View Full Version : U.S. soldier captured in Afghanistan
montanadave
07-02-09, 15:55
I apologize in advance if this has already been posted (moderator--please delete if necessary).
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/07/02/world/AP-AS-Afghan-US-Soldier-Captured.html
Also saw story posted on CNN, Yahoo News, etc. Doesn't sound good in the least. Thoughts and prayers to the soldier and his family. Let's hope they find him and fast!
FlyingHunter
07-02-09, 17:20
Prayers out
SeriousStudent
07-02-09, 21:51
Prayers sent for the missing soldier. May he return, safe and unharmed.
dookie1481
07-02-09, 22:51
Please forgive me for posing this question, but is it possible that he just left or "defected"?
What U.S. service member in his right mind would leave base, in AFG, with no one but locals with him?!?!
Jay
Iraq Ninja
07-03-09, 05:15
Please forgive me for posing this question, but is it possible that he just left or "defected"?
What U.S. service member in his right mind would leave base, in AFG, with no one but locals with him?!?!
Jay
Anything is possible, but it is highly unlikely. Why would a soldier do it? Possibly for promises of female companionship or alcohol.
The Taliban is not something you defect to.
Very odd details to the story.... at least what they've released so far.
...Possibly for promises of female companionship or alcohol...
That was the only guess I could come to from reading the story, and even that doesn't seem to make a ton of sense.
I wish him the best and hope for his safe return.
Very curious to see what further details may develop and if any more back-story is released.
Does anybody remember this dude that disappeared back in 2004?:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/06/national/06deserter.html?_r=1
Maybe it's something like that, or maybe the guy was just gullible, I hope they bring him home soon no matter how it happened.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529816,00.html
just some more info. very strange indeed.
theblackknight
07-03-09, 09:23
Something obviously isnt right here.Since when do Soldiers/Marines do ANYTHING alone incountry? Since never.
I heard a news report (public radio) that said the US soldier and three Afghans that were with him were all abducted....
Here I found a corroborating story.
http://www.newser.com/story/63381/taliban-captures-missing-us-soldier.html
Don't know what to believe but I am praying he is recovered safely.
Buckaroo
RogerinTPA
07-03-09, 15:58
Whole lotta weird in the behavior of that Soldier for sure. Who would walk off, out side the perimeter without their weapon or body armor in that AO? Is he Muslim who was some how radicalized and decided to join the Holy War against the infidels?
Strange story. I remember in 1999 when those three Soldiers where captured outside Skopje,Macedonia near the Kosovo border. The story went they were looking for cell phone signal to call home. Never really came out that way. In this case I've read alot of conflicting, murky reports. Ive read he was with Afghan security forces, local civilians, who knows. Maybe he trusted the Afghan security forces that flipped ?
The prospects for the missing Soldier aren't to good. Seriously, who wanders off, who does that ? I remember reading Paktia province, who knows exactly where that AO is pretty hot,Gardez,Shah I Kot Valley. In Kosovo the troops were paraded on TV, beat up,ect. This Soldiers fate is likely gonna be a lot worse if he his indeed captured. Hope he returns, is rescued,escapes. I dont think his prospects are to good. If he is indeed captured, they'll take full advantage of the situation.
No telling what a man will do under stress. I've seen guys on the top rail after just a few weeks in the Bering Sea. Turn that last corner, and a sane person can't figure out what happened.
ThirdWatcher
07-03-09, 22:29
F*cking cowards.
My thoughts exactly.
Strange story. I remember in 1999 when those three Soldiers where captured outside Skopje,Macedonia near the Kosovo border. The story went they were looking for cell phone signal to call home. Never really came out that way. In this case I've read alot of conflicting, murky reports. Ive read he was with Afghan security forces, local civilians, who knows. Maybe he trusted the Afghan security forces that flipped ?
The prospects for the missing Soldier aren't to good. Seriously, who wanders off, who does that ? I remember reading Paktia province, who knows exactly where that AO is pretty hot,Gardez,Shah I Kot Valley. In Kosovo the troops were paraded on TV, beat up,ect. This Soldiers fate is likely gonna be a lot worse if he his indeed captured. Hope he returns, is rescued,escapes. I dont think his prospects are to good. If he is indeed captured, they'll take full advantage of the situation.
The scouts that were captured by the Serbs were north of Kumanovo, Macedonia. The border in that region isn't well defined and GPS wasn't available back then like it is now. Hell I almost drove my ambulance into a Serbian checkpoint. i was dozing off and drove right past my turn to get to the OP I was checking out. Luckily I beat the Z monster back long enough to do a U-turn and drive the 500 meters back to the OP. We had patrols dropped of on the Serb side of the border during patrols and the maps we were given didn't neccesarily match reality on the ground. As far as cell phone coverage theory goes, this was not likely because the soldiers were from the 2nd BDE 1 ID out of Sweinfurt, GE. Cellphones in Germany were cost prohibited and Macedonia lacked the infrastructure to fully embrace cell phone use. So those guys probably followed the wrong trail and crossed the border as easily as you would walk into your neighbors yard.
As for my missing brother in arms, I don't know why he left the COP and you may be right about his prospects In Iraq we knew the consequences of getting captured. We knew that we would have to fight to the death if the SHTF. The insurgents weren't taking prisoners and I guessing the groups in Afghanistan won't maintain a military prisoner for an extended period of time. I hope they find him soon but time is running out.
The scouts that were captured by the Serbs were north of Kumanovo, Macedonia. The border in that region isn't well defined and GPS wasn't available back then like it is now. Hell I almost drove my ambulance into a Serbian checkpoint. i was dozing off and drove right past my turn to get to the OP I was checking out. Luckily I beat the Z monster back long enough to do a U-turn and drive the 500 meters back to the OP. We had patrols dropped of on the Serb side of the border during patrols and the maps we were given didn't neccesarily match reality on the ground. As far as cell phone coverage theory goes, this was not likely because the soldiers were from the 2nd BDE 1 ID out of Sweinfurt, GE. Cellphones in Germany were cost prohibited and Macedonia lacked the infrastructure to fully embrace cell phone use. So those guys probably followed the wrong trail and crossed the border as easily as you would walk into your neighbors yard.
As for my missing brother in arms, I don't know why he left the COP and you may be right about his prospects In Iraq we knew the consequences of getting captured. We knew that we would have to fight to the death if the SHTF. The insurgents weren't taking prisoners and I guessing the groups in Afghanistan won't maintain a military prisoner for an extended period of time. I hope they find him soon but time is running out.
As far as Kumanvo vs. Skopjie, there approx. 15-20 clicks apart. North of Skopjie is north of kumanavo. Kumanovo is NE of Skopjie. You are right they were captured closer to Kumanovo.
Whats cost probibitive @ Sweinfurt doesnt mean its cost prohibitive on deployment.
As far as the accuracy of maps and GPS , Ill take your point. There will always be a clear difference between vaccum tested technology and real life reality on the ground interpreted by a sleep deprived young Soldier.
What do I know, I was a dumbass 19 year-old Specialist who's leardership was trying to impress "recognize where the **** your at". I wans't a 19D, I was 11B. I wasnt there, I dont know exactly what happened. I was a scared teenager who took notice to a cautionary tale. I don't know what really happened, thats why I wrote "or so the story went".
ETA:IIRC, the trio were by themselves, in a lone truck, with unloaded weapons, not there fault, but I question the reasoning of Command on that particular point. Im not exactly sure if they crossed the border or the Serbs did. Still its clear to me mistakes were made. Im not a conspiracy theorist but its not like the Army is a stranger to "putting spin" on potentially politically damaging stories.
As far as the young American service member goes, if he is indeed captured, the reality is he'll probably survive until he outlives his usefulness. I pray he will return safe and sound. Personally I wouldnt count on the Taliban to adhere to the "spirit of the Geneva Conventions." The details are murky, after reading multiple sources, Ive read several different renditions. I hope for the best.
the towlies probably made homies with him and told him they knew where to score some dope off post or something... then instead of a bag of opium, they gave him the business end of an AK and a hood.
------
reading about the other guy-
If convicted by a military court on last month's charges, the corporal would face a dishonorable discharge and possible maximum sentences of five years for desertion and 10 years for each of the other charges against him: loss of government property, theft of a military firearm and theft and wrongful appropriation of a government vehicle. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for Jan. 13.
what happened to DEATH for desertion? am i mistaken in remember being told at the beginning of this decade that you can still be executed for desertion? maximum of 5 years... for abandoning your sworn oath.. a volunarily sworn oath. that should be firing squad, every time.
the towlies probably made homies with him and told him they knew where to score some dope off post or something... then instead of a bag of opium, they gave him the business end of an AK and a hood.
------
reading about the other guy-
what happened to DEATH for desertion? am i mistaken in remember being told at the beginning of this decade that you can still be executed for desertion? maximum of 5 years... for abandoning your sworn oath.. a volunarily sworn oath. that should be firing squad, every time.
On the books maybe, a firing squad for desertion is bad for recruiting. General George Washington himself could rise from the grave and if he even mentioned executing a deserter there would be public outrage. These days for a servicemember to get executed he'd have to kill his wife, something like that, will do it. The military has alot of rules on the books, alot with severe punishment. IRRC, you could get time for getting a (ETA:consenual) BJ from an adult civilian female. If that was enforced, I'd still be making big rocks into little rocks, or shoveling snow at Fort Sill and would be for the foreseeable future. :D
As far the other guy, the Marine from 2004, how did he end up in Lebanon after being videotaped with a sword to his neck in country ? :confused:
As to the missing GI in to Afghanistan, I would expect the Command to turn up the heat in the AO. He then becomes a big liability to his capturers. It is pretty telling that to my knowledge no videotape with the missing GI has surfaced. Best case scenario, that I can see, is that he was stashed with insurgent sympathizers and is rescued. I hope thats the case. I pray for the best for the young man.
As far as Kumanvo vs. Skopjie, there approx. 15-20 clicks apart. North of Skopjie is north of kumanavo. Kumanovo is NE of Skopjie. You are right they were captured closer to Kumanovo.
Whats cost probibitive @ Sweinfurt doesnt mean its cost prohibitive on deployment.
As far as the accuracy of maps and GPS , Ill take your point. There will always be a clear difference between vaccum tested technology and real life reality on the ground interpreted by a sleep deprived young Soldier.
What do I know, I was a dumbass 19 year-old Specialist who's leardership was trying to impress "recognize where the **** your at". I wans't a 19D, I was 11B. I wasnt there, I dont know exactly what happened. I was a scared teenager who took notice to a cautionary tale. I don't know what really happened, thats why I wrote "or so the story went".
ETA:IIRC, the trio were by themselves, in a lone truck, with unloaded weapons, not there fault, but I question the reasoning of Command on that particular point. Im not exactly sure if they crossed the border or the Serbs did. Still its clear to me mistakes were made. Im not a conspiracy theorist but its not like the Army is a stranger to "putting spin" on potentially politically damaging stories.
As far as the young American service member goes, if he is indeed captured, the reality is he'll probably survive until he outlives his usefulness. I pray he will return safe and sound. Personally I wouldnt count on the Taliban to adhere to the "spirit of the Geneva Conventions." The details are murky, after reading multiple sources, Ive read several different renditions. I hope for the best.
I agree that incident was a good precationary tale. Hell we didn't even have a full basic load in Macedonia. I carried an M-9 with one magazine that I had to sign out from the arms room every time I left Camp Able Sentry. Atleast those guys were together when they got lost. I was sent to the Western sector CP for a few weeks and it sucked. My orientation to the area consisted of one trip to each of the five OPs where the Jr. Medic I was responsible was located. I only found some of the OPs again because I followed the Five ton tracks left be the LOGPAC teams. I used to drive the western sector solo in a M997 ambulance. These days we don't even consider removing chock blocks unless there is a driver and TC (in some cases a gunner). I can see why your NCOs used this incident as an example for what not to do. I can't say for certain that they were looking for a spot to get good cell phone coverage. No one in my unit had cell phones and the UN staff weren't using them either. I had a satellite setup for telemedicine that I let the medical platoon use to call home. Every one else was sucking for communication. Now you go to Iraq or Afghanistan and everyone has cell phones. Times have changed since 1999. I still can't believe a Joe would just walk out of the COP unarmed to go visit with LNs. The entire concept just blows me away.
thopkins22
07-07-09, 12:47
Something obviously isnt right here.Since when do Soldiers/Marines do ANYTHING alone incountry? Since never.
If you read "Kill Bin Laden" you'll learn that there has been at least one mission where an American serviceman went totally solo. To include a bus ride to another town. Pretty wild.
Hope this one is able to return safely.
RogerinTPA
07-07-09, 19:35
Sounds like a similar story with the Marine who was of middle eastern descent, was captured by Islamic Extremist in Iraq a few years ago. The entire incident smelled like total bull shit of how was captured and then escaped. After being questioned by the Marines, he later went AWOL, only to reappeared back in his native country.
Sounds like a similar story with the Marine who was of middle eastern descent, was captured by Islamic Extremist in Iraq a few years ago. The entire incident smelled like total bull shit of how was captured and then escaped. After being questioned by the Marines, he later went AWOL, only to reappeared back in his native country.
I got to do some reading on that, from my limited knowledge how the hell does one get captured in by insurgents, get photographed with a blade to his head, then end up in Lebanon ? There must be alot to that story. I highly doubt he escaped.
ETA:
http://www.francesfarmersrevenge.com/stuff/archive/oldnews5/hassoun.htm
I just came across this....http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,530203,00.html
"The Taliban's Web site claims it has captured a missing U.S. soldier American authorities had earlier said may have been kidnapped.
The Web site said Monday that the Taliban had "arrested a drunken American soldier" five days ago.
They said the soldier was still in their custody but would not elaborate on his whereabouts or their plans for him.
The Web site provided no proof of their claim..."
The story goes on to say the Americans intercepted a communique mentioning the holding of an American.
Who knows if the website posting is true, I wouldnt believe any Taliban propaganda.
Still its somewhat interesting they mentioned the soldier being drunk.
I was thinking about some of the stupid things I saw in the military, leaving a COP in Paktia Province, Afghanistan to do God knows is off the charts dumb. This guy must have been a living legend in his unit.
I wonder what'll happen to him if he's rescued alive ? He single handedly caused a major distraction diverting resources from the mission. He should get hard time for what he did. Its one of those things, you couldn't punish him enough, especially if American lives are lost that otherwise might not have been, trying to get him back. I gotta admit, I have very little sympathy for the guy.
I just saw part of this video on the news: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,533808,00.html?mrp
Thank God they weren't standing over him with a knife. I hope they get him back soon.
RogerinTPA
07-19-09, 09:30
Well at least it doesn't bare out that he was a willing participant to join the Jehad. But why would he wander off with the locals, without his weapon and at least a battle buddy? I guess there's no account for why people act without thought. Maybe he was invite to a insurgent party by the locals...
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