US and Allied Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan, 2009-21

An illustrated study of the development and operations of coalition and Afghan Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan from 2009 until the problematic withdrawal in 2022. At the end of 2008, the clearly inadequate strength of the coalition''s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan prompted the US and NATO to deploy troops in numbers that could not be sustained long-term. This shortfall was overcome in 2009, when a newly created Special Forces command (ANASOC) in the Afghan National Army began to partner with the ISAF to undertake counter-insurgency operations against the Taliban, Al Quaeda and ISIL-K. However, while the burden of operations never diminished, many NATO countries reduced their contribution from 2012 onwards, leading to an over-ambitious expansion of ANASOC and weaker ties between it and US/NATO command. In this engaging study, former United States Marine Corps officer John Parkinson draws on first-hand experience to examine how this series of events spiralled toward the eventual fall of Kabul and the troubled, hasty withdrawal of coalition forces in 2022. Eight newly commissioned colour plates demonstrate the wide range of equipment and uniforms used by the Special Operations Forces and are complemented by a range of previously unpublished photographs.

Product details

• Authors: John Parkinson, Parkinson John
• Assisted by: Johnny Shumate (Illustration), Shumate Johnny (Illustration)
• Publisher: Osprey Publishers
• Content: Book
• Product form: Paperback / Softback
• Publication date: 23.09.2025
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > History > Contemporary history (1945 to 1989)
• EAN: 9781472864932
• ISBN: 978-1-4728-6493-2
• Pages: 64
• Dimensions (packing): 18.4 x 24.6 x 1 cm
• Series: Elite
• Subjects: NATO, Equipment, America, Kabul, Taliban, ISIS, Asia, HISTORY / Modern / General, HISTORY / Military / General, military history, HISTORY / Military / Special Forces, Withdrawal, 21st Century, illustrated, Middle East, United States, Marine Corps, Terrorism, Al-Qaeda, Modern warfare, Special & elite forces, Special and elite forces, Early 21st century c 2000 to c 2050, Modern Period, C 1500 Onwards, Gulf War, HISTORY / Wars & Conflicts / Afghan War (2001-2021), second, ISIL, afghan, weaponry, Coalition; United States; USA; America; Afghan; Withdrawal; Gulf War; Second; Special forces command; Taliban; Al-Qaeda; ISIL; ISIS; Terrorism; ANASOC; NATO; Marine Corps; Illustrated; 21st century; Modern warfare; Middle East; National Army; Uniform, uniforms, ANASOC, National Army, Special forces command