Discourse: Podcast The Spear - Conclusion of the Conflict
In the second part of a two-episode series, we delve into the experiences of Colonel Matt Hardman during his deployment to Afghanistan in July 2021. The rapid collapse of Afghanistan presented a significant challenge for Colonel Hardman and his troops.
Colonel Hardman, who served as the chief of staff at United States Forces-Afghanistan and commanded elements of his brigade, had already faced chaos and uncertainty due to COVID-19 and two hurricanes. His troops were tasked with providing security at the US embassy in Kabul and Hamid Karzai International Airport, a responsibility that became increasingly precarious as thousands of Afghans tried to escape the country, stretching Hardman's troops thin.
The Colonel needed to rely heavily on the trust he'd built with his subordinates and mission command in this uncertain and challenging time. This trust, forged over years of service, proved instrumental in navigating the complex and rapidly evolving situation.
While the first episode of this series examined Colonel Hardman's role as a company command tour in Babil, Iraq, this second part offers a poignant and insightful look at his deployment in Afghanistan during a critical period in the country's history.
Image credit for this article is provided by Sgt. Isaiah Campbell.
Please note that while this article focuses on Colonel Hardman's experiences, there are currently no verifiable or sourced details available about his role or experiences during the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan. For more information on the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, or for advice on where to find verified military accounts and testimonies, please let us know.
- Navigating the complex and rapidly evolving security situation during the challenging deployment in Afghanistan, Colonel Hardman leaned heavily on the trust he'd built with his subordinates and mission command.
- Amid war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, Colonel Hardman's experiences in Afghanistan during tumultuous times serve as a testament to the importance of trust in maintaining security.
