The battle for Marjah

Here are two absolutely "must see" adult videos about U.S. involvement in the Afghan War. The first chronologically, and perhaps best known to viewers, is The Tillman Story, concerning the cover-up of the killing of pro football safety-turned-Army Ranger Pat Tillman in 2004. Awarded the Silver Star for his bravery and leadership under enemy fire, Tillman was actually a victim of fratricide! It took six years of tireless work by the Tillman family, chiefly Pat's mother, Dannie, to force the army to admit the facts of his death. The army still refuses to name Tillman's killers or the high-level officers or officials who initiated the cover-up. Even a Congressional investigation failed to enlighten the Tillman family: Congress, cabinet officials, and general officers are seemingly a good ol' boy network in themselves. Great directing and editing allow Tillman himself to star in this film about his untimely death. Bonus commentary from director Bar-Lev adds much to understanding Tillman, his family, and his comrades in arms. For further discussion of the cover-up, read Jon Krakauer's Where Men Win Glory. The Battle for Marjah began February 13, 2010. Journalist and filmmaker Anderson followed Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines (1/6), from its insertion in Marjah, Afghanistan, through June 2010, when the unit rotated back to North Carolina. In a combined operation with Afghan forces, the Marines were tasked with removing the Taliban, establishing infrastructure and local governance, and turning control of Marjah over to Afghan security forces. As President Obama and U.S. generals touted the Afghan presence in the operation, Bravo Company Marines cajoled, threatened, pushed, and shoved the Afghan troops into doing their part in clearing the town. Showing enormous restraint in returning fire to prevent civilian deaths, the Marines suffered 43 percent casualties. Slowly, Afghan civilians returned to a semblance of normal life, and bazaars began to do business again. But success is relative: snipers and IEDs continued to harass the Marines. Afghan security forces in control? Not really. Reality on the battlefield and reality at the highest command levels are not the same. The 1/6 was redeployed to Marjah in August 2011. This is gritty, important viewing for all Americans, especially those with friends or family considering military enlistment. Including adult material, both films are outstanding.-Cliff Glaviano, formerly with Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.