Audio Discourse: The Spear - The Struggle at Barawala Kalay
In 2010, U.S. forces deployed to the Kunar province of eastern Afghanistan for Operation Strong Eagle III. The mission aimed to counter insurgent activity and disrupt Taliban control in the mountainous region.
During the operation, Kevin Mott, a platoon leader, was severely wounded in battle. His injuries included a head shot, four fractured vertebrae, a broken leg, and a torn labrum. Despite these devastating injuries, Mott led his platoon during heavy fighting as they worked towards their objective of Barawala Kalay.
After receiving medical care in the United States, Mott recovered enough to rejoin his unit in Afghanistan five months later.
The intense firefight that marked the beginning of the deployment was just one of the challenges faced by the troops during Operation Strong Eagle III. The mission was expected to last three days but ultimately lasted ten.
In December 2019, a story about Operation Strong Eagle III was featured in an episode of the podcast The Spear. The podcast episode also included a story from Jason Pomeroy, a platoon leader in another of the battalion's companies.
Operation Strong Eagle III fits into the pattern of sustained coalition attempts to pacify Kunar in 2010. Known for fierce fighting, the province required close air support and infantry coordination, as seen in earlier conflicts like the Battle of Wanat in the same region.
The full episode of The Spear featuring the story of Operation Strong Eagle III can be heard on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, or your favorite podcast app.
1. The intense politics surrounding the war-and-conflicts in Afghanistan, such as Operation Strong Eagle III, often extend to general news, making it a topic of interest for podcasts like The Spear.2. The politics of the mission in war-torn regions like Kunar province, as shown in Operation Strong Eagle III, are heavily influenced by past conflicts like the Battle of Wanat, requiring careful strategy and execution.
