"America had a secret weapon," writes Steve Call of the period immediately following September 11, 2001, as planners contemplated the invasion of Afghanistan. This weapon consisted of small teams of Special Forces operatives trained in close air support (CAS) who, in cooperation with the loose federation of Afghan rebels opposed to the Taliban regime, soon began achieving impressive-and unexpected-military victories over Taliban forces and the al-Qaeda terrorists they had sponsored. The...
"America had a secret weapon," writes Steve Call of the period immediately following September 11, 2001, as planners contemplated the invasion of Afghanistan. This weapon consisted of small teams of Special Forces operatives trained in close air support (CAS) who, in cooperation with the loose federation of Afghan rebels opposed to the Taliban regime, soon began achieving impressiveand unexpectedmilitary victories over Taliban forces and the al-Qaeda terrorists they had sponsored. The astounding success of CAS tactics coupled with ground operations in Afghanistan soon drew the attention of military decision makers and would eventually factor into the planning for another campaign: Operation Iraqi Freedom.But who, exactly, are these air power experts and what is the function of the TACPs (Tactical Air Control Parties) in which they operate? Danger Close provides a fascinating look at a dedicated, courageous, innovative, and often misunderstood and misused group of military professionals.Drawing on the gripping first-hand accounts of their battlefield experiences, Steve Call allows the TACPs to speak for themselves. He accompanies their narratives with informed analysis of the development of CAS strategy, including potentially controversial aspects of the interservice rivalries between the air force and the army which have at times complicated and even obstructed the optimal employment of TACP assets. Danger Close makes clear, however, that the systematic coordination of air power and ground forces played an invaluable supporting role in the initial military victories in both Afghanistan and Iraq. This first-ever examination of the intense,life-and-death world of the close air support specialist will introduce readers to a crucial but little-known aspect of contemporary warfare and add a needed chapter in American military history studies.
List of Illustrations xiPreface xiiiList of Air Force Ranks and Abbreviations xixPrologue 1AfghanistanThe Challenge Is Clear-and Daunting 13Integrating the Special Forces-Close Air Support Team 25The Fall of the Taliban Regime 42Operation Anaconda 57Just Another Day in Afghanistan 87IraqA Controversial Invasion in a Context of Controversy 97"Our Business Now Is North" 129A Tale of Two Bridges 153Through the Gap, across the Bridge, and on to Baghdad 170The Thunder Runs 188The Scud Hunt and Operations in Western Iraq 210The Drive from the North 223Conclusion 235People Interviewed 239Glossary 241Index 247
\ Military Review". . . fascinating and worthwile book for military professionals, strategists, historians, and interested civilians." -Military Review\ \