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Eric Blehm, author of the award-winning The Last Season, is back with another true adventure story, The Only Thing Worth Dying For. Set in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, The Only Thing Worth Dying For chronicles the untold story of the team of Green Berets led by Captain Jason Amerine that conquered the Taliban and helped bring Hamid Karzai to power in Afghanistan. In the tradition of Black Hawk Down, The Only Thing Worth Dying For is, in the words of former Congressman Charlie Wilson (from Charlie Wilson's War), "the one book you must read if you have any hope of understanding what our fine American soldiers are up against in Afghanistan."
Hardcover
First published January 8, 2010
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About the author
Eric Blehm
19 books344 followersEric Blehm is the award-winning author of the New York Times bestsellers Fearless and The Only Thing Worth Dying For. His book The Last Season won the 2007 National Outdoor Book Award and was named by Outside magazine as one of the “greatest adventure biographies ever written.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
February 5, 2019
This book left tears in my eyes. Incredible and heroic story.
April 5, 2011
Some striking parallels between this and "Lone Survivor", which I also just finished. Interestingly, this one takes place at the very beginnings of the Afghan war, with really interesting focus on Hamid Karzai before he took the international stage - and is full of optimism. "Lone Survivor" took place later, after the pace and the mission had taken on more form - and was full of pessimism.
Both carry the theme of very capable, diverse and dynamic small teams of elite combat troops being tripped up by the actions of political command decisions worried about media perceptions - in the case of "Lone Survivor", affecting the decision-making of the troops themselves, in this book driving decisions made by superiors who feel compelled to make a show of US dedication, above and beyond the actual combat actions. (Or would some would call the meddling of REMFs).
Both stories leave you with a feeling of pride in our combat forces and what they can and do accomplish at the lowest, even individual, levels - and both end tragically, with a taste that somehow the system let these brave men down.
Again, very happy to be finding some accounts of this war, as its true nature has been very hard to appreciate...
Both carry the theme of very capable, diverse and dynamic small teams of elite combat troops being tripped up by the actions of political command decisions worried about media perceptions - in the case of "Lone Survivor", affecting the decision-making of the troops themselves, in this book driving decisions made by superiors who feel compelled to make a show of US dedication, above and beyond the actual combat actions. (Or would some would call the meddling of REMFs).
Both stories leave you with a feeling of pride in our combat forces and what they can and do accomplish at the lowest, even individual, levels - and both end tragically, with a taste that somehow the system let these brave men down.
Again, very happy to be finding some accounts of this war, as its true nature has been very hard to appreciate...
May 16, 2021
This was a real account of US Special Forces Green Berets in Afghanistan in the beginning. A pretty cool story with some tragic and sad parts.
April 30, 2019
This is an excellent book about a green beret team that accompanied Harmid Karzai into Afganistan after 911. Covers several combat actions as the group moved to take over southern Afganistan. I didn't realize that this was the team that took friendly fire as a 2000 lb bomb from a B-52 was mistakenly dropped on them, killing several and wounding the rest. This was because several higher ranking officers decided to break procedure and 'play' around with looking for targets were no enemy was and call down bombs on those positions.
What I didn't know, and it disturbs me, is that the nearest force to help evacuate those who needed medical assistance was a Marine force at Camp Rhino, 30 minutes away. General James Mattis, who I deeply respected, was the unit commander. He refused to send his heliocopters because he 'didn't know if a battle was going on'. Since when do Marines not head to a battle? Not in my Marine Corps. I have lost some respect for General Mattis because of this situation. The Air Force had to fly 3 hours to evacuate those injured, taking them to Camp Rhino, where no Marines were waiting to assist the wounded. Was that due to General Mattis also?
But I really enjoyed this book, since I spend 6 months with Marine Recon in Vietnam in 68-69.
What I didn't know, and it disturbs me, is that the nearest force to help evacuate those who needed medical assistance was a Marine force at Camp Rhino, 30 minutes away. General James Mattis, who I deeply respected, was the unit commander. He refused to send his heliocopters because he 'didn't know if a battle was going on'. Since when do Marines not head to a battle? Not in my Marine Corps. I have lost some respect for General Mattis because of this situation. The Air Force had to fly 3 hours to evacuate those injured, taking them to Camp Rhino, where no Marines were waiting to assist the wounded. Was that due to General Mattis also?
But I really enjoyed this book, since I spend 6 months with Marine Recon in Vietnam in 68-69.
February 11, 2011
I haven't had much time to read so I try to be really selective before investing the time. This book will primarily appeal to men, but I suspect many women will also find it an engaging read. Story involves a particular A team that was charged with safeguarding Hamid Karzai enroute to Kandahar during the months after 9/11 when it appeared he would be the moderate voice of a new Afghanistan, who could also unite the many factions in that country. The members of this A team, including a local guy from Livermore, are introduced and the author, through research including interviews takes the reader behind enemy lines as this team encounters Taliban fighters, calls in airstrikes, makes very difficult life and death decisions, deals with military bureaucracy, leads Afghan guerillas, and ultimately sustains tragic, avoidable, casualties. The nobility of these men come through in this book, and I was left with admiration, respect, and genuine affection for these soldiers and others like them doing a very difficult job far from home.
October 7, 2013
Falling between the war memoir and the special forces history, THE ONLY THING WORTH DYING FOR covers the infiltration of Hamid Karzai and eleven US Army Special Forces operatives into Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the work suffers from the same handicap as the mission: as everything is political, the soldiers can't engage without an OK from Washington, and much time is spent drinking tea with Kazakhs rather than fighting. And while escorting Karzai is a decent and worthy mission, there's just far less contact in mountainous Afghanistan than urbanized Iraq. Even some of the Kosovo memoirs seem more intense
3/5. Of interest to historians and Afghan experts but does not offer the full scale battles of, say, ONE BULLET AWAY or GUNS UP! Read only if you are "need to know" about Karzai. And the are a few pinzgauers
3/5. Of interest to historians and Afghan experts but does not offer the full scale battles of, say, ONE BULLET AWAY or GUNS UP! Read only if you are "need to know" about Karzai. And the are a few pinzgauers
May 10, 2025
Reading this in 2025, I worried that this heroic tale would be soured by the knowledge that the "new Afghanistan" these men fought for would ultimately fall back to the Taliban in 2021. Actually, that never intruded on my thoughts much as I read.
But it also didn't occur to me to wonder about the relevance of the title. Of course this ends with an element of tragedy. The last three chapters are a wild and ferocious gut punch. Up to then, the whole thing was interesting and decent, but it ends with a bloody and emotional emergency that reminded me of act I in Saving Private Ryan.
A sobering story of the people behind those battles far away, and what they risk, what they sacrifice, what they give for us.
My oldest son, a Marine, gave me a copy of this and recommended I read it.
But it also didn't occur to me to wonder about the relevance of the title. Of course this ends with an element of tragedy. The last three chapters are a wild and ferocious gut punch. Up to then, the whole thing was interesting and decent, but it ends with a bloody and emotional emergency that reminded me of act I in Saving Private Ryan.
A sobering story of the people behind those battles far away, and what they risk, what they sacrifice, what they give for us.
My oldest son, a Marine, gave me a copy of this and recommended I read it.
July 9, 2021
Not having read T.E. Lawrence myself, I don't know whether the editor of "Valor" magazine was right to call this book "The greatest story of a small unit's battle through an untamed land since 'Lawrence of Arabia.'"
What I am sure of is that Eric Blehm won the trust of the Special Forces A-Team whose mission he chronicles here. Those Green Berets are, among other things, fine judges of character. Blehm tells their story straight, touching on everything the team (ODA 574) thought and did. Blehm's skill is such that readers will get the impression that he was "job shadowing" Captain Jason Amerine. Insights that Blehm offers into Hamid Karzai and his Afghan allies are also compelling.
There are no epic fights in this book, but there don't need to be. This is war in microcosm, as described by an author with sense enough to let warriors speak for themselves (The reviewer for Publisher's Weekly who damned this book with faint praise by calling it "engrossing if glamourized" is partly wrong, by the way; Blehm injects no glamour into the story.)
I was skeptical of the book's subtitle when I started reading this, asking myself whether it was even possible for eleven men to forge a new country, but although things remain dicey in Afghanistan, Blehm makes good on that thesis. Significantly, (former) Afghan President Karzai would agree with him.
What I am sure of is that Eric Blehm won the trust of the Special Forces A-Team whose mission he chronicles here. Those Green Berets are, among other things, fine judges of character. Blehm tells their story straight, touching on everything the team (ODA 574) thought and did. Blehm's skill is such that readers will get the impression that he was "job shadowing" Captain Jason Amerine. Insights that Blehm offers into Hamid Karzai and his Afghan allies are also compelling.
There are no epic fights in this book, but there don't need to be. This is war in microcosm, as described by an author with sense enough to let warriors speak for themselves (The reviewer for Publisher's Weekly who damned this book with faint praise by calling it "engrossing if glamourized" is partly wrong, by the way; Blehm injects no glamour into the story.)
I was skeptical of the book's subtitle when I started reading this, asking myself whether it was even possible for eleven men to forge a new country, but although things remain dicey in Afghanistan, Blehm makes good on that thesis. Significantly, (former) Afghan President Karzai would agree with him.
February 10, 2021
Having a good ugly cry at the end of this one. 'There's too much shade here.'
For 80% of the book, the reader gets to know the men of ODA 574 so when a terrible mistake causes death and injuries it's hard to read. The epilogue describing the moments the families learn of the loss of their loved ones is heartbreaking.
On positive notes, I didn't realise the military worked so closely with the locals in Afghanistan. There is one part where one of the soldiers is sleeping and a crowd of the locals come sleep by him, one even trying to use his leg as a pillow. I'm also super impressed by the translators. I can only imagine how hard it must be to be in a constant state of rushed adrenaline. I also didn't know the branches worked so closely together. The Air Force and Marines were in this one and Navy SEALS showed up to help with evacuation. Also found the parts on Mattis interesting-and the follow up. He dragged his feet on sending help, fired someone for the same thing and continued to be promoted (as were others involved).
I hope the men who made it home shared the information they wrote in their death letters with their loved ones.
For 80% of the book, the reader gets to know the men of ODA 574 so when a terrible mistake causes death and injuries it's hard to read. The epilogue describing the moments the families learn of the loss of their loved ones is heartbreaking.
On positive notes, I didn't realise the military worked so closely with the locals in Afghanistan. There is one part where one of the soldiers is sleeping and a crowd of the locals come sleep by him, one even trying to use his leg as a pillow. I'm also super impressed by the translators. I can only imagine how hard it must be to be in a constant state of rushed adrenaline. I also didn't know the branches worked so closely together. The Air Force and Marines were in this one and Navy SEALS showed up to help with evacuation. Also found the parts on Mattis interesting-and the follow up. He dragged his feet on sending help, fired someone for the same thing and continued to be promoted (as were others involved).
I hope the men who made it home shared the information they wrote in their death letters with their loved ones.
March 5, 2020
finished late morning of 5 march 2020 good read four stars really liked it kindle library loaner. broken wrist so... that kharzi guy was more active than i'd believed..."uw" unconventional warfare, enlightening...unfortunate catch-22 situations. quite a bit one can read outside the lines...
November 22, 2020
This is the account of how an ODA team re-inserted Harmid Karzai into Afghanistan after 9/11 and how they along with the Northern Alliance ran the Taliban out of Khandahar.
One of the best books about the War in Afghanistan that I highly recommend.
One of the best books about the War in Afghanistan that I highly recommend.
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March 8, 2015Eric Blehm's, The Only Thing Worth Dying For: How Eleven Green Berets Forged a New Afghanistan, was written to inform the readers of what military life was like for the special forces fighting in Afghanistan. Blehm's purpose for writing this book was to inform the readers of the sacrifices made by soldiers fighting the War on Terror after the attacks in America on September 11, 2001. This story was based on personal accounts and interviews of the members of the ODA 574 Special Forces "A" Team, who were the first soldiers to infiltrate the southern part of Afghanistan. Blehm was able to add credibility to this book by the personal insight and feelings of actual events as experienced by the Green Beret. Blehm retold the stories of the soldiers as they began the process to help Hamid Karzai form a government that would allow the people to vote on their leader.
Throughout this book, Blehm developed the theme of loyalty. The loyalty of these soldiers included loyalty to America, the military and each other. All eleven members of ODA 574 were so loyal to America that they were willing to make many personal sacrifices to defend our country. The author made the readers aware and understand the level of loyalty they had as he retold the individual soldier's stories of sacrifice. Blehm further explained the belief that all Green Beret members have a partner and will never leave that partner in any situation. Actual events in this book showed that the loyalty to a soldier's partner was more important than personal safety. He also made the reader aware that many situations required the team to work together to get their objective met.
The Only Thing Worth Dying For is written in narrative form. By using the actual stories as experienced by the soldiers involved, Blehm makes the audience feel what it is like to be in the war behind enemy lines. He does let the audience see the reality of the disasters that were caused by mistakes made by the higher ranking officials in the military and government. He also makes the audience look past those mistakes to see all the good that came out of this military operation. Showing the good and bad gives this book more credibility.
I like this book because it is a true account of what life is like in the military, especially the special forces. It helps the reader to understand the personal sacrifices of soldiers fighting a war, instead of just what they might hear on the news. I would not change anything in this book because Blehm does a good job telling the story through the soldier's eyes. This book is similar to other military special forces books I have read.
Throughout this book, Blehm developed the theme of loyalty. The loyalty of these soldiers included loyalty to America, the military and each other. All eleven members of ODA 574 were so loyal to America that they were willing to make many personal sacrifices to defend our country. The author made the readers aware and understand the level of loyalty they had as he retold the individual soldier's stories of sacrifice. Blehm further explained the belief that all Green Beret members have a partner and will never leave that partner in any situation. Actual events in this book showed that the loyalty to a soldier's partner was more important than personal safety. He also made the reader aware that many situations required the team to work together to get their objective met.
The Only Thing Worth Dying For is written in narrative form. By using the actual stories as experienced by the soldiers involved, Blehm makes the audience feel what it is like to be in the war behind enemy lines. He does let the audience see the reality of the disasters that were caused by mistakes made by the higher ranking officials in the military and government. He also makes the audience look past those mistakes to see all the good that came out of this military operation. Showing the good and bad gives this book more credibility.
I like this book because it is a true account of what life is like in the military, especially the special forces. It helps the reader to understand the personal sacrifices of soldiers fighting a war, instead of just what they might hear on the news. I would not change anything in this book because Blehm does a good job telling the story through the soldier's eyes. This book is similar to other military special forces books I have read.
September 26, 2017
Eric Blehm deserves every recognition he has received for the writing of "The Only Thing Worth Dying For." This is history retold at its best, drawing you into the action, connecting you to the men whose story it tells, and touching your soul with their heroism, their commitment to duty, and their sacrifice. It has so much to say about the men who risked - and gave - their lives for a cause they believed was much bigger than themselves. And it has so much to say at this moment in our nation's history, when little men with (by comparison) little to lose, choose to disdain the men who fought for the freedoms they enjoy, and the flag that draped their bodies when they died heroes.
The Only Thing Worth Dying For is far from a white-washed account of the mission of ODA 574 to lead an Afghani uprising against the Taliban leaders shortly after 9-11. Inept leaders, needless red-tape, and confused and frustrating government bureaucracy are represented with candor. None of it is designed to make a political statement. It simply makes the decisions and the actions of the men on the ground stand out as they refuse to lose sight of their mission. When the mission ends both tragically and successfully, the character of the leadership of ODA 574 stuns, as a decision is made to forward the mission, even though it meant absorbing undeserved blame.
There is irony in this story that could not have been appreciated seven years ago when it was published, but I cannot point it out, because it would spoil the reading of the book. I wept (and I am tearing up now) as the story neared its end, and would not want to deprive anyone of feeling the full weight of a life lost. But there is a valuable lesson in that loss for those who are trying to erase elements of our history because, like every other part of our history, it is tainted with human fallenness. It is possible to remember others for the good they did, while choosing to reject their flaws and live as better men.
This will definitely be on my list of top reads for 2017. I highly recommend it.
The Only Thing Worth Dying For is far from a white-washed account of the mission of ODA 574 to lead an Afghani uprising against the Taliban leaders shortly after 9-11. Inept leaders, needless red-tape, and confused and frustrating government bureaucracy are represented with candor. None of it is designed to make a political statement. It simply makes the decisions and the actions of the men on the ground stand out as they refuse to lose sight of their mission. When the mission ends both tragically and successfully, the character of the leadership of ODA 574 stuns, as a decision is made to forward the mission, even though it meant absorbing undeserved blame.
There is irony in this story that could not have been appreciated seven years ago when it was published, but I cannot point it out, because it would spoil the reading of the book. I wept (and I am tearing up now) as the story neared its end, and would not want to deprive anyone of feeling the full weight of a life lost. But there is a valuable lesson in that loss for those who are trying to erase elements of our history because, like every other part of our history, it is tainted with human fallenness. It is possible to remember others for the good they did, while choosing to reject their flaws and live as better men.
This will definitely be on my list of top reads for 2017. I highly recommend it.
April 23, 2010
I picked this book up because Blehm's first book (The Last Season) was so well written. Based on interviews with the men involved, Blehm recounts the story of a Special Forces troop (green berets) who were the first military to infiltrate southern Afghanistan in 2001, protecting then-unknown Hamid Karzai as he rallied the Pashtun to overthrow the Taliban. In spite of my aversion to books and movies about war, I was quickly pulled into this one and sat up late to finish it.
This is not the story you'll encounter in official military reports, and it clearly reveals the ineptitude of Bush's War Against Terrorism and the muddling egotism of mid-range officers. But Blehm does not dwell on that. He stays strictly focused on the actions and experiences of the Special Forces troop, and that makes this story much more heroic--and sad.
I classify this book with Three Cups of Tea--an engaging read that provides insight into a country that is prominent in today's news. But I'll also recommend it to doctoral students who want examples of how interviews and factual documents can be transformed into a vivid, multi-voiced story with rich detail. Blehm is an expert at that and I'll be anxious to read the next book he produces.
This is not the story you'll encounter in official military reports, and it clearly reveals the ineptitude of Bush's War Against Terrorism and the muddling egotism of mid-range officers. But Blehm does not dwell on that. He stays strictly focused on the actions and experiences of the Special Forces troop, and that makes this story much more heroic--and sad.
I classify this book with Three Cups of Tea--an engaging read that provides insight into a country that is prominent in today's news. But I'll also recommend it to doctoral students who want examples of how interviews and factual documents can be transformed into a vivid, multi-voiced story with rich detail. Blehm is an expert at that and I'll be anxious to read the next book he produces.
January 8, 2016
This book will break your heart for many reasons. One reason is that good men died in a foreign land, wearing the uniforms of the United States. The second reason is that even after all the sacrifices of our soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines, Afghanistan is still battling the Taliban. The third reason is that this book exposes pettiness and in-service fighting on several levels that had disastrous consequences.
However, the book is not all doom and gloom. There were so many instances in this book of what is right with our military and how individuals can make a difference.
It took me a little while to get into the book (lots of distractions while trying to read), but once I was about 50 pages in, I did not want to put it down.
However, the book is not all doom and gloom. There were so many instances in this book of what is right with our military and how individuals can make a difference.
It took me a little while to get into the book (lots of distractions while trying to read), but once I was about 50 pages in, I did not want to put it down.
July 21, 2017
Being former Army (Intel) and an ex-fiancee of a Green Beret, I've always been fascinated by Special Forces. This book is well-written and represents Green Berets very much as I remember them (short of being one myself). It also represents the military and all its red tape and esprit de corp accurately. Quite the read that I sped through in two days. It's written as third-person omniscient, not my favorite POV, but it works perfectly for this story and I barely noticed it flowed so well. I don't think it could've been written any other way and still kept the flow and tension and realism. I highly, highly recommend this book for lovers of military biographies and histories.
June 22, 2012
I come away from this book with admiration for some the heroic individuals who conducted themselves with honor and integrity under difficult circumstances; with anger for some of the idiotic decisions made by power hungry senior military commanders (and their efforts to blame others for their mistakes); and with sadness -for those who needlessly lost their lives due to those mistakes-and the individual whose targeting error resulted in a calamitous friendly fire bombing. His ownership over the error is honorable, but having to live with that must be haunting. Great, moving story.
January 3, 2017
Once again it never surprises me to hear of such bravery, valor, courage and humbleness as I read these amazing stories of Americas soldiers and airmen! Just something they do day in and out that we civilians never know about. God bless these men and their families!
An outstanding book highly recommend!
An outstanding book highly recommend!
May 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review – The Only Thing Worth Dying For by Eric Blehm
Eric Blehm delivers a powerful, deeply human account of ODA 574 and their extraordinary mission in southern Afghanistan in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Tasked with escorting future president Hamid Karzai into Taliban-controlled territory to unite tribal leaders and build a resistance, this 12-man Special Forces team faced an impossible mission—under-resourced, under-supported, and with almost no intelligence.
Blehm’s writing style is sharp and emotionally grounded. Though occasionally hard to follow due to the sheer number of names and operational shifts, the author does an excellent job of capturing the personalities, tensions, and unshakable loyalty within the team. One of the most moving aspects is how Blehm portrays the relationship between Captain Jason Amerine and Karzai. Their mutual respect and trust are the emotional core of the story.
Amerine is shown as the epitome of the quiet professional—humble, morally grounded, tactically brilliant, and deeply committed to his men and mission. His leadership, compassion, and cultural awareness earned him the respect of both his team and Karzai. I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie between Amerine and JD, which brought warmth and humanity to an otherwise high-stakes narrative.
While Blehm doesn't shy away from the darker aspects—the devastating friendly fire airstrike, the refusal of Marine leadership to render aid, and the lack of coordination between the CIA, Special Forces, and State Department—he also honours the courage and professionalism of the ODA. He highlights their humility, resilience, and tactical brilliance. These were men who were not sent to conquer, but to empower Afghan people to liberate themselves. Their mission represented the best version of what foreign intervention could look like: partnership, not occupation.
Blehm also pays tribute to the Afghan tribal fighters—men who risked their lives, homes, and families to join Karzai and ODA 574 despite uncertain loyalties and enormous danger. He reminds readers that while Afghan politics are complex, many local fighters showed real courage and vision for a freer future.
And then there's Karzai himself. Blehm is generous—but not naïve—in his depiction of Karzai’s personal bravery. He entered the country with only a few loyal followers, survived ambushes, betrayals, and serious wounds, yet remained committed to the mission even when he could have fled. His actions on the ground, paired with his growing alliance with ODA 574, were instrumental in gaining early momentum against the Taliban.
Yes, the book is a sobering critique of how fragmented the U.S. approach to Afghanistan was—but it is also a testament to what can happen when courage, conviction, and relationships are prioritised over politics. It’s a heartbreaking and inspiring story of sacrifice, missteps, brotherhood, and belief in something greater than oneself.
Highly recommended for readers interested in military history, post-9/11 geopolitics, and character-driven true stories of war and leadership.
Eric Blehm delivers a powerful, deeply human account of ODA 574 and their extraordinary mission in southern Afghanistan in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Tasked with escorting future president Hamid Karzai into Taliban-controlled territory to unite tribal leaders and build a resistance, this 12-man Special Forces team faced an impossible mission—under-resourced, under-supported, and with almost no intelligence.
Blehm’s writing style is sharp and emotionally grounded. Though occasionally hard to follow due to the sheer number of names and operational shifts, the author does an excellent job of capturing the personalities, tensions, and unshakable loyalty within the team. One of the most moving aspects is how Blehm portrays the relationship between Captain Jason Amerine and Karzai. Their mutual respect and trust are the emotional core of the story.
Amerine is shown as the epitome of the quiet professional—humble, morally grounded, tactically brilliant, and deeply committed to his men and mission. His leadership, compassion, and cultural awareness earned him the respect of both his team and Karzai. I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie between Amerine and JD, which brought warmth and humanity to an otherwise high-stakes narrative.
While Blehm doesn't shy away from the darker aspects—the devastating friendly fire airstrike, the refusal of Marine leadership to render aid, and the lack of coordination between the CIA, Special Forces, and State Department—he also honours the courage and professionalism of the ODA. He highlights their humility, resilience, and tactical brilliance. These were men who were not sent to conquer, but to empower Afghan people to liberate themselves. Their mission represented the best version of what foreign intervention could look like: partnership, not occupation.
Blehm also pays tribute to the Afghan tribal fighters—men who risked their lives, homes, and families to join Karzai and ODA 574 despite uncertain loyalties and enormous danger. He reminds readers that while Afghan politics are complex, many local fighters showed real courage and vision for a freer future.
And then there's Karzai himself. Blehm is generous—but not naïve—in his depiction of Karzai’s personal bravery. He entered the country with only a few loyal followers, survived ambushes, betrayals, and serious wounds, yet remained committed to the mission even when he could have fled. His actions on the ground, paired with his growing alliance with ODA 574, were instrumental in gaining early momentum against the Taliban.
Yes, the book is a sobering critique of how fragmented the U.S. approach to Afghanistan was—but it is also a testament to what can happen when courage, conviction, and relationships are prioritised over politics. It’s a heartbreaking and inspiring story of sacrifice, missteps, brotherhood, and belief in something greater than oneself.
Highly recommended for readers interested in military history, post-9/11 geopolitics, and character-driven true stories of war and leadership.
October 5, 2025
"Jason was the best representative of the United States. He came to me one day and said there had been reports of a Taliban get-together... If the United States had military officers like Jason in larger numbers, it would be a greater country." Hamid Karzai
This is an incredibly insightful and well-researched book that, once read, feels like it covers several months of operations. In reality, it spans just three weeks. It is agonizing to read how higher-ranking officers, MAJ Bolduc and LTC Fox, completely failed CPT Amerine, his men, and the brave Afghan fighters.
It is also absolutely infuriating to see how Bolduc's and Fox's decisions on the ground that day, December 5, 2001, had zero negative impact on their military careers. Both men were eventually promoted to one-star generals. Even though Bolduc outright lied to Blehm about who was directly responsible for calling in the bomb, and likely during the investigation as well, he was still placed in command of battalions and task forces. This touches on the unfortunate bureaucracy in the US Army and the 'good ole boy' system for commissioned officers that many may not be aware of.
"Everyone involved in both sets of decision making, basically, was selected for promotion," he said. "The guys that killed my men became generals." Jason Amerine, Army Times, March 22, 2017
Many people are familiar with the story of ODA 595, as told in 12 Strong or Horse Soldiers, and their mission with the Northern Alliance. Far fewer people know about ODA 574 and their mission in the south.
Blehm's research in this book is meticulous. I especially appreciated how he cited all his sources, provided endnotes, and stuck to verified facts from interviews with surviving members of ODA 574. Focusing on the team's statements instead of solely Army reports paints a picture that could not have been created any other way. In doing so, Blehm not only preserves a vital piece of military history in our involvement in Afghanistan, but also honors the sacrifices of the men of ODA 574.
January 14, 2021
The Only Thing Worth Dying For: How Eleven Green Berets Forged a New Afghanistan by Eric Blehm is the true story about a group of America's elite Green Berets who, working with Hamid Karzai, were instrumental in bringing down the taliban in Afghanistan. After routing them they helped stabilize the government for for a hoped for democratic government. I had previously read Fearless by this author and was very impressed with his ability to put you there with the Navy Seals while following the detailed story of one who had to overcome drugs and crime to get his act together and make it as a Seal. So I already had high expectations for this earlier book. The author has a unique ability to identify with America's elite warriors and gain their trust as they opened up to him and shared their successes, failures, and on-going struggles as they are on the front lines in defending America while at the same time being decent husbands and fathers when returning home from deployments. While my focus is primarily on World War II, I have been expanding my horizons lately back to the American Revolution and forward through our Civil War, the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the war on terrorists of today. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the near future.
October 7, 2017
I know this is saying a lot, but it is true. This book is a MUST-READ for anyone interested in military history. Especially if you have any interest in modern-warfare history, but this extends to any interest in my humble opinion.
Realizing this could be confused with hyperbole let me say this:
What "Caine Mutiny", "With the Old Breed" & "Unbroken" is to WW2, "We Were Soldiers Once and Young" is to the Vietnam War, "Blackhawk Down" is to modern warfare, "The Only Thing Worth Dying For" is to the Afghan War and the War on Terror.
As many reviewers have said already, this is gripping story, that while detailed, never loses your interest.
I will never see the War in Afghanistan, the U.S. Military or Harmid Kharzai the same.
Eric Blehm has that rare gift of making you feel like you have known the characters just as well as they knew each other.
Phenomenal storyline! You owe it to yourself to read/listen to this book.
I won't say more or I will likely give away too much.
Realizing this could be confused with hyperbole let me say this:
What "Caine Mutiny", "With the Old Breed" & "Unbroken" is to WW2, "We Were Soldiers Once and Young" is to the Vietnam War, "Blackhawk Down" is to modern warfare, "The Only Thing Worth Dying For" is to the Afghan War and the War on Terror.
As many reviewers have said already, this is gripping story, that while detailed, never loses your interest.
I will never see the War in Afghanistan, the U.S. Military or Harmid Kharzai the same.
Eric Blehm has that rare gift of making you feel like you have known the characters just as well as they knew each other.
Phenomenal storyline! You owe it to yourself to read/listen to this book.
I won't say more or I will likely give away too much.
May 18, 2019
If you ever need perspective in your life....if you ever need to realize that there are people in this world fighting daily to ensure your safety, protection, and survival....if you ever want even the slightest insight into the kinds of sacrifices these soldiers make on a daily basis, this book is a must read.
The geopolitical and military context is very informative as well, however for me, the primary aspect taken away from this read is the incredible magnitude of selfless sacrifice demonstrated throughout by the soldiers chronicled in this story...if you're looking to be inspired for ways to do and give more, this book offers a compelling- if not unvarnished view of the realities and struggles beset onto the service members of our country while deployed overseas, and unquestionably demonstrates why there is such a strong need to treat our nations veterans with proper care upon their return home.
The geopolitical and military context is very informative as well, however for me, the primary aspect taken away from this read is the incredible magnitude of selfless sacrifice demonstrated throughout by the soldiers chronicled in this story...if you're looking to be inspired for ways to do and give more, this book offers a compelling- if not unvarnished view of the realities and struggles beset onto the service members of our country while deployed overseas, and unquestionably demonstrates why there is such a strong need to treat our nations veterans with proper care upon their return home.
March 19, 2018
TURE TO LIFE. BECAUSE IT'S TOLD BY THOSE WHO WERE THERE.
Great story of what it was like it the opening stages of the war on terror. With all the problems that you would expect. Plus some you wouldn't. Outdated maps, no military personnel with sufficient language skills. Overbearing glory seeking Headquarters units. However it is an exciting read. That points out that the armed services have to support each other. To get the immediate mission accomplished. Unless your a marine commander, and performing a rescue of wounded US soldiers. Who don'thappen to be Marines. Might put a bullet hole or two in one of your aircraft. You decline to assist. So what would have been a flight of less than a hour. Results in a flight of four hours in daylight over enemy territory. Certainly puts the current Secretary of Defense in a new unflattering light.
Great story of what it was like it the opening stages of the war on terror. With all the problems that you would expect. Plus some you wouldn't. Outdated maps, no military personnel with sufficient language skills. Overbearing glory seeking Headquarters units. However it is an exciting read. That points out that the armed services have to support each other. To get the immediate mission accomplished. Unless your a marine commander, and performing a rescue of wounded US soldiers. Who don'thappen to be Marines. Might put a bullet hole or two in one of your aircraft. You decline to assist. So what would have been a flight of less than a hour. Results in a flight of four hours in daylight over enemy territory. Certainly puts the current Secretary of Defense in a new unflattering light.
April 8, 2019
Calamitous. This type of thing just shouldn't happen. Powerful ending.
The sacrifices our young soldiers make, fighting for and believing in this just cause immediately following 9/11 is remarkable. The decisions and politics of orders they deal with is enough to drive anyone "batty", but persevere they do.
It renders my heart sad that they return to our free country and have to deal with the craziness of our current society, so full of self, anger, hate, confusion, and the disrespect of those who take everything here for granted.
This story moves along quickly through 48 hours of turmoil, keeping you moving from one page to the next. As hard as it is, I'm glad we have soldiers willing to relive and tell their story.
The sacrifices our young soldiers make, fighting for and believing in this just cause immediately following 9/11 is remarkable. The decisions and politics of orders they deal with is enough to drive anyone "batty", but persevere they do.
It renders my heart sad that they return to our free country and have to deal with the craziness of our current society, so full of self, anger, hate, confusion, and the disrespect of those who take everything here for granted.
This story moves along quickly through 48 hours of turmoil, keeping you moving from one page to the next. As hard as it is, I'm glad we have soldiers willing to relive and tell their story.
February 4, 2021
Compiled from hundreds of hours of interviews from the ODA team that infiltrated Southern Afganistan to launch a guerrilla uprising against the Taliban held areas around Kandahar. Using only a couple of Soviet Era reports with a guerrilla leader, who couldn't amass 300 men, the Green Berets started an uprising whilst fighting against the higher ups ideas for a bombing campaign (which famously went well for the USSR) and a ground invasion (which has been called the USSRs Vietnam).
Training and leading groups thay started off stealing their arms and going back to the village and coining the phrase "As fucked up as an Afgan Convoy" the ODA team managed to successfully lead them in assaults whilst calling in air support.
Training and leading groups thay started off stealing their arms and going back to the village and coining the phrase "As fucked up as an Afgan Convoy" the ODA team managed to successfully lead them in assaults whilst calling in air support.
December 15, 2017
Great book. Great writing. Great story. It helps me understand the recent history in Central Asia & Middle East. I grew up reading Newsweek stories about how children of Afghanistan not only didn't have school to go to, they spent their days haunting cemeteries to find bones of dead people to sell to Pakistan for the making of bone china. So my perspective might be slightly biased here--I was in total support of the Afghanistan war. I totally appreciate what the Green Berets were doing there.
The book also shows the true color of our dear Secretary of Defense--the bastard left those soldiers there to die!
The book also shows the true color of our dear Secretary of Defense--the bastard left those soldiers there to die!
February 1, 2023
3.5
This entry by Eric Blehm lacks the personal backstory that made Fearless so amazing, but as it stands this a competent slice of life story about green berets on a front line campaign.
The Afgan leaders featured in this story are colorful and charismatic. But on the American side we get a first hand look and the frustrating and sometime boring politics that comes from multiple government groups with competing interests involved in a war effort.
The final quarter of the book picks up the tempo and is heartwarming and totally tragic all at once
But overall I would only recommend this to those for whom detailed military politics/soldier life would be of interest.
This entry by Eric Blehm lacks the personal backstory that made Fearless so amazing, but as it stands this a competent slice of life story about green berets on a front line campaign.
The Afgan leaders featured in this story are colorful and charismatic. But on the American side we get a first hand look and the frustrating and sometime boring politics that comes from multiple government groups with competing interests involved in a war effort.
The final quarter of the book picks up the tempo and is heartwarming and totally tragic all at once
But overall I would only recommend this to those for whom detailed military politics/soldier life would be of interest.
April 17, 2024
This was an intriguing story and even though the reader knows going in to it that something horrific is going to happen, I wasn't prepared for just what it was. (I feel like you can't really give spoilers on a non-fiction book, but I'm not going to do it anyway.) That made what happened even more heartbreaking for me, and I found myself choking back tears more than once.
The story of ODA 574 is well told by the author. No grandstanding, no trying to make things look better or worse than they were, just an honest portrayal of the events that took place. I did get a little confused at times, because there were so many people involved that it was hard to keep track of who was who.
The story of ODA 574 is well told by the author. No grandstanding, no trying to make things look better or worse than they were, just an honest portrayal of the events that took place. I did get a little confused at times, because there were so many people involved that it was hard to keep track of who was who.
September 4, 2017
I'm not sure it's right to say I enjoyed this book, although I did like the storytelling writing style of the author. The subject matter was difficult to get through at times, particularly the end, but that doesn't mean it's not important for us to better understand what these heroes did--for us and for Afghanistan.
One caveat: this book is about Green Berets at war, and Mr. Blehm allowed the to act and speak as Green Berets within his story. While he did an excellent job keeping the book relatively clean, he did include some cussing in the dialogue and some description of the wounded.
One caveat: this book is about Green Berets at war, and Mr. Blehm allowed the to act and speak as Green Berets within his story. While he did an excellent job keeping the book relatively clean, he did include some cussing in the dialogue and some description of the wounded.
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