Under Cover of the Night
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11:24 PM, or 2324L.
In the far distance, the artillery can be heard firing illumination before it floats down under parachute.
(1901Z/2331L 15mm f7.1 20s ISO 800)
The Battle for Kandahar has many faces. Some faces are difficult to understand. Tonight’s incarnation was simple.
Roving sentry.
Smoke trail from previous illumination.
We see illumination firing pretty much every night and I usually don’t know why they are shooting. Could be terrain denial, or to support operations, or something else.
They stop shooting. The night is quiet other than the robot noises from the .50 caliber machine gun scanning with thermal imager. Several times through the night, Strykers turn on motors for ten or fifteen minutes to recharge batteries.
Sleeping in the desert, even on rocks, can be like sleeping in a cradle. Desert slumber is better than most jungle sleep, and far better than in snow caves. The distant boom from a cannon wakes me, then the pop of the shell before the orange illumination, and then another is fired after the first burns out. Looking at my watch it’s 3AM and I chuckle thinking of the lyrics of a song, “It’s 3AM I must be lonely.” This sure has been a long war.
(2233Z/0303L 15mm f10 30s ISO 640)
On Saturday, 10 April, a message came from military that this embed has ended. No reason was offered. The troops here have no idea why. On Sunday a reason was given: overcrowding by journalists. Haven’t seen a journalist in weeks.
I had gone to great expense to be here with 5/2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team and promised to stay with them until they leave Afghanistan. Then suddenly a nameless feature decided to pull the plug. The decision likely came from General officer level. It is a bad sign indicating that they think they are losing the war and don’t want anyone there to see it. Saw this in Iraq.
It has been said that between Iraq and Afghanistan I’ve spent more time embedded with combat units than anyone in U.S. history. I do not know if this is true but it sounds good. It’s been a long journey and fortune favored my every step. Many people have been killed or maimed and I am walking out without a scratch. I will continue to cover the war but will not give the military another chance to pull the plug. I will cover the war from outside the wire where it’s far safer. Many people erroneously think that embedding is the safest way to cover the wars. This is untrue. Journalists who are afraid or reluctant to endure long periods of stress and combat will brag that going alone somehow seizes the high ground of truth. There is no truth in this. In many cases the journalists are missing crucial information because they fear the combat and the difficult living. The infantry company on this mission has lost twelve comrades KIA during this tour, with others wounded for life.
It’s just as easy to accurately sense the direction of the war winds alone as with troops. The military media machine is playing games during a time of war.
My thoughts will always be with the combat soldiers. My body will be elsewhere.
A new day begins at 0531L. It’s time to check the boots for poisonous creatures, stuff the sleeping bag, and move out.
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Michael Yon
P O Box 5553
Winter Haven, FL 33880-5553
I will continue to do my part in telling the stories that are not being told. Readers must also do their part by keeping the cash flowing. Cash is essential .
Thank you!
Michael
Comments
Michael the pictures are really awesome.....i cant describe how much im enjoying them.
happy to have u there so u can keep sending us ur beautiful dispatches...this is just so cool.
America is proud of you...
to peace
SALMA
God bless.
God bless and cheers!
NO ONE else gives the true reports like you do...
However, knowing how you operate we will continue to get all the inside information come hell or high water. Most likely a little of each.
We do know where your heart will be even though your body is elsewhere.Thank you!
God Bless you and our troops.
1. Rejoice in that this is the will of God for you.
2. If #1 doesn't seem to be working, remember that all things are subject to change.
And last but not least ...
3. Don't let the idiots get you down.
Let us statesiders know if we can do anything else to support you and our troops.
You're the only one I can consistently count on for honest reports from the war--thank you. Be safe, and know you are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.
God Bless
Nah, more likely whoever is in charge of keeping track of journalists, gets nervous when they aren't all corralled where he can keep tabs on them.
Although I'll sorely miss your embed reports, I'm sure you've got the experience, and connections, to still give us an honest picture of what's really going on.
For that I thank you... and the check will be in the mail tomorrow.
Unfortunately, there are those who do not have the same feelings as we Americans do. They don't want hero's, they don't want the information to get out as their agenda does not tolerate such information. It is a shame that these types of individuals are not found within the civilian world. You may have stumbled upon one such individual. You will be back... and am looking forward to see where you go next.
easy to understand why the US no longer wants you. You reported on the US soldier being killed on a bridge. The Higher Ups were embarrassed. or did not want the same thing to happen to them. Truth will out you, and last, and make you free. Sorry Michael. Keep up the honest reporting. God bless.
Best wishes and many thanks, always,
Ned
Sad to see you go. Bad move by the military. God bless you and the troops.
let that bridge get blown up and your voicing your opinions on that out loud. You may be right on the turn of the war. Seems Karzazi is being very weird as are our leaders so who knows when it will fall apart. No witnesses-no story to get out. This administration likes to do things in the dark.
You have built an exceptional body of work that I hope is honored one day. You are a national treasure. They have no right to take you away both from the soldiers and from us. They are doing actual harm. I hope you are getting enough financial support. I found $5 and I sent it to you. There is no better place for my contribution.
There is another thing. Your photography and your writing have advanced to the nth degree, from early on. The way this story is pictured and the way it reads is beyond exceptional. It is like a personal conversation with you, in terms that everyone can understand. And while not steeped and stilted in the jargon, your enormous talent and authenticity bring the message home very, very clearly. We, your friends, always know exactly the situation, whether in glory, or shame, joy, or pain. We know the truth. Plus, almost all of the sorry commenting that was going on has been left behind to stew in their own venom.
Best personal regards,
Richard B.
Where are the General George Pattons to lead you to victory, come hell, high water, or suppressing orders from the top of the death chain? Alas, when such men as Patton arise, they are, just as was the original, 'accidentally' killed, or, maligned by the politically powerful.
If history records with truth and integrity, Michael, you have been part of the 2nd greatest generation in American history. Second, only because of the time frame.
We'll see what happens. But whatever happens, don't stop writing.
Never can figure out who's boot your pissing in til it's too late. Especially with so many boots that need a good hosing most days..... the CIC's custom Nikes come to mind....... what da hell, take a break, you probably need one. Then maybe see if you can hook up with a grunt unit or two.
Take care Yon.
Respectfully,
SFA RVN NCO Vet.
Stay safe, Mike.
Semper Fi, and God bless.
You, sir, are a national treasure; do not grow weary in well-doing.
Damn pathetic in light of those KIAd, WIAd and billions of dollars spent.
Go easy troop.
Give 'em hell & be safe
Linda aka Pocahontas from Bema (remember you gave me that nickname because I collect combat knives LOL during your 2005 embed with Deuce Four Stryker Brigade Unit)
Give 'em hell & be safe
Liinda aka Pocahontas from Bama (remember you gave me that nickname because I collect combat knives LOL duiring your 2005 embed with Deuce Four Stryker Brigade Unit)
Were you singled out or were you included in a multiple recision of embed priveledges? The consensus opinion seems to be that you were specifically targeted. If that is the case, then it is very likely you managed to step on some general's toes. The alternative scenario is that some non-brilliant reporter pulled a Geraldo Rivera and put out a report that endangered troops and/or a mission. I have seen some reports over the past nine years that made me long for the censorship of WW2. Oh, that our press corps would exhibit the common sense, wisdom, and patriotism that you demonstrate regularly.
Perhaps your readers will feel led to write the Joint Chiefs of Staff and urge your re-instatement or re-embedment. Who knows? It may be effective
Thanks for your work Mike
I got a sense of foreboding from your change in course, going outside the wire and out of embed. I pray to God to protect you.
Be careful.
Peace out
Sorry to hear about the end of your embed; your dispatches & photos have been excellent.
During my most recent travels through RC-South I was hoping our paths would cross so I could thank you for doing what you do.
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Stay safe, keep up with your prayers, keep writing. I'm sorry about the Adam Henrys.
Best regards, Peter Warner.
Agree that sleeping bag sticks out. My main military bag was stolen. During those photos, I was actually laying on a camoflaged bag that I would have used if enemy threat was high. (The Strykers with motors running stuck out more than the sleeping bag.) Got that lime bag in Nepal for a trip that I wanted to do to Everest this month. Skipped the Everest trip to be with 5/2. Could be trekking in Sagarmatha area now instead of dealing with censorship from McChrystal's people. Everest is more fun but this war is more important.
Clear that this was a General officer level decision to dis-embed me. Why? Because no General officer intervened. The McChrystal era of censorship is on. It will be/is counterproducti ve. And it will not work. Too many holes to slip through. McChrystal is good at killing people, but this war is far more complicated than simply killing people. His folks had more than half a decade to win this war -- with very agreeable ROE -- now look where we are. Clear that he cannot handle even the writers who are natural allies. McChrystal has little chance against hostile press. Bad omens all around.
It starts with censorship and ends with a President under pressure.
Michael Yon
https://www.yousendit.com/download/bFFPak96SEJkMnZ2Wmc9PQ
I cannot fault you for being fed up with the powers of bureaucracy that constantly hamper your efforts. I also cannot imagine how refreshing a change in course must feel after your many, many years in the field. More years than probably most active duty personnel can boast. However, I pray that you can still find a way to cover our brothers in arms. No one else covers the truth of these modern conflicts as well as you do, and no one seems willing to step into your shoes. Thank you for all that you do for our servicemen and women.
Over the years, you've managed to make the best out of every obstacle put in your way. You have the support of some very high ranking people. I wouldn't be at all surprised should you find yourself in another embed. In any case, you will have an opportunity to share yet another perspective on this conflict with this situation. Please keep up the good work and don't let your detractors get you down.
You may count on my continued support and I urge all reading this to give something, no matter how little.
All: Michael’s expenses are going to go up not being assigned to a unit, so it is up to us to help him stay financially viable. Sometimes it feels as though he is the only source for the truth wherever he is. It is imperative we help him stay close to the action, reasonably equipped and fed.
God speed Michael.
Our precious military is currently in the hands of an incompetent moron who is not qualified to be a dog catcher much less Commander-In Chief. We cannot rely on the lamestream media to tell the truth either as they have proven to be obfuscating agenda driven liars also!
I wish I had enough money to fund Michael fully and thereby make him a force to be reckoned with instead of the other way round:-)
Bad news is I'm starting to believe that your thoughts on McCrystal are correct. I had hope in the beginning. That is now starting to slip away.
The uneasy feeling is that my son is due to deploy there any day now. What happened to you doesn't give me the warm fuzzies. He will be in the north, which not as bad as the south or east but Afghanistan is always unpredictable.
Thanks for your efforts and I hope you can keep it up. You always seem to pretty good at doing that. Stay safe and check 6.
Thank you so very much for what you do, Michael. You really are a national treasure.
Stay safe.
Best damned embedded reporter I have ever had the benefit of reading!
Best damned war photographer I ever had the benefit of viewing!
Best damned PATRIOT these middle east wars will ever see!
Best damned ability to recount the human side of these wars!
Best damned connected reporter of these wars, i.e. Gates, Petreaus, et al!
Most honest war reporter we've all had the PRIVELEGE to read!
Come on folks, let's pony up, so Michael can figure out another way to get our news from the front lines! I think he already has it figured out, so let's help him keep on doing what he was destined to do!! This is just a stepping stone to the next chapter in the Michael Yon saga! May the lpord Bless you and Keep you and make his face shine upon you!
I wish all the Military leaders could understand the effect you have single handedly had on support for the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
I was one of those Americans who doubted the wisdom of the whole idea of the occupation, until I found your blog early on in the Iraq embed.
You showed me that the U.S. and Coalition were not merely killing bad guys, but also building schools, sanitation, power, bringing good to the people in those places.
In effect, your truthful and candid reporting was the sole reason that I now support, and stand behind our military.
And I tell everyone I come across who DOESN'T support the war to read Michael Yon.
And to all you Government Higher ups who may be reading this: How many more of me might there be out there?
Carry on my friend.
You comment that the M4 does well in sand. In an earlier post with British troops you commented that no matter how much they cleaned them they would malfunction. How would you compare the M4 with and M1A for reliability in dust?
Bill
This is. as you say, not a good sign to get the boot. How will you continue to cover the war? Can you join Canadain Forces?
best Regards,
J
Mike ... come back and run for Congress ! Or President ! Hell I would vote for you in a second ! Patreaus and Yonn ticket ? Bingo
Its a great post Mike ... I can not thank you enough for taking me on trips to the front lines to see the Warrior Class of young Americans . God bless you and please take care sir.
We have known you to be a faithful warrior. That won't change. May God protect you and give you wisdom for the days ahead.
Mr. Yon, if you are not yet familiar with Bill Mauldin's memorable "Up Front," a volume of WWII cartoons and accompanying essay on life at the front (mostly Italy), I think you would enjoy it. Moreover, I think you would be able to compare notes.
Just wanted to thank you for the great work and we're shocked to see you go!
My 19 year old son is a Soldier in the 5/2 SBCT. I have depended upon your dispatches in order to get a glimpse into the war that he is fighting. Shame on the people that have made the obtuse decision to end your embedment with these fine American Heroes. Thank you for your contributions, sincerley Mellisa.
I hope you continue your excellent reporting, and please stay safe out there. We need you.
My old son is in C company and tells me you sleep next to him from time to time. Thats a good place to be. I trust him with my life. you have many fans from here in Texas! Keep up the great reporting from where ever you can.
Allowing you to get kicked to the curb is a big mistake on McCrystal's part. The troops need more dedicated, loyal journalists like you to continue reporting the news that the leftwing MSM either slants or refuses to publish. I've read about "Karzai's 12 rules" and quickly came to the conclusion that the ROE situation, since THE ONE took office, has become an absolute Charlie Foxtrot. But Obama insists that "winning isn't necessarily a goal".
His idiotic campaign to fight “negative stereotypes of Islam” totally ignores the realities of the violent, ideological religion. I feel so sorry for the military troops still serving under this assclown. He is so f***ing disconnected from reality.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/05/20/us.military.bibles.burned/index.html
and reading McCrystal's Rules of Engagement, I knew this war is lost. McCrystal now spends more time shutting down fast food joints then he does prosecuting the war. Michael, come home and bring our sons and daughters home with you!
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/index.php?option=com_jomcomment&task=trackback&id=6128&opt=com_content
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