" training are administered by the JFK Special Warfare Center, which is Army Special Forces. Delta Force is an Army unit consisting of many Green Berets. Seals, Marine Recons and others do not "go on" to join Delta Force (again, it's a Army unit). Anyway, this clarification is besides the point. The men of SF will always be in my thoughts and my heart.

I must say that your documentary changed my perspective about our involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq. I have always been supportive of our troops, but, like many Americans, I had doubts about our involvement in those areas.
Being very close to one of the team members and seeing how terrorists like the Taliban and Al-Quaida never sleep, I admire and treasure more than ever these men's sacrifice to keep these evil doers in check and protect our freedom. May God bless them and fill them with corage to do their jobs!

I enjoyed this documentary very much because my unit, C Co. 2-5 Infantry, were the actual first unit to occupy and build up Cobra Base. It wasnt until about January 2005 that men from 7th group came to join us at Cobra because of the high rise of insurgency in the area. By that time we had lost 4 men and had 7 wounded. I enjoyed working with the green berets and learned alot from them. They truly are brave men. I have pictures of what Cobra base looked like when we occupied it in June of 2004 if anyone in NGC wants to see them.

I served with SSG Kyu Chay in the 82nd, he was a great man, smart and compassionate. The documentary did a fine job or recognizing Kyu. It was hard to watch but it did a great job showing how the Special Operations community works in contrast to "big army." well done.

These guys are all high speed professionals. I am glad to national geographic doing them justice. Having worked with 5th group personally, I can say that I have never met more articulate, intelligent, and dedicated soldiers.

Aco/3/75 rngr

I just wanted to say that I personally worked with Staff Sergeant Chay, Kyu who died in the IED attack. When the two of us were in Iraq with one another in 2003 we became as close as brothers. Unfortunately I lost contact with him and only got back into contact with him on October 22, 2006 when he called me out of the blue, from fire base Cobra...as we all know he died on October 28, 2006...I know we talked one last time for a reason.

Kyu, I miss you and I love you brother...Ill see you one day in the great rally point in the sky.

Bravo Co. 3/325 A.I.R.
82nd Airborne Division

I just wanted to say that I personally worked with Staff Sergeant Chay, Kyu who died in the IED attack. When the two of us were in Iraq with one another in 2003 we became as close as brothers. Unfortunately I lost contact with him and only got back into contact with him on October 22, 2006 when he called me out of the blue, from fire base Cobra...as we all know he died on October 28, 2006...I know we talked one last time for a reason.

Kyu, I miss you and I love you brother...Ill see you one day in the great rally point in the sky.

Bravo Co. 3/325 A.I.R.
82nd Airborne Division

I just wanted to say that I personally worked with Staff Sergeant Chay, Kyu who died in the IED attack. When the two of us were in Iraq with one another in 2003 we became as close as brothers. Unfortunately I lost contact with him and only got back into contact with him on October 22, 2006 when he called me out of the blue, from fire base Cobra...as we all know he died on October 28, 2006...I know we talked one last time for a reason.

Kyu, I miss you and I love you brother...Ill see you one day in the great rally point in the sky.

Bravo Co. 3/325 A.I.R.
82nd Airborne Division

I was lucky enough to befriend Chay at the begining of his military career. He was a loyal and admirable man. I miss him everyday. Though i was unable to attend his service i have since, on numerous occasions, visited his resting place. A quote always comes to mind when i'm there "The noblest fate a man can endure is to place his own mortal body between his loved home and war's desolation."

To Chay... A gentleman and a scholar.

This was an incredible documentary showcasing the courage and brotherhood of a very Special group of guys. Question - how can we send care packages to these guys? I can't afford portable DVD players or MP3 players, but we've certainly got some DVDs we can send - as well as putting together some nonperishable food packages.

Is there any way to get in contact with these guys directly? If you managed to get an email address of someone at Cobra, perhaps you could ask them to post to this blog and give us an idea as to some of their more specific needs...?

We want to help!

Thanks

Acording to Genarl Brain Doug Brown, the special forces soldier is better equipted today acording to my American Legion Magazine. As you can tell I am a Vet. From 1985 to 2002, I am upset to read that the soldiers at Fire Base Cobra are not resiving the proper equipment to make thair job better. I served with a special forces unit and trained with the A teams in many ops. I currently hold six mos's. Unfortionatly I am peralized and can't serve any more. The fighting men and women serving our country right now in Afghanistan need the new equipment to support thair efforts. I try to keep up with all the new equipment, if there is ever anything i can do for these men i will do the best i can. Remember the specail forces saying De Oppreso Liber, anything, anyplace, anytime, i will do my best, to do what i can for any of you! With honor.

Signed, Goofy

Talk about bravery, these GreenBerets are the epitome of it especially the one called "Sam" I mean to know that a certain stretch of road can be strewn with IED's and yet muster up the courage to go out is just simply courage @ it's highest level, my prayers are with the men on that distant outpost called "FireBase Cobra"

I returned from 7 months at Cobra late last year, and was present at the time this was filmed. The filmmakers did an outstanding job with the limited material they had to work with, and kudos to them for avoiding the temptation to make the story about themselves. To the others from Cobra who didn't come home:
SSG Christian Longsworth
SSG Eric Caban
SrA Adam Servais
and the dozens of others who were wounded to any degree.

I'd like to point out that the ramp ceremony depicted, with the casket in the aircraft, was likely not Kyu's, as the mourners were from my brother's unit, C/1-4 IN. One of their Soldiers, CPL Isaiah Calloway, was killed right around the same time of year in Zabul. I don't think anyone from the NGC crew was available to film Kyu's ceremony since they were either in the hospital or still at Cobra.

This show should be mandatory viewing before anyone can vote in our 2008 elections.

After seeing the Afghan people and villages is it any wonder why Al Queda chose this country to train its terrorists? The show reinforced for me what I already knew, we have to stay the course as long as it takes, or fight radical Islam in our own streets.

As a Vietnam Era Veteran myself, I am overwhelmed with the pride I have for our men and women serving in our armed forces.

Phil Whittemore

Godbless the men at Firebase Cobra. These men are THE definition of courage. Thank you to all including NGC, and Godspeed home

Thank you for the wake up call. The team of men at Firebase Cobra are giants in my small world. To finally lure the villagers out and then supply them was simply overwhelming. How can WE supply our guys with items of any kind? To eventually watch the outcome was heartbreaking. You are heros everyone. Thank you and safe return home, Inshallah.

These appear to be the kind of fellas you'd have a great time just out fishing for the day and having a few cold ones. At the same time I can't imagine the intelligence of each of them. I have a brother-in-law with the 82nd FA 1st Cav in Al Taji, Iraq that has been around some SF guys and says they are definantly a different breed but a great bunch to be around. I'm glad they're on our side.

J

Kansas City, MO

After watching this show one unanswered question remains. What happened to the personnel in the Afghanistan military vehicle that turn on their headlights? By all appearances, you would have to assume someone in that jeep was on the side of the Taliban and Al-Quaida. Please follow-up on this missing part of the events.

Question: If the team's mission was to observe the suspected Taliban route, did they not compromise the mission by blowing all of the IEDs that night?
After blowing seven IEDs, the mission was over...it should have changed upon discovery of the first couple of IEDs. Why continue clearing IEDs in the middle of the night after already blowing a couple of them. The Taliban obviously knew of your arrival. Why not back off the hill, take up defensive positions for the night, and then check out the IEDS the following day? Think about it...you've got your men, poking around for IEDs in the black of night after already positively discovering seven! If there were seven, then you can bet there might be more you have yet to discover. The mission had changed, why risk the lives of everyone sitting on that hillside for over three hours, only to creep into a position where you just blew seven IEDs! Hard to question the decisions of those on the ground. But, I would like to think that the effects of blowing seven IEDs just might have alerted every stinking taliban for miles...the mission to observe movement was no longer possible. I argue the presence of the National Geographic crew placed the whole mission in jeopardy because the Green beret captain was less likely to change his mission, or back down from it knowing he was on film, etc... Back off that dang hill, live to fight another day. You just blew seven IEDs man! Everyone knows you are there, no more surprise! Clearing mines in the dead of night is ridiculous, especially when doing it amounts to...nothing! Even if they had all made it to the top of the hill without hitting a mine, their presence was well known...seven IEDs!!! Instead, they took an unnecessary risk for the sake of not changing a mission.
Why not conduct week-long, or even longer presence patrols? Simply rolling in/out of villages and then back to the firebase accomplishes little in contested areas. You must occupy and hold to gain a little bit of momentum. You do the med-clinic in one village, then leave...that night Taliban occupy and you gained only a few hearts and minds. The easy thing to do is to roll out and then back to the firebase...all in a "day's work." Why not remain out, occupy that village area for a week! Show them you mean business. Observe life there for more than one day. Conduct patrols in/around a village. While in a village have the ANA patrol the highground, etc..they are the mountain goats without body armor. Why only patrol during the day? Why not send out small elements during the night to occupy recon positions? Or, leave behind a listening/observation post overwatching a suspect village after you roll through. Be creative...unconventional...if you are not gaining ground in a contested area, then change your approach. If you want to own the area, then DO IT! Green Berets are special because they understand operational environments. Run roving check points along main roads for extended periods. Get out of the firebase and routine of simple day-time patrolling...out/back...Be more than a caravan of gun-truck targets and IED magnets! I argue that a senior Green Beret team sergeant should know better. The team thought the number of gun-fights they got in became more important as headlines as opposed to getting out and living among the people...owning the area...rather than short-term tourists touring the area with lots of guns and cool gear.

This documentary affected me in a profound way. These soldiers have such guts and bravery to do what they do. It really puts the "difficulties" of my civilian life in perspective. They truly epitomize the heart and soul of America. Are there any charities/funds specifically set up to provide for the families of those Green Berets that are WIA or KIA? We would like to do our small part in showing our appreciation for their sacrifices.

Johnny, http://www.warriorfoundation.com/ it’s a foundation set up for exactly the purpose you’re looking for.

Craig, I’ve been trying to decide if I should even justify your statement with answers. Suffice it to say that you are drawing conclusions based on someone watching a show, edited by civilians and worded in such a way to provide the slant they want you to receive.

As for calling into question the Team Commander and Team Sergeant, just two questions...were you there? Do you know anything about the missions other than what you heard from the producer?...I guess some things just aren't worth answering.

To Craig,
My husband was one of the men that were injured that night on the team,and was featured in the documentary.Watching that I relived all the fear and shock I had when I heard that he was injured,not to mention what I lived on a daily basis over his two tours.I just wanted to tell you that you are not asking questions that these men do not ask themselves on a daily basis after going through this,the "what if's",wondering if they had only done this or that differently,but the truth is Eric is right,you weren't there,and its easier for us to "judge" someone when we haven't walked a mile in their shoes.I look at my husband and I see a HERO,he is more humble and sees himself as someone who is just doing their job,protecting our freedom.I stayed awake many nights crying,knowing what danger he was in,and after watching the special I realized how lucky I am to be a married to a man who not only fights to protect my freedom,but the freedom of strangers in this country who dont even know him.
I am proud of all the men on that team,the job they do in a thankless one,and they never ask for anything.
Maybe we should say thank you a little more,and not judge one another so much.

I previously posted this to the wrong person,names corrected,here it is again

To Johnny,
My husband was one of the men that were injured that night on the team,and was featured in the documentary.Watching that I relived all the fear and shock I had when I heard that he was injured,not to mention what I lived on a daily basis over his two tours.I just wanted to tell you that you are not asking questions that these men do not ask themselves on a daily basis after going through this,the "what if's",wondering if they had only done this or that differently,but the truth is Anotherguy is right,you weren't there,and its easier for us to "judge" someone when we haven't walked a mile in their shoes.I look at my husband and I see a HERO,he is more humble and sees himself as someone who is just doing their job,protecting our freedom.I stayed awake many nights crying,knowing what danger he was in,and after watching the special I realized how lucky I am to be a married to a man who not only fights to protect my freedom,but the freedom of strangers in this country who dont even know him.
I am proud of all the men on that team,the job they do in a thankless one,and they never ask for anything.
Maybe we should say thank you a little more,and not judge one another so much.

My Father in-law was a key person on the film. First Speaking role. He just returned home a few hours ago and we are glad to have him. He was in Cobra for 15 months and I'm sure he is glad to be back. This story was one of the Many like it we heard from him while he was over there, it was pretty constant. My wife did talk to him shortly after this happened. His hands were burned while putting out the soilder that didnt make it. He was able to see his 3month old grand daughter this morning for the first time.

It was mentioned that SSGT. Kyu Chai left behind a wife and young child, who was born after Chai was sent to Afghanistan. It was also mentioned that SSGT Chai had been studying for a law degree, and was just 3 units short.

I wept for this hero.

Where can I mail a check to his family?

henrycvyong@yahoo.com

to are brave man thanks for every thing you do for us to have are freedom i can't thank you enofe. and my hole family thanks you.

Stories of the SF never fail to amaze me and make my heart proud. Every soldier I know tells me he's just doing his job. My job keeps me sitting at a desk all day; what these guys do is nothing short of miraculous, in my opinion.

I'm not even finished watching the show yet, but it's so compelling, I had to get some more info at the same time.

Thanks for all you do.

Check out www.anysoldier.com as another way to support our troops.

Thank you for bringing the reality of what is happening around the world to life via this documentary. All of my best wishes to these soldiers and their families.

I was at the airport the other day and was surprised by loud cheering at a gate. Passengers waiting to get on a plane spontaneously clapped for soldiers getting off the plane. It was one of the best displays of appreciation I have seen - and I would encourage everyone to be this spontaneous when they see soldiers - showing our appreciation is the least we can do.

I just got done watching this program, it was both moving and heart felt. Those men go through so much for our freedom. They are always over looked, and deserve our thanks. So to all you over in the sand box, "Thank You". I myself have deployed twice to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq. I know the feeling of loosing a brother. My heart is with SSG Chay's familey, and remmeber that his sacrifice was not for nothing. God bless the men and woman of our armed forces. "Hooah, Airborne"

Just watched "Inside The Green Berets - Firebase Cobra" .

Deeply moved by the bravery and dedication of all involved. Excellent work by the NGC team. Amazing role models those Army Special Forces soldiers.

I heartily agree with those who suggest that this film should be required viewing by the US public. I am dismayed how the USA public can treat this war as a passing headline while dedicated soldiers are making great commitments and sacrifices. We - the public - need to have some skin in this situation and take to heart what our citizen soldiers are doing on our behalf.

Let's make sure that these soldiers have every resource they can possibly use to protect themselves, pacify the enemy, and help the oppressed populations take responsibility for their own wellbeing.

I am very grateful for these men! I thank God for our soldiers and pray for His protection over them! I pray he'll give them guidance and wisdom to fulfill their missions and protect our country! Thank you Firebase Cobra!! May God protect you and bless you! Anthony Williams

Hello, my name is Sgt.Oregon i was at FOB Cobra back in 04 and 05. I was wounded 29Mar05 along with Sgt.Short. It was surreal to wath this show on t.v. especially watching the Al Qaida internet broadcast of the up armor getting hit.I wondered if that was me and short but the terrain was a bit different. I still wonder who that could have been... but there where a number of us which that could have been.every one before meeting me assumes i lost my legs in iraq. the conflict in afghanistan has been overshadowed by the more televised one in iraq.just because its not on t.v. doesnt mean that its not happening.
its good that this program was aired now maybe the american public will recognize that American soldiers are still fighting and dying in afghanistan. Maybe they will realize there is a war still going on there. but,those that have fought and lost there life in afghanistan will always be remembered by those that were there.

Hey just want to thank all of you for doing what you do. Thanks to all of you we are safe. God bless you and Godspeed.

I don't have the words to describe the amount of pride that I take as an American in the job that you guys are doing. Thank You Very Much! Tou truly are America's Best!

I cannot express how proud I am to be an American. Thank you for allowing National Geographic give us insight of what your day is like. It reminds me to be in prayer for our soldiers. Thank you!

Is there anybody who can give me the emailadres of Ryan the guy who is filming? I am a paramedic nurse who treated him in TK Role 2 Dutch Hospital. I've got something for him, he knows what it is

i didnt have time to read every comment in this page , but i want to thank all the SF guys for giving the artillery the chance to work with them and for showing us a diffrent view of our military.

BRAVO BTRY. 5TH of the 25TH FA

Craig nailed it. While reading his post i got chills as if I were reading my own evaluation of the situation. Craig has some insight that, to me, can only have been gained by running this very "type" of mission. I serveed as an ETT assigned to an ANA RECON element. I worked the same general area and every concern voiced by Craig was brought up continually by us. It sickens me every time a US soldier is hurt or killed, but I gotta tell you; We know better than that. You can only make so many errors before you pay the ultimate price. There are times when no error is made and you still pay with your life. I take NO satisfaction in playing monday morning QB and am now prepping to return to the very mission outlined by this film piece. May God hold those souls, whom, by their very courage, put themselves in harms way so that others may live free.

The guys at Cobra are testimony to the kind of Intelligent, caring, well trained individuals that make up the Green Beret community. Most are in their 30's and are not at all like the Rambo image we have of military warriors. Instead of being shoot from the hip, gun crazed idiots who we see in most Hollywood films about Special Forces, the Green Berets are, in reality, men who are well educated, well spoken, humble professionals who day in and day out do what few others can do. Most speak at least two languages, have college degrees and are skilled in a number of very technical areas. They are the cream of the crop in the military not because they can kill, but because they can think. Being able to think and make intelligent decisions in adverse conditions is what they are all about.

I’m pleased that NGC was able to produce this documentary showing the dangers that our soldiers are faced with constantly while in Afghanistan. My boyfriend and his team are currently serving at Firebase Cobra; and while they spend much of their time away from home even while stateside, they are well prepared and are the BEST at what they do.
I pray for all of your safe return.
And to Luke- “Baby I love you, and will be waiting for you…”

This documentary was definately a tribute to all of us that were out there in Southern Afghanistan. Its an unforgiving environment and I hope that some of our boys that still haven't been in a real fight learn a thing or two from this video and their brothers who have.

Just thought I would pass on that it was a year ago today that this incident occurred. US operations continue out of FOB Cobra and many other remote sites throughout Afghanistan

I'm curious is NGC ever going to air this again? I'd love to see it. I heard some great reviews from my army buddies. These guys put everything on the line out there, real heroes!!!

I just watched this again on nghd and just wanted to say thanks to all those men out there fighting for our freedom. This show truly shows what these heroes are doing for us and everyone needs to take time from their lives to say thanks to these courageous men and women out there. You guys are truly special and may God keep all of you safe!

These men are not forgotten. I honor their courage and commitment every day, and my heart goes out to their wives and families.

i truely wish we would pull out of iraq and attempt to stabilize afghanistan. when most people mention the taliban, they talk about it as if they are no more. when that could not be farther from the truth. as this tv special boldly proves is that the taliban are stil very active. i for one am impressed that this special showed our soldiers in a positive light. you do not hear about many soldiers trying to help, or train the locals to fight, or being a true diplomat, no matter what the cost. such diplomacy is what must have inspired a council of tribal elders to talk to u.s. soldiers f