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Where Youth and Laughter Go: With "The Cutting Edge" in Afghanistan
Where Youth and Laughter Go completes LtCol Seth Folsom’s recounting of his personal experiences in command over a decade of war. It is the culminating chapter of a trilogy that began with The Highway A Marine Company Commander in Iraq in 2006 and continued with In the Gray A Marine Advisor Team at War in 2010. The chronicle of Folsom’s command of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, “The Cutting Edge,” and his harrowing deployment to Afghanistan’s volatile Sangin District presents a deeper look into the complexities and perils of modern counterinsurgency operations in America’s longest war. Charged with the daunting task of pacifying a region with a long history of violence and instability, Folsom and his Marines struggled daily to wage a dynamic campaign against the shadowy enemy force that held Sangin’s population firmly in its grip. With peace and stability always teetering on the brink of collapse, the Marines of “The Cutting Edge” confronted their own mortality as they conducted endless patrols through Sangin’s minefields while fighting to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan villagers. No other books have been published from the perspective of a Marine infantry battalion commander in Afghanistan. It was Folsom’s job, as the unit commander, to lead his Marines under impossible circumstances. LtCol Folsom made the unusual decision to patrol with his rifle squads every day through Sangin, where his Marines dodged improvised explosive devices and sniper fire from an invisible enemy. As his tour progressed and casualties mounted, he found his objectivity evaporating and the love for his men growing. Where Youth and Laughter Go is more than a blood-and-guts war story, it is a jarring, “boots on the ground”–level examination of the myriad challenges and personal dilemmas that today’s young service members face as the United States approaches its final endgame in Afghanistan.
- GenresMilitary History
522 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2015
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88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 13, 2017
Riveting. Emotional. Just--wow! Hard to put down, hard to consume.
December 24, 2016
The IED war in Afghanistan
Lt Col Seth Folsom received a call in his small cubical in the bowels of the Pentagon informing him he has been selected to command the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, The Cutting Edge. Seven months later he assumes command of the battalion, and Where Youth and Laughter Go is his memory the 3/7’s preparation and seven-month deployment to the Sangin District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
This will be The Cutting Edge’s second deployment to Sangin, but most of the officers and NCOs are new and much has changed since their last deployment. Their mission, like that of their predecessor the 1/5, which they will relieve in place, will not only be to engage Taliban fighters attempting to regain control and impose their version of Shariah law, but also to stabilize the district by training local law agencies by introducing the people to democracy prior to 2012 elections. Folsom soon learns that shuras (councils), meetings, with Afghan government and military agencies: ANA, ANCOP, ANSF, and the AUP; not only took up his time, but were often futile – No plan survives first contact with the enemy or the ANSF. [A glossary is included to familiarize the reader with terms used by the author]
More than a memoir, Colonel Folsom’s account of the 3/7th mission is the heart-wrenching story of The Cutting Edge’s valiant struggle follow our government’s naïve strategy to introduce democracy to a people who have no concept of it, and no real desire to make the changes necessary to implement it. In recalling his thoughts about Iraq, Colonel Folsom writes, They have to want this more than we do if this is ever going to work. He realizes this is also true of Afghanistan.
While Folsom’s recollections of Sangin are not intended to be a critique of the U.S.’s Afghanistan counterinsurgency strategy, as the story unfolds, reasons for the strategy’s failure become apparent. Afghanistan is a country of tribes with an ideology and values incompatible with Western concepts. A country where corruption is endemic and democracy is a foreign concept that is incompatible with Islamic ideology. The author comments more than once that Afghans have long memories for the past, but can only see two weeks into the future.
A book about courage, determination and dedication, Where Youth and Laughter Go is the story of young American men and a few women who followed orders and gave their all; while attempting to save a people that could not understand our concept of Democracy, and the responsibilities demanded by it. Men and women in uniform sent into Allah’s hell by our nation’s leaders, who had no understanding of the mindset of the Middle East’s values, ideology, and inherent corruption, and no little or no military experience; under rules of engagement (ROE) that contributed to needless deaths and amputations.
Engaged in a cat and mouse game with the Taliban, whose weapons of choice were improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mines and bobby traps that caused severe damage to the human body, exhausted Marines were sent on daily patrols to find the enemy and identify IEDs for the explosive ordnance unit to disarm or blow in place. IEDs are planted at night, and the Rules of engagement (ROEs) are so restrictive that in most cases Marines are forced to watch as Taliban fighters actually plant them. Some IEDs are missed, resulting in the amputation of a leg (an amp) or legs (a double amp), or both legs and an arm (a triple amp), and sometimes death.
While I highly recommend Where Youth and Laughter Go, I’m forced to say it was not an easy read for me personally. I often had to stop simply to grind my teeth and cool off, as I struggled to conceive of the stupidity of the senior leadership, who sent, and still sends, these fine Marines, sailors and support personnel into this nightmarish environment with their hands tied.
Lt Col Seth Folsom received a call in his small cubical in the bowels of the Pentagon informing him he has been selected to command the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, The Cutting Edge. Seven months later he assumes command of the battalion, and Where Youth and Laughter Go is his memory the 3/7’s preparation and seven-month deployment to the Sangin District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
This will be The Cutting Edge’s second deployment to Sangin, but most of the officers and NCOs are new and much has changed since their last deployment. Their mission, like that of their predecessor the 1/5, which they will relieve in place, will not only be to engage Taliban fighters attempting to regain control and impose their version of Shariah law, but also to stabilize the district by training local law agencies by introducing the people to democracy prior to 2012 elections. Folsom soon learns that shuras (councils), meetings, with Afghan government and military agencies: ANA, ANCOP, ANSF, and the AUP; not only took up his time, but were often futile – No plan survives first contact with the enemy or the ANSF. [A glossary is included to familiarize the reader with terms used by the author]
More than a memoir, Colonel Folsom’s account of the 3/7th mission is the heart-wrenching story of The Cutting Edge’s valiant struggle follow our government’s naïve strategy to introduce democracy to a people who have no concept of it, and no real desire to make the changes necessary to implement it. In recalling his thoughts about Iraq, Colonel Folsom writes, They have to want this more than we do if this is ever going to work. He realizes this is also true of Afghanistan.
While Folsom’s recollections of Sangin are not intended to be a critique of the U.S.’s Afghanistan counterinsurgency strategy, as the story unfolds, reasons for the strategy’s failure become apparent. Afghanistan is a country of tribes with an ideology and values incompatible with Western concepts. A country where corruption is endemic and democracy is a foreign concept that is incompatible with Islamic ideology. The author comments more than once that Afghans have long memories for the past, but can only see two weeks into the future.
A book about courage, determination and dedication, Where Youth and Laughter Go is the story of young American men and a few women who followed orders and gave their all; while attempting to save a people that could not understand our concept of Democracy, and the responsibilities demanded by it. Men and women in uniform sent into Allah’s hell by our nation’s leaders, who had no understanding of the mindset of the Middle East’s values, ideology, and inherent corruption, and no little or no military experience; under rules of engagement (ROE) that contributed to needless deaths and amputations.
Engaged in a cat and mouse game with the Taliban, whose weapons of choice were improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mines and bobby traps that caused severe damage to the human body, exhausted Marines were sent on daily patrols to find the enemy and identify IEDs for the explosive ordnance unit to disarm or blow in place. IEDs are planted at night, and the Rules of engagement (ROEs) are so restrictive that in most cases Marines are forced to watch as Taliban fighters actually plant them. Some IEDs are missed, resulting in the amputation of a leg (an amp) or legs (a double amp), or both legs and an arm (a triple amp), and sometimes death.
While I highly recommend Where Youth and Laughter Go, I’m forced to say it was not an easy read for me personally. I often had to stop simply to grind my teeth and cool off, as I struggled to conceive of the stupidity of the senior leadership, who sent, and still sends, these fine Marines, sailors and support personnel into this nightmarish environment with their hands tied.
March 1, 2016
I think Ltcol. Seth Folsom's book, Where Youth and Laughter Go: "The Cutting Edge" in Afghanistan,is a decent look at an officer leading his platoon of soldier's through some really tough battles, IED's and almost daily ambush attacks by the Taliban and other terrorist groups in the region. The book is full of day to day activities, brutal combat scenes and it does a pretty believable job of the troops lives while deployed.
"Laughter"is a fairly good read but by the end of the book I started to get tired of hearing how great and how the author way and how his way is the best way. Folsom (author) came off, very very self assured and had he stayed with the day to day descriptions I think I would have enjoyed it more but make no mistake this was a good read.I've read a lot of books about the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, close to 500, most written as memoirs by the soldiers themselves or biographies penned by writers who have been embedded with different units from the Marines or Army...and although I wouldn't call "laughter" bad, I can say that there are many other books that are far superior than Ltcol Folsom's effort.
I must confess that of the 400+ books I've read that were written by the soldier him/herself, there is a zero chance that I could give said book a horrible review. I appreciate and look up to our military men and women like no other group of people in this world. I can't put into words just how much I respect and honor our military for their dedication to keeping the 99% of us Americans safe and secure and living our lives in freedom. So thank you for the book Ltcol Folsom and thank you for your service to this nation.
And these men and women are all VOLUNTEERS!
"Laughter"is a fairly good read but by the end of the book I started to get tired of hearing how great and how the author way and how his way is the best way. Folsom (author) came off, very very self assured and had he stayed with the day to day descriptions I think I would have enjoyed it more but make no mistake this was a good read.I've read a lot of books about the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, close to 500, most written as memoirs by the soldiers themselves or biographies penned by writers who have been embedded with different units from the Marines or Army...and although I wouldn't call "laughter" bad, I can say that there are many other books that are far superior than Ltcol Folsom's effort.
I must confess that of the 400+ books I've read that were written by the soldier him/herself, there is a zero chance that I could give said book a horrible review. I appreciate and look up to our military men and women like no other group of people in this world. I can't put into words just how much I respect and honor our military for their dedication to keeping the 99% of us Americans safe and secure and living our lives in freedom. So thank you for the book Ltcol Folsom and thank you for your service to this nation.
And these men and women are all VOLUNTEERS!
June 28, 2016
Well written and honest, this is one of the better combat memoirs I have read. I am not a combat vet, but I am a vet, and served twenty years with the Navy, including a tour with Marines. LtCol Folsom is not perfect, but his ability to make decisions, evaluate those decisions, and then use that feedback to improve the situation is impressive. Most notable from the book is his care and love for his Marines, which is something that any unit leader must possess to be successful. There is a lot of great leadership material here, both in examples of what to do, and in examples of how to deal with things going wrong.
Book itself is well written, with an educated yet personable style. It moves well, relays pertinent historic information, but also contains plenty of raw emotion. If you ever read a combat memoir WITHOUT raw emotion, someone's lying...
Was a bit concerned about how the LtCol relayed his feelings about seeking help for his sleepless nights following the combat deployment. Not because I think he needed professional help; he is a combat Marine and a very reflective man that can do what is in his best interests. My concern is that many younger Marines, officers and enlisted, will read this book, and could misinterpret his reasons and avoid help or avoid seeking help for their Marines, and that would be a tragedy.
I don't know LtCol Folsom, but wish I had, because he seems to be a fine Marine officer, in the true traditions of the Corps. Any fans of combat autobiographies or memoirs will enjoy this book.
Book itself is well written, with an educated yet personable style. It moves well, relays pertinent historic information, but also contains plenty of raw emotion. If you ever read a combat memoir WITHOUT raw emotion, someone's lying...
Was a bit concerned about how the LtCol relayed his feelings about seeking help for his sleepless nights following the combat deployment. Not because I think he needed professional help; he is a combat Marine and a very reflective man that can do what is in his best interests. My concern is that many younger Marines, officers and enlisted, will read this book, and could misinterpret his reasons and avoid help or avoid seeking help for their Marines, and that would be a tragedy.
I don't know LtCol Folsom, but wish I had, because he seems to be a fine Marine officer, in the true traditions of the Corps. Any fans of combat autobiographies or memoirs will enjoy this book.
October 12, 2015
A Sobering Read of What Our Sons & Daughters War.
To be transparent about it, I read this book because my son is in it (OpsO) and I wanted to understand better what he experienced. He does not talk about it nor any of his other deployments (6 in 9 years). Or his two bronze stars (one for each of his two deployments to Afghanistan. He was a Company Commander with the 3/7 on their deployment prior to the one in this book.
After reading this book, I am eternally grateful to God that that Patrick came home with all of his limbs and the apparent ability to positively coup with whatever emotional wounds he carries from his experiences in that hell hole. I only wish the many Marines who served with him, who died or were severely wounded, had been as fortunate.
If you're not sure what your sons and daughters have sacrificed on our behalf, this book will give you a better understanding.
God bless them all and their families.
Robert McKinley
To be transparent about it, I read this book because my son is in it (OpsO) and I wanted to understand better what he experienced. He does not talk about it nor any of his other deployments (6 in 9 years). Or his two bronze stars (one for each of his two deployments to Afghanistan. He was a Company Commander with the 3/7 on their deployment prior to the one in this book.
After reading this book, I am eternally grateful to God that that Patrick came home with all of his limbs and the apparent ability to positively coup with whatever emotional wounds he carries from his experiences in that hell hole. I only wish the many Marines who served with him, who died or were severely wounded, had been as fortunate.
If you're not sure what your sons and daughters have sacrificed on our behalf, this book will give you a better understanding.
God bless them all and their families.
Robert McKinley
November 26, 2015
Amazing!!
I don't even know where to begin, while serving in a USMC rifle platoon u often wonder what goes on at the top, Col. Folsom lets u in on his thoughts, not afraid to spill his weaknesses nor is he afraid to show his love for the Marine rifleman in some cases. Not a chest thumping "look at me" account of his time in Sangin..... Bravo to you sir, thank u for walking the walk, and putting your ass on the line. This former USMC Cpl would feel privileged to serve under you....
I don't even know where to begin, while serving in a USMC rifle platoon u often wonder what goes on at the top, Col. Folsom lets u in on his thoughts, not afraid to spill his weaknesses nor is he afraid to show his love for the Marine rifleman in some cases. Not a chest thumping "look at me" account of his time in Sangin..... Bravo to you sir, thank u for walking the walk, and putting your ass on the line. This former USMC Cpl would feel privileged to serve under you....
January 31, 2017
Way out of my comfort zone, but since it related to my life I wanted to see what it would be like. Has a lot of detail, and takes time to understand, but shows how being in the war and being apart of a military family can be.
March 13, 2017
Great Insight
This book brought great insight to the day to day life of a Marine Battalion in Afghanistan. It reminded me of the reading I did on the Vietnam War.
This book brought great insight to the day to day life of a Marine Battalion in Afghanistan. It reminded me of the reading I did on the Vietnam War.
Read
March 25, 2018MWSA Review
The IED war in Afghanistan
Lt Col Seth Folsom received a call in his small cubicle in the bowels of the Pentagon, informing him he had been selected to command the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, The Cutting Edge. Seven months later he assumed command of the battalion, and Where Youth and Laughter Go is his memory the 3/7’s preparation and seven-month deployment to the Sangin District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
This was The Cutting Edge’s second deployment to Sangin, but most of the officers and NCOs were new and much had changed since their last deployment. Their mission, like that of their predecessor the 1/5, which they relieved in place, was not only to engage Taliban fighters attempting to regain control and impose their version of Shariah law, but also to stabilize the district by training local law agencies by introducing the people to democracy prior to 2012 elections. Folsom soon learned that , shuras/meetings, with Afghan government and military agencies, ANA, ANCOP, ANSF, and the AUP, not only took up his time, but were often futile – No plan survives first contact with the enemy or the ANSF. [A glossary is included to familiarize the reader with terms used by the author]
More than a memoir, Colonel Folsom’s account of the 3/7’s mission is the heart-wrenching story of The Cutting Edge’s valiant struggle to follow our government’s strategy to introduce democracy to a people who have no concept of it and no real desire to make the changes necessary to implement it. In recalling his thoughts about Iraq, Colonel Folsom wrote, “They have to want this more than we do if this is ever going to work.” He realized this is also true of Afghanistan.
While Folsom’s recollections of Sangin are not intended to be a critique of the U.S.’s Afghanistan counterinsurgency strategy, as the story unfolds, reasons for the strategy’s failure become apparent. Afghanistan is a country of tribes with an ideology and values incompatible with Western concepts, a country where corruption is endemic and democracy is a foreign concept that is incompatible with Islamic ideology. The author comments more than once that Afghans have long memories for the past, but can only see two weeks into the future.
A book about courage, determination and dedication, Where Youth and Laughter Go is the story of young American men and a few women who followed orders and gave their all while attempting to save a people that could not understand our concept of democracy, and the responsibilities demanded by it.
MWSA Reviewer: Lee Boyland
The IED war in Afghanistan
Lt Col Seth Folsom received a call in his small cubicle in the bowels of the Pentagon, informing him he had been selected to command the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, The Cutting Edge. Seven months later he assumed command of the battalion, and Where Youth and Laughter Go is his memory the 3/7’s preparation and seven-month deployment to the Sangin District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
This was The Cutting Edge’s second deployment to Sangin, but most of the officers and NCOs were new and much had changed since their last deployment. Their mission, like that of their predecessor the 1/5, which they relieved in place, was not only to engage Taliban fighters attempting to regain control and impose their version of Shariah law, but also to stabilize the district by training local law agencies by introducing the people to democracy prior to 2012 elections. Folsom soon learned that , shuras/meetings, with Afghan government and military agencies, ANA, ANCOP, ANSF, and the AUP, not only took up his time, but were often futile – No plan survives first contact with the enemy or the ANSF. [A glossary is included to familiarize the reader with terms used by the author]
More than a memoir, Colonel Folsom’s account of the 3/7’s mission is the heart-wrenching story of The Cutting Edge’s valiant struggle to follow our government’s strategy to introduce democracy to a people who have no concept of it and no real desire to make the changes necessary to implement it. In recalling his thoughts about Iraq, Colonel Folsom wrote, “They have to want this more than we do if this is ever going to work.” He realized this is also true of Afghanistan.
While Folsom’s recollections of Sangin are not intended to be a critique of the U.S.’s Afghanistan counterinsurgency strategy, as the story unfolds, reasons for the strategy’s failure become apparent. Afghanistan is a country of tribes with an ideology and values incompatible with Western concepts, a country where corruption is endemic and democracy is a foreign concept that is incompatible with Islamic ideology. The author comments more than once that Afghans have long memories for the past, but can only see two weeks into the future.
A book about courage, determination and dedication, Where Youth and Laughter Go is the story of young American men and a few women who followed orders and gave their all while attempting to save a people that could not understand our concept of democracy, and the responsibilities demanded by it.
MWSA Reviewer: Lee Boyland
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews