Float Tapes: Part - 23

Published on February 28, 2020
Duration: 12:16

This episode of Kit Badger's Float Tape series revisits December 2001 in Afghanistan, detailing the challenges of military operations including setting up and taking down tents due to weather, the strategic importance of Kandahar Airfield, and a lengthy combat patrol. The patrol involved navigating difficult terrain, dealing with communication issues, and encountering unexpected situations like potential enemy vehicles that turned out to be misidentified. The narrative highlights the resilience and adaptability required in such environments, including dealing with morale issues and the physical demands of extended operations.

Quick Summary

Kit Badger's Float Tape Part 23 details a challenging December 2001 patrol in Afghanistan, highlighting operational difficulties like constant tent setup/takedown affecting morale, and a lengthy combat patrol encountering rain, wind, communication issues, and dangerous terrain. The episode also notes the strategic importance of Kandahar Airfield and EOD detonations.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Mission Overview
  2. 01:04Tent Setup & Morale Issues
  3. 02:08Christmas Came Early - Tent Setup
  4. 03:46Promotions & Discharges
  5. 05:06EOD Detonation
  6. 06:29Patrol Debrief - December 16th
  7. 07:18Patrol Begins - Rain & Checkpoints
  8. 08:38Communication Issues & Wind
  9. 09:31Movement on the Crest - False Alarm
  10. 10:04Extended Patrol & Last Checkpoint
  11. 11:06Quicksand & Concertina Wire
  12. 11:50Conclusion & Next Episode

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main challenges faced during the December 2001 Afghanistan patrol described in Kit Badger's Float Tape Part 23?

The patrol faced significant morale challenges due to constant tent setup and takedown, harsh weather conditions including rain and wind, communication issues with equipment, and dangerous terrain like quicksand. They also encountered unexpected situations, such as misidentifying an airplane facility as enemy vehicles.

What was the strategic importance of Kandahar Airfield in December 2001?

Kandahar Airfield was a crucial strategic position in Afghanistan during December 2001. It served as a primary entry point for all follow-on forces into the country and remained a vital operational hub for many years thereafter.

Can you describe the EOD activity mentioned in the Float Tape Part 23 episode?

The episode mentions that EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) units detonated some found ordnance, including C4. This indicates the presence of potentially dangerous explosives in the operational area, requiring specialized handling.

What personal events occurred during the patrol described in the video?

During the patrol, Doc Ramos was promoted in the field, and Gal Burton received an honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps on December 16th, 2001. Sergeant Holt may have also been promoted to Staff Sergeant.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Kit Badger

View all →