Failing to Adapt, then Adapting

Introduction

Operation Anaconda was a historical military operation that took place in March of 2002 during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for Operation Anaconda was for the American soldiers and the Afghanistan soldiers to close off escape routes for the Taliban fighters that had survived earlier battles. The operation took place in Shahi-Kot Valley in the mountain terrain under very difficult condition with American soldiers and their Afghanistan allies. The initial plan was a lite three day battle but quickly turned into a seven day battle of intense combat. During day one of the movement, they began taking heavy fire from al-Qaeda and the Taliban from the surrounding hills and mountains. Close air assistance was needed immediately, but it took a few days for the plans to get reinforced and air support up and fully ready. Yes, the battle ended as a victory but at what cost of the many American lives. There were eight that died, and 80 that were wounded. We will talk about how competence, disciplined initiative, and commander’s intent played a big role in the final success of Operation Anaconda.

Competence

Ultimately, Operation Anaconda was successful due to the bravery and heroism of the soldiers on the ground and the airpower from above. The plan was to trap al Qaeda fighters regrouping in the mountains after early events during the war in Afghanistan. The enemies did not surrender, instead they moved to the east of Tora Bora to regather. The Afgan troops working alongside the American troops belong to Commander Zia Lodin. The soldiers had their clear understanding and battle plan that had been approved. They felt confident in the information that had been given to them from the intelligence team, and they were ready to complete the mission. When the operation began and Zia’s men ran into trouble, they abandoned the mission and retreated back to Gardez. The American troops then had to fill in that gap, but did it without thinking twice because the mission had to go on. That is why competence played such a major role in this mission. The soldiers were able to adjust fire, adjust to the mission, be flexible and drive on.