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Mayhem 337: Memoir of a Combat Advisor in Afghanistan
By 2008 Chad Rickard was a decorated multi-tour Iraq War veteran with hundreds of combat missions under his belt. He was a seasoned infantryman and senior Army NCO with a burning desire to deploy to Afghanistan and join the fight against Taliban and Al Qaeda forces bent on keeping American influence out of the Middle East. Like many Americans Chad felt personally stricken by the attacks on 9/11 and he yearned to take part in his Nation's retaliation for the atrocities planned within the sanctity of Afghanistan's borders. When the opportunity arose to deploy as a Combat Advisor to an Afghan Infantry Battalion he seized the opportunity and headed to Fort Riley, Kansas to attend U.S. Army Combat Advisor School. After months of intensive training in Afghan customs, culture and language in addition to tactical training on the direction of close air support and artillery Rickard was dropped into a hotbed of action in Afghanistan's Khost Province. In Khost, former home to one of Osama Bin Laden's largest terror training camps, Rickard's team went toe to toe with Haqqani Taliban on numerous occasions, often leaving a staggering body count in their wake.
In Mayhem 337, Rickard powerfully recounts his experiences during a nine month period of intense combat deep in the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan. His graphic account guides you through intense combat from the streets of Khost City, to deadly mountain warfare while based at an austere combat outpost. He vividly describes the sights and sounds of battle as well as the heartbreaking aftermath of fallen comrades. From IED laden roads to air assault missions and hostage standoffs, Rickard's story leaves nothing to the imagination. His riveting memoir brings recognition and honor to the Embedded Transition Team legacy that is but a footnote in U.S. military history.
In Mayhem 337, Rickard powerfully recounts his experiences during a nine month period of intense combat deep in the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan. His graphic account guides you through intense combat from the streets of Khost City, to deadly mountain warfare while based at an austere combat outpost. He vividly describes the sights and sounds of battle as well as the heartbreaking aftermath of fallen comrades. From IED laden roads to air assault missions and hostage standoffs, Rickard's story leaves nothing to the imagination. His riveting memoir brings recognition and honor to the Embedded Transition Team legacy that is but a footnote in U.S. military history.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2019
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63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 22, 2022
Heart-wrenching must read memoir from America's Longest War
Chad Rickard was an infantryman who returned to the Army after 9-11 expressly to ply his skills against the Taliban and foreign terrorists of Afghanistan. Instead, he deployed to Iraq. His Afghan War opportunity came several years later when, as a seasoned combat Veteran of a very different conflict in Iraq, Rickard, now a senior NCO, got off a helicopter in Eastern Afghanistan to serve as combat advisor and trainer for an Afghan Army unit at the furthest end of the supply chain, occupying exposed firebases within shooting distance of the Taliban sanctuary areas in "neutral" Pakistan. It was a harrowing tour. And this warts-and-all memoir is not for the faint of heart. Rickard, a burly giant (his M4 looks like a hand-gun in the accompanying photographs) was not just a passive trainer-coach guiding Afghan Army soldiers but a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground warrior accompanying his charges into battle, calling in airstrikes on their behalf and exposing himself to hostile fire while firing a Mk 19 grenade launcher into massed Taliban attack formations. Along the way, Rickard loses close friends, Afghan allies, his marriage and a little of his soul as he struggled with post-survivor guilt and other PTSD issues. In fact, this memoir is an important contribution to the PTSD discussion as Rickard not only comes to grips with his own emotions and need for the adrenaline rush of war, but also exposes the ego-issues created by the Messianic self-importance of his role in leading green troops and saving lives. Eastern Afghanistan was a complicated battlespace. I am somewhat familiar with this part of Afghanistan as my son spent some time near Rickard's location while I spent time on the other side, in Pakistan, so I grasped the unique challenges Rickard and his men faced from the machinations of the Pakistan Border Troops and Pakistan Intelligence Service (ISI). For many reader, this important aspect of the war will be new.
All in all, I can think of no better memoir. Of all the myriad of "War on Terror" books I have read, this one stands out. Rickard is a great writer, an honest memoirist, and has written a giant of a book that should be required reading for all those who never "got" what Afghanistan was all about. Wish it were made into a movie. Ah, but the honesty and the heart-wrenching aspects of this memoir will bother some people. This is, in fact, a violent book about a violent corner of the world. But it was a place where America shined bright in a war to free an oppressed people. Too bad the politicians never got it. Rickard certainly did.
Highly, highly recommended.
Chad Rickard was an infantryman who returned to the Army after 9-11 expressly to ply his skills against the Taliban and foreign terrorists of Afghanistan. Instead, he deployed to Iraq. His Afghan War opportunity came several years later when, as a seasoned combat Veteran of a very different conflict in Iraq, Rickard, now a senior NCO, got off a helicopter in Eastern Afghanistan to serve as combat advisor and trainer for an Afghan Army unit at the furthest end of the supply chain, occupying exposed firebases within shooting distance of the Taliban sanctuary areas in "neutral" Pakistan. It was a harrowing tour. And this warts-and-all memoir is not for the faint of heart. Rickard, a burly giant (his M4 looks like a hand-gun in the accompanying photographs) was not just a passive trainer-coach guiding Afghan Army soldiers but a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground warrior accompanying his charges into battle, calling in airstrikes on their behalf and exposing himself to hostile fire while firing a Mk 19 grenade launcher into massed Taliban attack formations. Along the way, Rickard loses close friends, Afghan allies, his marriage and a little of his soul as he struggled with post-survivor guilt and other PTSD issues. In fact, this memoir is an important contribution to the PTSD discussion as Rickard not only comes to grips with his own emotions and need for the adrenaline rush of war, but also exposes the ego-issues created by the Messianic self-importance of his role in leading green troops and saving lives. Eastern Afghanistan was a complicated battlespace. I am somewhat familiar with this part of Afghanistan as my son spent some time near Rickard's location while I spent time on the other side, in Pakistan, so I grasped the unique challenges Rickard and his men faced from the machinations of the Pakistan Border Troops and Pakistan Intelligence Service (ISI). For many reader, this important aspect of the war will be new.
All in all, I can think of no better memoir. Of all the myriad of "War on Terror" books I have read, this one stands out. Rickard is a great writer, an honest memoirist, and has written a giant of a book that should be required reading for all those who never "got" what Afghanistan was all about. Wish it were made into a movie. Ah, but the honesty and the heart-wrenching aspects of this memoir will bother some people. This is, in fact, a violent book about a violent corner of the world. But it was a place where America shined bright in a war to free an oppressed people. Too bad the politicians never got it. Rickard certainly did.
Highly, highly recommended.
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June 8, 2020MWSA Review
Mayhem 337 is the autobiography of a U.S. Army staff sergeant (retiring as a sergeant major) who presents a near diary of his nine-month experience on a deployment to Afghanistan. To say the narrative rings true is to damn it with faint praise.
“I’d like to say every mission is flawless and dumb shit never happens, but that would be a lie.” That’s the kind of raw admission that makes this work sing. There are many others.
The work isn’t so crammed with jargon or acronyms that a non-military audience would be left gasping for understanding, but it includes enough realistic description and dialogue to keep a military veteran turning the pages. But even in this hot war zone, there was downtime and reflection. “We sat by the fire, sharing the camaraderie of life in a combat zone. We sat there in various levels of camouflage pants and T-shirts with rifles and pistols draped over our bodies. I could not think of a place on Earth I would rather have been."
This story is uncompromising, full of authenticity and detail and the smell of mortar fire and even death. I recommend it strongly to military and civilian readers alike, and for the same basic reason: This is how we war.
Review by Daniel Charles Ross (February 2020)
Mayhem 337 is the autobiography of a U.S. Army staff sergeant (retiring as a sergeant major) who presents a near diary of his nine-month experience on a deployment to Afghanistan. To say the narrative rings true is to damn it with faint praise.
“I’d like to say every mission is flawless and dumb shit never happens, but that would be a lie.” That’s the kind of raw admission that makes this work sing. There are many others.
The work isn’t so crammed with jargon or acronyms that a non-military audience would be left gasping for understanding, but it includes enough realistic description and dialogue to keep a military veteran turning the pages. But even in this hot war zone, there was downtime and reflection. “We sat by the fire, sharing the camaraderie of life in a combat zone. We sat there in various levels of camouflage pants and T-shirts with rifles and pistols draped over our bodies. I could not think of a place on Earth I would rather have been."
This story is uncompromising, full of authenticity and detail and the smell of mortar fire and even death. I recommend it strongly to military and civilian readers alike, and for the same basic reason: This is how we war.
Review by Daniel Charles Ross (February 2020)
August 25, 2020
Excellent Book !
One of the best military books I've ever read. I felt as if I was beside the author throughout the entire book. Lots of action from start to finish. The author did an excellent job of putting you on the battlefield. His descriptios put you there beside him every moment. I've read hundreds of non-fiction military books_. This one rates near the very top with his vivid descriptios & easy reading style. I would like to thank Chad Rickard for his service & making a difference in his numerous battles.. & sharing his experiences with this excellent book . I would also like to wish him well with his family & his future.
One of the best military books I've ever read. I felt as if I was beside the author throughout the entire book. Lots of action from start to finish. The author did an excellent job of putting you on the battlefield. His descriptios put you there beside him every moment. I've read hundreds of non-fiction military books_. This one rates near the very top with his vivid descriptios & easy reading style. I would like to thank Chad Rickard for his service & making a difference in his numerous battles.. & sharing his experiences with this excellent book . I would also like to wish him well with his family & his future.
June 13, 2020
Couldn't put it down
This had me glued from the beginning. All the detail in the stories and all the personalization had me reading to the early hours of the morning as I wanted to know what happened next. Known that these things happened in real life made me appreciate it more. Thank you.
This had me glued from the beginning. All the detail in the stories and all the personalization had me reading to the early hours of the morning as I wanted to know what happened next. Known that these things happened in real life made me appreciate it more. Thank you.
May 5, 2021
Engaging reading, well worth the time.
Very interesting reading through the book. Thoughtful insights to being in and leading combat troops in war. Returning home is an on going struggle and the author expresses clearly the need to seek help, screw the stigma thought to follow the vets who have experienced war, death and suffering of brothers in arms.
Very interesting reading through the book. Thoughtful insights to being in and leading combat troops in war. Returning home is an on going struggle and the author expresses clearly the need to seek help, screw the stigma thought to follow the vets who have experienced war, death and suffering of brothers in arms.
August 3, 2021
A view of the warfare in Afghanistan from someone who tells it like it is
What an incredible read Mayhem 337Take shoe through the nitty gritty of daily life of a combat adviser . You are with the author and he talks about missions and about losing people in about losing so much with his son. He talks very bluntly about His PTSD and struggles.
What an incredible read Mayhem 337Take shoe through the nitty gritty of daily life of a combat adviser . You are with the author and he talks about missions and about losing people in about losing so much with his son. He talks very bluntly about His PTSD and struggles.
March 23, 2021
Realistic description of mountain combat
This is a great book about combat deployment in a modern war. The author’s description of strategy ,tactics, and leader ship would make this a good syllabus read for any leadership class.
This is a great book about combat deployment in a modern war. The author’s description of strategy ,tactics, and leader ship would make this a good syllabus read for any leadership class.
June 15, 2021
This an excellent look into the daily life of a military advisor. The author does a great job of putting you in country and seeing how things are. There is some military jargon that took some time to figure out but it's worth working it out. This was a great read and I throughly enjoyed it.
December 29, 2021
For me this is one of the best memoirs about the War in Afghanistan.
The terrain, the mission, the way that War was fought and above all the toll it took on those who fought it.
Definitely a must read.
The terrain, the mission, the way that War was fought and above all the toll it took on those who fought it.
Definitely a must read.
November 13, 2020
The big guy makes it
Great stuff. Well thought out, good detail. Not a lot of childhood memories, brothers, sisters, boot camp. Mom loves me dad— well let’s not go there.
Great stuff. Well thought out, good detail. Not a lot of childhood memories, brothers, sisters, boot camp. Mom loves me dad— well let’s not go there.
March 19, 2021
Amazing book
The book is well written. The author transport you to the battlefield with every page. I would definitely read another book similar to this story.
The book is well written. The author transport you to the battlefield with every page. I would definitely read another book similar to this story.
April 15, 2021
Powerful
I thoroughly enjoyed this first-hand account of an American soldier, both in Afghanistan and at home. Thank you Sargent Major Rickard.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first-hand account of an American soldier, both in Afghanistan and at home. Thank you Sargent Major Rickard.
November 24, 2021
Good memoir
I liked this book
Was a good read
A soldiers memior of what a soldier goes through in Afghanistan
Plenty of interest of goes on over there.
I liked this book
Was a good read
A soldiers memior of what a soldier goes through in Afghanistan
Plenty of interest of goes on over there.
April 27, 2022
Great read
Different view. Excellent and easy to read. Offers alot of good information about effects of battle and recovery. Amazing book
Different view. Excellent and easy to read. Offers alot of good information about effects of battle and recovery. Amazing book
February 4, 2023
Well written and easy to follow
Memoir is filled with all the hazards of war, horrors, successes and the sacrifices our soldiers endure for America. This book is an excellent read!
Memoir is filled with all the hazards of war, horrors, successes and the sacrifices our soldiers endure for America. This book is an excellent read!
December 21, 2019
Amazing story of courage and bravery
We at home don’t really know what goes on in combat overseas. You hear things on the news but don’t get the whole story. This book puts you in the action and makes you feel like you are there. Gives you insight to what our troops truly go through. All I can say is Thank you all for your service and true dedication. You truly are heroes. Great read Chad thank you for sharing your experience.
We at home don’t really know what goes on in combat overseas. You hear things on the news but don’t get the whole story. This book puts you in the action and makes you feel like you are there. Gives you insight to what our troops truly go through. All I can say is Thank you all for your service and true dedication. You truly are heroes. Great read Chad thank you for sharing your experience.
January 14, 2020
Adrenalin Junkie
As a retired critical care nurse,I found this story intriguing and well written.I choose the book accidentally but was hooked by the first paragraph.Great read and glad it worked out well for the author.
As a retired critical care nurse,I found this story intriguing and well written.I choose the book accidentally but was hooked by the first paragraph.Great read and glad it worked out well for the author.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews